This is why our fitness is so important

“He trains my hands for battle;

my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”

Psalm 18:34

Why Our Families—and Our Faith—Need Us to Invest in Our Fitness

“Thanks for being an athletic dad.”

That’s what my 9-year-old said after a full-on dodgeball war at the trampoline park.

He didn’t mean six-pack abs. He meant presence. Strength. Energy. Joy. He meant, “Thanks for being in the game with me.”

 Fitness Isn’t Vanity—It’s Stewardship

In our recent Faithful Fitness Podcast interview, I sat down with Ben Barker—a fit father of four, husband, and disciple-maker in Little Rock, Arkansas—who lives this truth well. We explored how a man’s physical strength isn’t just for himself. It’s a tool for presence, protection, and purpose.

“What a shame if my kids didn’t think I was strong enough to catch them when they leap off the couch.” – Ben Barker

We talked about pull-up challenges with our kids, clearing debris after storms, and leading VBS rec time like it's the Super Bowl.

We agreed: when a man trains his body, he trains his capacity to serve.

What If I’m Too Busy?

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to spend 90 minutes 5 days a week in a commercial gym to get strong.

You need consistency, not complexity.

Here are 3 ways busy men can begin to build:

1. Wake up 30–60 minutes earlier** – Use that time to read, pray, and move.

2. Train at home** – A kettlebell and a pair of dumbbells on the porch go a long way.

3. Involve your kids** – Let them play while you train. Invite them to try a rep or two.

It’s not about the “perfect program.” It’s about living the values your family needs most—strength, energy, joy, and resilience.

Fitness In The Word

“He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”

— Psalm 18:34

God didn’t create you to be passive, worn out, or sidelined.

He created you to be ready—to protect, to provide, and to press forward in faith.

When we train our bodies, we’re not chasing vanity. We’re responding to a sacred calling: to be prepared when the mission comes—whether that’s lifting a fallen tree, leading a child to Christ, or standing strong in a spiritual fight.

Pray with me:

“Lord, what about my nutrition and exercise needs to change to honor You in this season? Help me move with purpose. Help me fuel myself well. Help me train not just for muscles or metrics—but for mission. Teach me to steward this temple in a way that brings You glory, honors my family, and strengthens my faith. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

Until next time, men.

Train hard.

Pray HARDER.

— Coach Alex

P.S. If this was edifying for you, you can check out the full conversation with Ben Barker on the Faithful Fitness Podcast. It’s real talk on faith, fatherhood, and the kind of strength that truly matters.  "How Faith And Fitness Forge Life-Changing Fatherhood" With Ben Barker

Alex VanHouten

MD5 Facilitator