Bible Verses for the Gym: 10 Scriptures to Train By

The gym is where a lot of us do our hardest thinking. It's quiet, it's repetitive, and it strips you down to what you're really made of. That makes it one of the best places to carry Scripture with you. Here are ten verses to train by — and a word on each.

  1. Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Strength to endure every circumstance, not just to win. (More on what this verse really means.)
  2. Proverbs 27:17 — “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Train with people who make you better.
  3. 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 — “Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Discipline the body on purpose.
  4. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 — Your body is a temple. Stewarding it is part of honoring God.
  5. Isaiah 40:31 — “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” For the days the tank is empty.
  6. Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Even the last set.
  7. 2 Timothy 1:7 — A spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Three things every athlete needs.
  8. Joshua 1:9 — “Be strong and courageous.” Show up to the hard thing anyway.
  9. 1 Corinthians 15:58 — “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” The reps add up.
  10. Philippians 3:14 — “Press on toward the goal.” One more day, one more session.

Carry it into the session

A verse hits different when it's on your chest mid-set. That's the whole idea behind our Faith & Country collection — from the Philippians 4:13 tank to the Rev 5:5 Lion of Judah hoodie. Train with purpose. 🦁