similarities to devout followers of religion.

Many of these people spend lots of money on their gym outfits which is comparable to your “Sunday best.”

Many of these people live according to strict fitness diet standards which is comparable to the word of wisdom and also the mandates of Catholicism, 7th day Adventism, Islam, Judaism etc…

Many of these people refuse to miss a day at the gym like those who refuse to miss a day of church.

All sorts of similarities.