A gym in Oklahoma City, Proverbs 27:17, is operating as a "lust-free" space exclusively for Christian men, aiming to provide a sanctuary for physical and spiritual development. Owner Jeff Hambrecht stated that the gym's creation was motivated by his personal experiences with infidelity, which he believes can be facilitated in coed gym environments.
Hambrecht, who identifies as a recovering sex addict, told The Post that the gym was founded on the principle that "lust and temptation ruin relationships." He shared that an affair in his previous marriage began at a gym, leading him to believe that such environments can be a catalyst for infidelity. "One of the number one places affairs and infidelity occur is the gym," he said.
The gym's name, Proverbs 27:17, references a biblical passage: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." According to Hambrecht's website, the mission is to help men "step out of isolation, out of addiction, out of passivity... Not perfect men. Sharpened men. Men forged by fire. Ruled by Christ."
Hambrecht believes that an all-male space removes potential triggers for men struggling with various issues, comparing it to an alcoholic avoiding bars or a drug addict avoiding other addicts. "For men battling sexual addiction, we're removing them from a similar situation," he explained. He opened the gym in November, stating his belief that coed gyms have increasingly become "hookup spots" due to the combination of endorphins, dopamine, and social interaction.
While the gym's focus on mitigating lust is a significant aspect, Hambrecht emphasized that it is only a fraction of the gym's purpose. He asserted that members are not incapable of self-control but are actively seeking spiritual accountability and physical fitness to build resistance to temptation. He also stated that the gym welcomes men of all creeds and sexual orientations, echoing his belief that "God doesn't discriminate and neither do we."
The gym's gender-specific model has generated discussion. While some critics have likened the concept to a clubhouse for incels, others have expressed support. Kim Abt, owner of PWRGRLS, a women-only gym, told Fox News that she respects the idea of gender-specific gyms, noting that her own business was founded to address the discomfort many women experience in coed gym settings. Research indicates that a significant percentage of women have had uncomfortable encounters at the gym.
Hambrecht also revealed plans to open an all-female gym in the future, applying a similar model with a focus on women supporting other women. He acknowledged that while not everyone may agree with his approach, it addresses a need for individuals struggling with temptation and seeking accountability.