The gym is the new church

Every year, as the clock strikes midnight on 1 January, we are bombarded with familiar messages of ‘new year, new me.’

Self betterment has become an inevitable part of our culture, with methods of improving yourself ever increasing in both volume and popularity. 79% of New Year resolutions are centred on fitness, with half of those surveyed stating that their top resolution is to exercise. Yet just 31 days later, the gyms have quietened down, with 80% losing the motivation to stick to their goals. But as Christians, what if faith and fitness are more similar, and more important, than we previously imagined?

Declining Christianity

Christianity across the UK is declining with each passing year. On Sunday mornings, pews are emptying out as gyms swell with individuals looking for a ‘hit’ of endorphins, community, and fulfilment. Both are places where we search for something bigger than ourselves. Both are institutions where we are motivated and encouraged by our ‘teammates’ around us. Both provide opportunities to be challenged and to grow physically and spiritually. The question is, has the gym become the new church?