Finding Strength Through Faith, Fitness, and Routine

Introduction: Strengthening Your Faith Through Fitness

Doubt is something we all face—whether in life, faith, or fitness. It creeps in when progress stalls, when we question our worth, or when the path ahead feels unclear. For me, there have been times when I wondered if the effort I was putting into training was even worth it. The scale didn’t budge, the weights didn’t feel lighter, and my motivation wavered.

But what I’ve learned through those moments is that doubt is part of the journey, not a dead end. By grounding myself in faith and leaning into a routine, I found the resilience to keep going. This article is about embracing doubt, using it as a catalyst for growth, and finding strength in both faith and fitness when progress feels out of reach.

The Weight of Doubt: When Progress Stalls

In the gym, there’s a unique frustration that comes when the numbers stop moving—when the bench press plateaus or the run times refuse to improve. It’s easy to feel stuck, to wonder, What’s the point? But fitness mirrors life in this way: it’s not always about instant results. Sometimes, the greatest progress happens when we persevere through the plateau.

Faith Reflection:
The Bible reminds us in Galatians 6:9:
"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Just as faith calls us to trust in God’s timing, fitness requires us to trust the process. Results may not be immediate, but every effort, every rep, every prayer is building something greater than we can see.

How Faith Grounds Us in the Face of Doubt

1. Remember the Bigger Picture:

   • Training isn’t just about physical progress. It’s about discipline, stewardship, and honoring the body God has entrusted to us.

2. Seek Strength Beyond Yourself:

   • When I doubted my ability to keep going, I turned to Philippians 4:13:
     “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

   • This verse became a reminder that I’m not walking this journey alone.

3. Gratitude as a Mindset Shift:

   • Instead of focusing on what wasn’t improving, I began thanking God for the ability to train at all. This simple shift brought peace and renewed motivation.

The Power of Routine in Overcoming Doubt

Doubt often stems from uncertainty, and that’s where routine becomes a lifeline. For me, sticking to a structured training schedule became an act of faith—a way of showing up even when I didn’t feel like it.

1. Discipline Over Motivation:

   • Motivation comes and goes, but discipline keeps you moving forward. Committing to a routine—even on hard days—builds resilience.

2. Small Wins Build Momentum:

   • By focusing on small, daily victories (like showing up to train or hitting one extra rep), I found encouragement to keep going.

3. Routine as a Form of Worship:

   • I reframed my workouts as a time to honor God, to care for the body He gave me, and to seek strength for the journey ahead.

Practical Steps to Stay Grounded in Routine

1. Set a Schedule:

   • Pick specific days and times for your workouts and treat them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself and God.

2. Incorporate Faith Into Fitness:

   • Start each session with a prayer of gratitude. Reflect on a Bible verse during rest periods. End with a moment of stillness to thank God for your effort.

3. Track Progress Beyond Numbers:

   • Keep a journal to record not just physical milestones, but mental and spiritual growth.

4. Focus on Fundamentals:

   • When doubt creeps in, simplify. Go back to the basics—bodyweight movements, foundational lifts, or even a brisk walk.

What Doubt Teaches Us About Growth

Doubt isn’t the enemy—it’s a signal. It challenges us to reflect, to reassess, and to dig deeper into why we started this journey in the first place.

• In Fitness: Plateaus force us to refine our approach, try new methods, or build patience.

• In Faith: Doubt invites us to lean into God, trusting His plan even when we can’t see the full picture.

Romans 5:3-4 reminds us:
"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

This verse reminds me that every challenge—whether in life or in the gym—is an opportunity to grow stronger.

Proposed Approach: Using Routine to Build Faith, Body, and Mind

1. Begin With Intentions:

   • Write down why fitness matters to you—whether it’s for health, resilience, or honoring God.

2. Commit to the Basics:

   • Stick to a simple routine that includes strength, endurance, and recovery.

3. Embrace Rest and Reflection:

   • Allow time for physical rest and spiritual reflection. Growth happens in both effort and recovery.

4. Surround Yourself With Community:

   • Share your struggles and victories with a like-minded group, like the Hard Way Fitness community.

5. Trust the Process:

   • Progress isn’t linear. Celebrate the effort, not just the results.

Call to Action

If you’re feeling stuck or doubting your progress, know that you’re not alone. Doubt is a part of every journey, but it doesn’t have to derail you. By grounding yourself in faith and routine, you can persevere through the challenges and emerge stronger in body, mind, and spirit.

Reminder of Our Values

• We are accountable to both ourselves and our community for everything that we say and do or fail to do.

• We do the work that is required of us silent for the most part, without social media hubbub or fanfare.

• We focus on having solid fundamental capabilities, continuous learning, development, and growth—we don’t accept the status quo.

• Lessons learned, new information, and mistakes are shared for all of us to develop and grow.

• Better people make great communities; we screen all members to ensure you are ready for this culture.

• We are all leaders in our own way; we don’t avoid responsibility to ourselves and others.