Gospel music. When we hear of this musical genre, we think of church choirs or of songs we hear on Christian radio. However, the genre has a bigger influences and impact than what may first come to mind. Big name artists, such as Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley both were impacted by the genre. Aretha got her start singing in the gospel choir at church, and Elvis was inspired to sing by the gospel he heard in church. And that is just to name two. Countless others in the music industry have been influences by gospel music.
Gospel music has a far reach; in both the US and the world. Many artists on our top ten list are Grammy nominees and winners, and have sold millions of records both nationally and worldwide. As a result, these people are viewed as influences and role models, so it is their responsibility to be a good role model in health and fitness to influence their audience.
We have compiled a list of the top ten gospel singers who we find to currently live the healthiest, by eating well and working out regularly. We chose these singers by researching all available data online: from magazine interviews, to video interviews and even to personal websites. Some singers did not necessarily start off as healthy. Quite a few had some health problems along the way; however, those represented on the list have demonstrated that they now live actively healthy lifestyles.
“Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.” -Samir Becic
Here is Samir Becic and Health Fitness Revolution‘s list of the Top 10 Fittest Gospel Singers:
Lecrae
- Lift weights
- Runs
- Sit-ups
- Skateboards while son bikes
- Claims his sports background is “mostly recreational. I just enjoy getting out there and doing it.”
- Plays basketball at the arenas on tour
- Posted on Facebook on July 4th, 2013 “Any fitness trainers in ATL wanna help me work off this Fourth of July food? Asking for help in advance”
Kirk Franklin
- Works with the American Heart Association to promote healthy lifestyles in the community
- Went on tour to promote stroke awareness
Kim Burrell
- Lost 107 pounds
- Healthy Diet
- If junk food doesn’t fit into a cup, she will not eat it
- Had three heart attacks and decided to change her lifestyle after the third one.
- Had Gastric Bypass Surgery
- Runs
David Mann and Tamela Mann
- David Mann was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and his wife Tamela works out with him to support his fight against it.
- Both work out with a personal Trainer
- Started cutting out starches out of their diet
- Limit intake of juices by diluting them with water
- Work out doing cardio and weight training
- Both promote exercising and diabetes type 2 prevention
Mary Mary-Gospel Duo
- Wanted to improve health rather than lose weight
- Created a meal plan
- Focuses on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and replacing some of the starchy carbs and processed sugar with healthy alternatives
- Eats a lot of green, leafy vegetables and lean sources of protein like fish and chicken
- Created a fitness regimen that focuses on fat burning, muscle toning, and improve stamina
- Increase water consumption
Donald Lawrence
- “I’ve learned that I have to exercise and get proper rest.”
- “Cardio, some light strength training and Pilates really works for me as I have scoliosis.”
- ” I TRULY believe a ‘kingdom life-style’ is balance: spirituality, family, life, love and healthy living. I hope to create or be a part of a wellnes program that helps not only Gospel artist but African American people to faith to just stop and take a look at their life’s balance.”
- Eats protein bars
- Gluten free
- 85% Paleo lifestyle Gluten Free on the weekend with 1 or 2 cheat meals
- Hits the gym 4 days a week
Earnest Pugh
- Lead a wellness fest at Hilltop Church
- Served 15 years in US Army
- Was a drill sergeant
Michelle Williams
- Does circuit training
- Lots of workout videos
- Was dealing with years of depression which she overcame with “exercise, therapy, and positive thinking.”
Sandi Patty
- Got lap-band surgery
- Lost 75 pounds
- Has healthy cookbook
- Diet
- Exercises
Yolanda Adams
- Promotes health and wellness on her morning show
- Promotes healthy dieting
- Goes to Bootcamp Classes
- Had inflammation in her body so her doctor changed her diet from linguine and clams, gluten and yeast
- Different diet regimen now
- Wants to live to 105
