The Pastor as an Athlete: 5 Ways To ABT (Always Be Training)

The Pastor as an Athlete: 5 Ways To ABT (Always Be Training)

More and more, my YouTube feed has been taken over by fitness videos.

Apparently, the algorithm thinks I’m training for Mr. Olympia.

Spoiler: I’m not.

(But thanks for the confidence boost, YouTube.)

I see a steady stream of shredded guys shouting about hypertrophy, protein timing, and why you must never skip leg day.

They’re intense.

They’re dialed in.

And they’re tracking everything—meals, macros, reps, recovery, even their sleep cycles.

All of it for a moment on stage...

A photo.

Some social posts.

Maybe a plastic trophy.

And it hit me:

If bodybuilders train like their life depends on it—for a fading reward—
how much more should a pastor train for a mission that has eternal impact?

Because here's the deal:

Many of the disciplines bodybuilders use would actually help a pastor do more ministry, and for longer, with energy to spare.

When Paul Talked Like a Trainer

The Apostle Paul didn’t choose his metaphors randomly.

“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
—1 Corinthians 9:25

He wasn’t drawing a line between physical and spiritual discipline—Paul saw the physical as part of the spiritual mission.

Athletes train with focus.

With intention.

With stamina in mind.

And that’s exactly the kind of discipline required to preach, lead, counsel, disciple, and finish well over the long haul.

Plus...

Our physical health is under modern assault like none in history.

😡 Bastardized food supplies.

😡 Digital overwhelm.

😡 Sedentary work.

There's no off-season for training.

Quick Disclaimer Before You Start Deadlifting Boxes of Hymnals

Let’s be clear about something:

No, you don’t need to train like a bodybuilder.

You don’t need to eat six meals a day or flex during announcements.

(Though I’d pay good money to see the praise team's reaction if you did.)

This isn’t about looking impressive in the mirror.

It's about having a tank full of the daily vitality required for ministry.

It’s also about lasting in it.

Because burnout doesn’t care how sharp your theology is.

Fatigue doesn’t check your doctrinal statement before showing up.

Your Body Is a Ministry Tool—Not an Afterthought

Here’s what they don’t teach in seminary...

(I know, because I went.)

Your body is the first tool you bring into every meeting, every sermon, every counseling session, and every hospital visit.

If your body breaks down, everything else pauses.

And ministry rarely pauses easily.

We’ve normalized exhaustion.

We joke about being “pastor tired.”

We lean on coffee and sugar and crash by Thursday.

But deep down, most of us know:

This pace isn’t sustainable.

And we’re not called to survive ministry.

We’re called to steward what God has given us for it.

Think Like an Athlete

Athletes don’t just show up on game day and hope it works out.

They train to perform.

They build capacity on purpose.

They protect their recovery.

They treat their body like it matters—because it does.

Pastor, you're not a spectator in the stands.

You're in the arena.

So start acting like it.

5 Simple Ways to Start Training Like a Pastor-Athlete

This doesn’t require a AM alarm and 6 days in the gym.

Just simple, repeatable actions that build momentum.

1. Walk Daily

15–30 minutes. Outside if possible. It clears your mind, energizes your body, and resets your stress. Plus, walking is a creativity enhancer for pastors.​

2. Eat Real Food

If it came from a window or was handed to you in a paper bag, it’s probably not helping you. Start with whole foods: protein, veggies, water.

3. Sleep Like Your Ministry Depends on It

Because it does. Rest restores focus, energy, and emotional resilience. All of which your church—and your family—need from you. If you need proof, I break it down here: 👉 Why Pastors Must Optimize Their Sleep

4. Resistance Train Weekly

You don’t need to live in the gym. Just 2–3 sessions a week builds the kind of strength that carries sermons, chairs, and long seasons of ministry.

5. Keep Reading The Optimized Pastor Every Week

Athletes have coaches. You’ve got this newsletter.
One idea a week to help you lead longer, feel great, produce more (with margin), and stay in the fight.
I'm in your corner to make the right shifts happen for YOU.

Bottom Line:

• Your body is your first tool in ministry.
• Discipline isn’t just spiritual—it’s physical, too.
• Start small. Stay consistent. Steward what you’ve been given.

If someone can discipline their body for a fading trophy…

Surely we can do the same for a calling that echoes in eternity.

More Resources To Help You Optimize

🥤Momentum Shake: The Complete Longevity Shake for Optimal Health

🎥 Sermon Shots: Repurpose Sermons Into Clips & Other Engaging Content in Minutes

💊 My (Scott's) full supplement regimen