Christian Bodybuilder Expands on How Fitness Honors God: ‘Your Body is a Temple’
Recently, Hunter Sprague, a Christian bodybuilder and father of three in Texas, has gained attention for his unique perspective on how physical fitness can be integrated with faith. Sprague has created Monolith Movement, a coaching and mentorship platform that helps men balance their spiritual lives with physical health. This initiative reflects his belief that physical health is a form of spiritual stewardship, drawing on the Biblical teaching from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, which states, ‘Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.’ This passage underscores the sacredness of the human body, emphasizing that it should be honored and cared for as a gift from God.
Sprague addresses the potential tension between focusing on fitness and maintaining a commitment to faith. Some religious perspectives caution against the excessive focus on physical improvement, warning that it could lead to ‘idol worship,’ where the pursuit of fitness surpasses devotion to God. However, Sprague argues that this is not the case. He emphasizes that physical health is a crucial aspect of honoring God, as it reflects the importance of the material world and the body that God has created. Through his work, he encourages others to recognize the value of their physical being while maintaining a deeper spiritual connection.
As part of his approach, Sprague discusses the role of exercise in spiritual growth. He acknowledges that some religious beliefs, such as Gnosticism, view the physical body as insignificant, emphasizing the importance of the spirit over the material. However, Sprague believes that the physical form is a vital part of who we are designed to be. He notes that the natural created order includes the body, and that the Lord has given us the ability to take care of it through fitness and exercise. This perspective allows him to address the debate about whether pursuing physical improvement could conflict with Christian principles. Instead, he sees fitness as a means of embracing the control—’agency’—that the Lord has given us over our bodies.
In addition to his coaching work, Sprague maintains a personal fitness routine that includes a mix of strength training and cardiovascular exercise. He believes that strength training is especially important for Americans, who are often overweight and under-muscled. By focusing on building muscle, he promotes the idea that fitness is not just about weight loss, but about overall health and well-being. Sprague’s approach to nutrition also highlights the importance of a balanced diet, which includes lean proteins, fibrous vegetables, and minimal carbs. He emphasizes the need for discipline and dedication in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which aligns with his belief in the value of stewardship.
Sprague’s insights into the relationship between faith and fitness offer a compelling perspective on how physical health can be seen as a means of honoring God. He encourages others to recognize the significance of their physical being and to integrate it into their spiritual lives. By doing so, he hopes to inspire a broader understanding of how fitness can be a tool for spiritual growth and personal development.