A New Trend in Faith-Based Fitness
Forge Fitness, located in Eagle, Idaho, represents a growing national trend of Christian men-only gyms. The facility operates on the principle of Proverbs 27:17, which states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Founder David Vargas describes the gym as a space for ministry as much as physical training, where members are encouraged to become warriors for their faith. While Forge Fitness maintains a focus on biblical themes, it is part of a wider movement that includes gyms like Proverbs 27:17 in Oklahoma City and The Remnant in Denver.
These facilities share a common goal of providing workout spaces where members feel free from the presence of women. Founders of similar gyms express that they seek environments devoid of sexual temptation, often citing the clothing choices of women in commercial gyms as a disruption to their focus. Mitch Parsons, founder of The Remnant, noted that his motivation stems from a desire to avoid what he views as inappropriate displays while he trains. Forge Fitness promotes an image of the “godly warrior” through its marketing, urging men to cultivate strength for both physical and spiritual purposes.
Differing Theological Perspectives
Clergy members hold varying views on the necessity and implications of these segregated spaces. The Rev. Adam Briddell of Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise expressed skepticism regarding the militaristic language used by these gyms. He questions whether aligning faith with such imagery serves the actual values of Christianity, such as humility and meekness. Briddell argues that addressing issues like lust by removing women from the environment avoids the necessary work of developing respect and self-control in real-world settings.
Conversely, Pastor Stephen Duwe of Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley sees value in the approach. Duwe adheres to a theology that emphasizes distinct roles for men and women, suggesting that men carry a responsibility to guard their own eyes. For Duwe, a gym without women offers a practical solution for men who struggle with sexual sin or distraction. He maintains that while men and women are equal in value, their functions differ, and a controlled environment can help men avoid situations he considers spiritually unwise.
Historical Context and Gender Dynamics
Academic analysis suggests these gyms tap into long-standing anxieties regarding shifting gender roles. Lauren Sawyer, a professor based in Seattle, points out that the concept of a single, prescriptive “biblical masculinity” is a social construct that has evolved over time. She compares the current movement to the Muscular Christianity trend of the early 20th century and the Promise Keepers of the 1990s. In both historical instances, men sought to reclaim a specific form of masculine identity during periods of social change where traditional power structures faced scrutiny.
Sawyer argues that even in the absence of women, these gyms often maintain a palpable focus on them through the stereotypes and assumptions inherent in their mission. She suggests that by framing women as a “stumbling block,” these organizations may inadvertently encourage men to blame women for their own lack of agency or internal struggle. As these gyms continue to emerge, the broader question remains whether they provide a healthy community for spiritual growth or merely reinforce narrow, exclusionary definitions of manhood. The lasting impact of this movement on the Christian community depends on how these men interact with the world once they leave the weight room.