A Catholic fitness initiative is transforming how believers view health and spirituality. Hypuro Fit, the first Catholic fitness and nutrition coaching program, blends physical wellness with spiritual growth — and it’s changing lives around the world.
The program was created by Chase Crouse, co-founder and fitness director of Hypuro Fit. His inspiration came from Pope St. John Paul II’s teaching on self-gift, a theme central to his Theology of the Body.
“We’re not a typical fitness company,” said Crouse. “We are disciples trying to build a healthier Church. Whether you’re new to exercise or experienced, we believe aligning your health with the call of self-gift will make a big difference.”
A Spiritual Call to Fitness
Crouse’s journey began when he worked for the Archdiocese of New York while also working as a personal trainer to support his growing family. Though he enjoyed helping people with their fitness goals, he felt something was missing. He believed there was a deep connection between faith and fitness that wasn’t being explored in traditional gym settings.
His turning point came from a line in Theology of the Body by St. John Paul II: “Self-mastery is indispensable in order for man to be able to ‘give himself.’” This message struck Crouse deeply. He realized that true self-gift starts with self-mastery — and exercise was a key tool for that.
“Pope St. John Paul II’s words moved me to take action,” said Crouse. “We believe that the message of self-mastery through self-gift needs to become something practical and lived.”
Preparing for Your Calling
According to Crouse, physical discipline helps people better live out their vocations, whether in marriage, priesthood, or religious life. Hypuro Fit’s mission is to support Catholics in this journey.
Even the company’s name reflects its spiritual roots. “‘Hypuro’ is a made-up Greek word,” Crouse explained. “It combines hypomonē, meaning endurance, with pyr, meaning fire. Together, it means ‘I endure the fire.’ It’s based on the biblical idea that God purifies us like gold in fire.”
This philosophy sets Hypuro Fit apart from secular fitness programs.
“We don’t share the ‘why’ of most fitness companies,” said Crouse. “The secular view focuses on maximizing life because there’s no afterlife. We aim for self-mastery not to live longer, but to serve better. It’s not about us. It’s about Jesus and the people He calls us to serve.”
Helping Catholics Around the World
After nearly ten years of balancing ministry and business, Crouse now leads Hypuro Fit full-time. The program has reached clients globally, including many priests.
Crouse says the best part of coaching is not just seeing physical change but seeing lives improve.
“My favorite moments aren’t about weight loss or muscle gain,” he said. “It’s hearing how clients have more energy to love and serve others. The fitness results are just a bonus.”
A Gentle Start to a Life of Discipline
For those just starting their fitness journey, Crouse has simple advice:
“Don’t rush it. Don’t try to go from zero to ten in a month. Start with something you enjoy — or at least don’t hate. Try a hike, a game of pickleball, a gym visit, or a walk with your family while praying the Rosary. You don’t have to exhaust yourself to get a good workout. Just move from step one to step two.”
Hypuro Fit offers programs for all walks of life. Every plan includes video content that teaches how to integrate faith with fitness and gives users access to a personal coach. Special programs, such as a postpartum course for mothers, are also available. Priests and religious can join for free.
A New Kind of Asceticism
In a culture focused on comfort and quick rewards, Hypuro Fit encourages Catholics to see exercise as a form of modern asceticism. The goal is not vanity or personal gain, but to be conformed to Christ and ready to serve others.
“Being healthy isn’t about looking good,” said Crouse. “It’s about becoming more like Jesus and being able to give more of yourself.”
