Faith and Fitness Combines Physical and Spiritual Health
by Abigail Wisniewski
Faith and Fitness is a new club on Concordia’s campus for students to begin the day by getting active and hearing the Word of God. Junior Sarah “Eliza” Rethwisch formed the club at the beginning of this semester because she wanted to help students build a community through both physical and spiritual growth.
“We can worship [God] in everything we do, from exercise to daily life,” Rethwisch said.
Rethwisch is a certified fitness instructor with the National Exercise Trainers Association. She plans workouts that focus on different areas of the body with strength and circuit training. Participants can suggest exercises which Rethwisch considers and possibly includes for new challenges each week.
The workouts are choreographed to Christian music to encourage the members while they exercise.
“I like working out to music,” junior Jordan Schut said. “It gives me something to listen to and focus on.”
In addition to challenging participants physically, the club is meant to encourage members in their faith lives. Workouts begin with a devotion led by Rethwisch, addressing topics such as stress, student life and how to better live as a Christian.
“It gets a little introduction in the morning… reminding us why we’re here and what our purpose is in life,” Schut said.
While the group does not have a set theme for devotions, Rethwisch cited Ephesians 3:20-21 as the club’s inspiration: “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Rethwisch chose this verse for motivation in accomplishing daily goals, even when this is difficult, and to serve as a reminder of the encouragement found in Christ.
As the club grows, Rethwisch hopes to build a community where students will meet and be supported and encouraged by other classmates.
“Sometimes it’s hard to work out on your own or to enjoy the workout, but my hope is that this environment would nurture further spiritual growth and physical joy,” Rethwisch said. “I would love to see Faith and Fitness grow into an even larger community of people who learn to share their faith in all that they do.”
Faith and Fitness meets from 7:25-8:15 a.m. on Monday and Friday mornings in the Walz viewing room.
