From Altars to Treadmills

The Netherlands is home to many striking churches, with centuries-old architecture that reflects the deep Christian heritage of the region. However, a growing trend in Europe has seen some of these historic churches repurposed for modern-day use. In Belgium, churches are repurposed for nightclubs and hotels. Another surprising transformation is the conversion of a Catholic church into a fitness gym. While the idea of working out in a former place of worship may seem jarring to some, it raises important questions about the intersection of culture, faith, and evolving community spaces. SEE Tiktok Video.

A Changing Religious Landscape

The Netherlands, like much of Western Europe, has experienced a significant decline in church attendance and religious affiliation over the past few decades. Once considered the bedrock of community life, many churches are now facing dwindling congregations. As a result, several church buildings have been left vacant, too expensive to maintain, and at risk of decay. Rather than letting these beautiful structures fall into disrepair, some have been repurposed to meet the needs of modern communities—becoming libraries, restaurants, and, in this case, a fitness gym.

In the town of Arnhem, Netherlands, the transformation of the St. Joseph Church into a state-of-the-art skating park sparked both intrigue and controversy. The church, built in the early 20th century, had served the Catholic community for nearly a century before closing its doors due to low attendance. Faced with the decision of either selling or allowing the building to deteriorate, the diocese chose to sell it, with the hope that it would continue to serve the community in some form.

Preserving the Building’s Architectural Integrity

The former church in Maastricht, Netherlands, now a fitness gym, has maintained much of the church's original architecture. The vaulted ceilings, intricate stained glass windows, and towering columns remain intact, giving the space a distinctive blend of old and new. The gym’s owners have made a conscious effort to preserve the historical character of the church, ensuring that the space retains what has been there, even as it is used for exercise.

Walking into the gym, one is immediately struck by the juxtaposition of the sacred and the secular. Rows of treadmills and weight machines are positioned beneath the grand arches where parishioners once gathered to worship. Sunlight filters through stained glass, casting colorful patterns across the gym floor as people lift weights and jog on ellipticals. It’s a curious mix of activity, with the calm stillness of the church’s past meeting the energy and movement of its new purpose.

The Community’s Response

The repurposing of churches has generated mixed reactions from the local community. For some, the reuse of the space is seen as a practical solution to an unfortunate reality. They argue that it’s better to see the building repurposed for health and fitness than abandoned or demolished. After all, the gym provides a valuable service to the community, encouraging physical wellness and fostering a sense of community—albeit in a different way than the church once did.

Others, however, find the conversion difficult to accept. For devout Catholics, the transformation of a sacred space into a gym raises concerns about the desecration of a place once dedicated to worship. Some see it as a sign of the secularization of society, where the spiritual is increasingly displaced by the material. There are also those who feel a deep emotional connection to the church as a place where significant life events—baptisms, weddings, and funerals—were held, and they struggle to see it reimagined as a commercial enterprise.

Finding Meaning in New Spaces

The transformation of churches into secular spaces is not unique to the Netherlands. Across Europe and North America, many churches are being repurposed to suit modern needs. This process often sparks debates about the meaning of sacred spaces in a world that is becoming increasingly secular. For some, these conversions represent a loss of cultural and religious heritage. For others, they signify adaptation and the ability of old buildings to take on new life in changing times.

This transformation invites a broader reflection on the values we place on community, tradition, and adaptation. While the decline in church attendance reflects shifting religious beliefs, the reuse of church buildings demonstrates society’s ability to adapt and repurpose spaces to meet current needs. Fitness, like faith, is an integral part of personal well-being. Perhaps, in some way, the gym serves as a new kind of sanctuary—one that focuses on physical health while still providing a place for individuals to reflect, grow, and connect with others.

Yet, perhaps it's just me, but knowing that a sacred space once filled with prayer has been repurposed into a fitness gym feels deeply sorrowful. It’s a poignant reminder of the tension between progress and preservation, of how we choose to sow the seeds of faith in this changing world. As we reflect on this shift, we must also consider how to reignite faith. By living authentically, fostering vibrant communities, engaging with the youth, addressing modern challenges, and holding on to the richness of our Catholic traditions, we can hope to sow the seeds of faith anew—finding ways to adapt without losing the spiritual heritage that has shaped us for generations.