In the Orthodox Christian life, ἄσκησις (áskēsis)—discipline and training—shapes both our spiritual and physical well-being. Just as an athlete must train consistently to grow stronger, the Christian must engage in spiritual exercise to grow in faith. The Apostle Paul himself used athletic imagery, urging us to “run with endurance the race set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

But why should Christians pursue exercise and athletics? How do we integrate physical training into our spiritual lives, especially as we prepare for Great Lent?
In this article, we’ll explore why exercise matters in the Christian life, how to approach it during Great Lent, and what questions to ask our spiritual fathers as we seek a balance between physical and spiritual discipline.

Why Should Christians Exercise?

(Anonymous 1)
"Christians should exercise and engage in athletics for many reasons. Chief among them is the ascetic discipline against laziness, the expansion of the ability to serve others, and intensive exercise helps us to push past the limits of our comfort (which many times holds us back)."

(Alex James | Christian Mental Health Coach, a.k.a. Coach Chinghis on Instagram)
"Our Nous resides in our heart, to strengthen our heart is to fortify the vessel in which our soul is harbored, thus making our spirits stronger for the Lord. Plus, the Church needs strong people to move furniture around ready for Liturgy."

This connection between physical and spiritual training is nothing new. St. Basil the Great, one of the great ascetic fathers of the Church, puts it this way:

> “The body is strengthened by exercise (ἄσκησις); the soul is strengthened by trials. The athlete trains his body for a crown that perishes, but the Christian trains his soul for a crown that is eternal.”
(Homily on Psalm 33:6)

St. Basil’s words remind us that training the body is not an end in itself but a means to cultivate discipline and perseverance. Just as an athlete exercises to develop physical endurance, Christians engage in spiritual training to strengthen their souls for the eternal race.

How Should Christians Approach Exercise During Great Lent?

(Anonymous 1)
" In my opinion, Christians can typically expect a reduction in protein intake as we reduce our total amount of food during the Great Fast. A workout that helps us to maintain our baseline of what we have achieved is probably the best instead of using that time to make gains. It is our time to turn towards God in repentance and to focus on our growth. We should be cutting off our desire to be entertained constantly as well and increasing in prayer."

Since fasting affects energy levels, our approach to exercise should adapt accordingly. Rather than striving for personal records or intense muscle growth, Great Lent invites us to maintain our health while prioritizing repentance and prayer. Alex James offers a practical strategy:

(Alex James)
"Research fast-friendly recipes that you think you'd enjoy which will also help you hit your nutritional goals, do some practice runs, and perhaps invest in some vegan protein powder (such as pea) for an extra boost. I personally plan on batch cooking a load of Seitan (Gluten protein)."

What Should Christians Ask Their Spiritual Father Before Great Lent?

(Anonymous 1)"
Christians may want to ask their priests, spiritual fathers, father confessor about any adjustments to their fasting rule. While fitness is entirely important, we have to remember as well that fasting is not at all primarily for dietary or fitness reasons, but rather about self-control and not allowing our environment to enslave us.

As an aside, I find it important to pick a book that could be spiritually edifying alongside the Holy Scriptures. So I would ask the father confessor about that."

(Alex James)
"Whether he feels your intentions to train are in the right place. If you're too focused on aesthetics or hitting high strength numbers, there may be a spiritual issue (pride/vanity) that'll come between you and getting the most out of the Lenten period."

As Epictetus wisely said:

> “No man is truly free unless he masters himself through discipline (ἄσκησις). Just as an athlete trains his body, so must the soul be exercised in virtue.”
(Discourses 3.12.1-2)

The Orthodox tradition has long emphasized the connection between bodily discipline and spiritual strength. Fr. Zechariah Lynch, an Orthodox priest and writer, explores this theme in depth. His reflections highlight how physical training can serve the higher goal of spiritual growth:

Insights from Fr. Zechariah Lynch’s Writings

Fr. Zechariah Lynch’s writings provide deep reflections on the intersection of physical discipline and spiritual growth, which are integral to the Christian path. Here are some highlights:

1. The Bogatyr of Virtue: Fr. Zechariah draws an analogy between the bogatyr, a legendary hero, and the Christian's call to spiritual strength. Just as a warrior must train and endure trials, Christians are called to face the challenges of life with courage, striving for virtue and eternal glory.

https://inklesspen.blog/2024/10/04/the-bogatyr-of-virtue/ 

2. Should Orthodox Priests Be Working Out?: Fr. Zechariah discusses the importance of physical fitness, not as an idol but as a means to maintain the body, which is created by God and meant to serve Him. Exercise is a way to sustain health for a life of service to others, with the body and soul working in unison to glorify God.

https://inklesspen.blog/2025/02/05/should-orthodox-priests-be-working-out/

3. Ascetic Strength: In this article, Fr. Zechariah reflects on the spiritual and physical discipline of asceticism. Both involve rigorous self-control, self-denial, and endurance. He compares the training of the body for athletic pursuits with the discipline required for spiritual growth, showing that both are necessary to achieve the ultimate goal of eternal life.

https://inklesspen.blog/2024/10/30/ascetic-strength/


Faith, strength, virtue, and exercise are deeply interconnected, forming a foundation for both spiritual and physical endurance. Faith anchors us, giving purpose to our struggles and perseverance. Strength—both bodily and spiritual—is cultivated through discipline, allowing us to endure hardships and grow in resilience. Virtues such as patience, humility, and self-control are refined through challenge, whether in fasting, prayer, or training. Exercise, when approached with the right mindset, mirrors the ascetic struggle, teaching us self-mastery and fortitude. Before Great Lent, these elements prepare us for the coming spiritual battle, ensuring we enter the fast with discipline and focus. During Lent, they sustain us, helping us push through fatigue, resist temptation, and remain steadfast in prayer. After Lent, they become lasting virtues, equipping us to continue our spiritual and physical training, not just for a season, but for the lifelong race toward Christ. As Fr. Zechariah Lynch emphasizes, the Christian is called to be a spiritual warrior—a bogatyr—training both body and soul for eternal glory.

Conclusion: Preparing for the Spiritual and Physical Battle

Great Lent is more than a season of fasting—it is a spiritual and physical test, a proving ground for discipline, endurance, and self-mastery. Just as an athlete cannot expect to win a race without rigorous training, a Christian cannot enter Lent unprepared and expect to emerge victorious over the passions. Preparation is essential. Now, before the Fast begins, is the time to sharpen our discipline, to establish habits of prayer, fasting, and physical training that will sustain us in the weeks ahead.

But training does not stop at preparation—it must be sustained through struggle. In the next part of this series, we will explore how to maintain both physical strength and spiritual focus during Great Lent. How do we balance fasting with exercise without compromising our health? How do we ensure that our physical discipline remains a tool for spiritual growth rather than a source of distraction or vanity?

Then, in the final installment, we will look beyond the Fast. What happens after Lent? How do we carry the resilience, patience, and strength we’ve developed into the rest of our lives, ensuring that faith and fitness are not seasonal efforts but lifelong pursuits?

The time to prepare is now. The struggle is coming, and the race has already begun. How we train today will determine how we endure the trials ahead—so that when we reach Pascha, we may rejoice not only in Christ’s victory but also in Him transforming us, strengthened in both body and soul for the journey ahead.