When you say the word “yoga” around Christians you can get all sorts of responses. Some may say “I’ve been doing it for years and love it!”. While others respond with things like “it’s demonic”, but the response I hear most is “I do it because I love what yoga does for my body but if they start talking about philosophies that don’t align with my Christian values I just tune it out.”
Confession: For many years I was against yoga. For that reason I didn’t include it in my workouts and I also didn’t think people should practice it. I was fearful that people would go to a yoga class that included elements that went against the Christian faith and be pulled away from the Truth but I kept hearing more and more people say "I love yoga and wish there was a faith based option."
So after much prayer and conversations with other Christians I’ve decided to include yoga as part of our workouts and if you are finding yourself feeling hesitant, here’s what's on my heart...
I want to include yoga because the physical aspects of yoga like postures, movements and stretching are good for our bodies BUT even more importantly I want to use yoga as a way to share the love and truth of Jesus.
There are millions of people who do yoga each day and discipleship is an important core value for me as a Christian. I want to reach people through yoga, just as I have through my other workouts, that include the Gospel message. I can’t stand the fact that so many have turned away from Christianity simply because they’ve never had the opportunity to really hear the Truth. We created Faithful Yoga as a way to combine the physical benefits of yoga that will also pour God's love into them as every yoga video in our program includes Bible based messages.
You may be saying “Why yoga?! Why can’t you just keep doing stretching videos that share faith based messages?” I get where you’re coming from friend but the truth is people are drawn to the physical benefits of yoga. They are searching specifically for yoga videos and I want to reach those people. If you have a friend who’s super into yoga, this is a way for you to share with them something they love while we use yoga to share the Good News with them.
Honestly, my concern for those who are lost and have no relationship with Jesus is greater than my concern for how a few Christians will react. I believe anything in this world can be redeemed and used for the glory of God and that is my hope with Faithful Yoga.
We have hundreds of workouts for all fitness levels including yoga videos at Faithful Workouts.
My daughter Denika who is also a certified Holy Yoga instructor and I invite you to watch more of our message and the decision behind Faithful Yoga.
It is my hope that you will feel as excited as we are about this new addition to Faithful Workouts as we continue our mission to help other grow stronger in mind, body and soul while pleasing the heart of God through discipleship. If you decide yoga in any form is not right for you we always encourage our community to follow what God has laid on their hearts. We are not here to debate or convince people about yoga. It is our mission to share Jesus with those who desperately need Him.
My hope and prayer is that whether or not yoga is right for you, you will continue your journey to grow your roots down deep into God’s love and truth so you can stay strong and faithful no matter what comes your way.
WANT TO TRY OUT A FAITHFUL YOGA WORKOUT FIRST?
CLICK HERE for a Beginner Flow exercise.
CLICK HERE for a Yoga Sculpt and Arm Workout.
(To access Denika's 31 Day Yoga Program mentioned in this video that includes a daily scripture, prayer, devotion, questions to consider and a yoga flow you can click HERE! My husband and I read her book and are so thankful that her Biblical knowledge is so deep - Thank you Jesus!)
“They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8
Michelle is the founder of Faithful Workouts and The Fresh Table. She began her fitness career in 1984 and still loves to help people break free from fitness frustration and move towards a life that's full of physical and spiritual health. Michelle is married to Jeff and they have three children PLUS two lovable dogs.