by Rachel Ward, Student Public Relations Writer
In a fitness culture driven by image, competition and self-promotion, Cedarville University junior Caden Westbrook is challenging prevailing norms with his new athleisure brand, Temple Fitness. Westbrook seeks to redirect attention from vanity to stewardship, using apparel as a catalyst for faith-based conversations. to redirect attention from vanity to stewardship, using apparel as a catalyst for faith-based conversations.
QR Code Apparel Promotes Faith Conversations in the Gym
That concept pairs sustainable, quality clothing for athletes with a distinctive feature: a QR code on every item that directs people to a short video about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, giving customers an opportunity to share their faith in the gym.
Temple Fitness Founded in November 2025
Founded in Nov. 2025, Temple Fitness reflects Westbrook’s personal transformation and his belief that caring for the body is an act of spiritual stewardship rather than self-glorification.
Cedarville Finance Major Shares Fitness Transformation Story
As a young teen living in Sunbury, Ohio, Westbrook said he struggled with poor self-esteem and bullying for his lack of athleticism. He later reframed his view of fitness after realizing that his body was a gift he should steward well, a shift that reshaped both his habits and his outlook.
“I realized there was a deeper, intrinsic reason to work out,” said Westbrook. “I thought to myself, ‘Is this how I’m going to honor God with my body? I’m not taking care of myself, and I’m not being intentional with the time on Earth that God has given me.’”
After committing to this lifestyle change, Westbrook lost 50 pounds in five months, sparking a passion for fitness that now fuels his broader mission. What began as personal discipline eventually grew into a desire to influence how others think about physical health.
While studying finance at Cedarville, Westbrook operates a one-on-one personal training business, training about a dozen clients twice a week.
Entrepreneurs for Christ Supports Student Business as Ministry
As his involvement in fitness deepened, Westbrook became concerned with the culture of the fitness industry at large.
“I was discouraged by the amount of vanity and pride,” said Westbrook. “But instead of burning the fitness industry to the ground or ostracizing believers who work out, I wanted to find ways to revitalize the way we think about it. What if we did mental reframing for an entire industry?”
That question led to the launch of Temple Fitness, a faith-driven athleisure brand designed to spark conversations and encourage healthy living.
“What we’re wearing makes a big statement,” said Westbrook. “Every shirt, insert and garment that we create is made with the purpose to advance the Kingdom — in its quality, modesty and the QR code.”
Westbrook serves on the administrative team of Entrepreneurs for Christ (EFC), a student-led organization that has grown into a national chapter network.
“The collective attitude and empowerment of the school of business was instrumental in my perception of business,” said Westbrook. “Growing up, I was not familiar with using business as a ministry opportunity. It wasn’t until Cedarville that I understood that business is about relationships, impact and intention. Cedarville helped me fall in love with the world of business.”
Looking ahead, Westbrook hopes Temple Fitness continues to expand its reach, not simply as a clothing brand but as a platform that challenges fitness culture to consider purpose alongside performance.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
