Praise Perspective: Nafsika Zacharakis on Intertwining Movement, Music & Ministry

Image courtesy of Nafsika Zacharakis

For Nafsika Zacharakis, faith powers every turn of the pedals. As a cycling instructor and entrepreneur, she’s pioneering a new way to worship—one that blends heart-pounding workouts with soul-deep encounters with God. Welcome to Praise Pedal: a bold, Spirit-led space Nafsika created where movement, music, and ministry come together.

In this edition of Praise Perspective, Nafsika shares how Praise Pedal was born out of obedience—and how God is moving through music, motion, and a room full of believers on bikes.

Q: Praise Pedal is such a creative blend of worship and fitness—how did the vision first come to life?

“I’ve been a cycling instructor for over 7 years. I immediately fell in love with the music, choreography and empowerment that was felt during and after a class but shortly after becoming a Christian, the Lord started convicting me about music and I was conflicted. I wasn’t sure how to bring my love for cycling into a space that was so full of lust, idolatry and comparison.

That’s when I heard so clearly from the Lord, “you’re going to teach cycling classes for me.” I was confused by that word and ignored it for months. But finally, I knew I needed to be obedient so I hosted the first Praise Pedal class in September of 2024.

Being able to glorify God with our bodies and praise Him with our mouths while we workout has been transformational. And doing it all for His Glory is extremely fulfilling.”

Q: What do you hope people walk away with—spiritually and physically—after a class? How have you seen God move?

“I pray people walk away realizing that they can bring God into everything they do.

I pray they realize worshipping isn’t just for Sundays at church. I pray that these classes deepen their faith, their prayer life and their worship. That they continue to worship unapologetically and feel safe and surrounded by a community of like-minded believers.

I’ve seen God speak to the students on the bikes. I’ve seen breakthroughs, discernment revelations and words from God the students have been asking and seeking. Something happens when we get out of our heads and into our bodies. Something happens when the endorphins are flowing and the music is loud. There’s a beautiful surrender and openness that allows the Holy Spirit to flood in.”

Through every faith-fueled move, Nafsika is helping believers pedal forward in faith—and that’s the kind of praise movement we’re here for.

Follow Nafsika and the Praise Pedal movement

You can find Nafsika on Instagram @nafsikaofficial_ and @praisepedal to learn more about Praise Pedal and how it’s encouraging believers.

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