WHY to Fitness

Picture this: you're facing challenges, yet you start a coaching business during a pandemic and find remarkable success. That's the story of our special guest, Bridget Hom, owner of Bridge to Freedom Coaching, who discovered the power of viewing God as her employer. Bridget's transformative perspective shift isn't just a personal revelation, but a concept that can revolutionize your mindset, expectations, and outcomes in both life and business. 

Taking the bold step to make God your employer opens up a world of possibilities that surpasses anything you could do on your own. We dig into our personal experiences, exploring the pivotal changes this perspective has brought to our lives, and how to align your spiritual and professional life seamlessly. But, the road to success isn't just about having heavenly HR; it involves maintaining integrity and excellence in your work too. From practical tips like tithing to creating action plans, we share insights on keeping God at the center of your work life.

Now, imagine a community of like-minded individuals supporting your journey and mentors guiding your path. Sounds inspiring, right? We touch on the significance of these relationships, and Bridget shares on self-awareness, self-direction, and manifestation in achieving success. And let's not forget the power of empowering others with value and encouragement. So, buckle up for this engaging conversation, and get ready to pursue positive change and glorify God in every aspect of your life.

Join us as we take a deep, meaningful look at the concept of falling and the power of rising above it all! We guarantee you that this candid discussion will provide you with a new perspective about falling short of perfection and embracing it instead. We delve into how our failures and falls can be a wellspring of opportunities for growth. We share how, with faith and God’s grace, we can turn them into a redemption story, rising above our shortcomings and failures.

In this episode, we also get personal, sharing our own experiences about facing setbacks and getting back on our feet in our spiritual, health, and fitness journeys. Discover how falling is pivotal for our learning and growth and how to reintegrate when we deviate from our plans. Learn how to view your falls not as failures but as chances for growth and improvement. Together, let's discuss the beauty of falling, the strength in rising, and the grace of God that carries us through it all. Come with us on this enlightening journey, and remember: do not allow setbacks to dishearten you, instead rise above them with the aid of God's grace.

How often do we think of food as more than just sustenance or a tool for weight loss? Embrace the opportunity to reimagine your relationship with food as we converse with the brilliant Dara Hedrick. Unravel her intriguing journey from a public school teacher to running a successful meal prep business - Dish Bliss Kitchen. Explore the power of food as a means to serve others, and how it plays a pivotal role in nurturing not just our physical but also our spiritual health. 

Imagine a scenario where your diet choices aren't driven by fear-based weight loss goals but are about honoring your body as a divine gift. We gear towards this holistic approach as we dive into the long-term effects of diet choices, particularly the perils of fad diets. Dara shares her wisdom on the importance of consistency and discipline, the significance of variety in meals, and the difference between choosing merely "healthy" foods over truly nutritious ones. We also address the delicate connection between food and emotions and the indispensability of addressing underlying emotional and psychological issues. 

As we proceed, we highlight the importance of body and spiritual alignment. We delve into how being physically out of shape or struggling with health issues may mirror a spiritual imbalance. We weigh in on the root causes of disordered eating and the need for self-control through emotions. The conversation wraps up with encouragement for those struggling to start their healthy eating journey and a fresh perspective on viewing food as a crucial aspect of overall well-being. So gear up for an enlightening discussion that promises to redefine your approach to food and well-being. Don't forget to tune in!

Have you ever thought about the real implications of being a lukewarm Christian? We're not just talking about missing a few church services or not participating in Bible study. Today, we delve deeply into the concept of spiritual lukewarmness as described in Revelations 3.15-16. We dissect this idea that goes beyond the mere act of disengaging from church activities but spotlights the detachment from Christ's teachings. We discuss how this lukewarmness can subtly infiltrate our lives - be it through neglected prayer or a heavier reliance on self than on God - and the dire consequences it can have, like causing others to stumble in their own faith.

But, we're not stopping there. The struggle with lukewarmness isn't just spiritual - it extends to our physical health too. Many of us wrestle with concerns about our physical well-being and its impact on our mental and emotional health. We encourage you today to break free from lukewarmness in all aspects of life, to treat your body as a temple and live a life inspired by Jesus. Let's face this challenge together as we provide support and guidance to those battling lukewarmness, inspiring them to offer their bodies as living sacrifices to God. Join us today, and let's face the danger of lukewarm faith head on.

Don't miss our power-packed episode as we explore the realm of faith, health, and relationships with Heather Vecera, founder of Without Walls Revival Ministries. We unpack the profound impact of seemingly small things in life and how they can shape your faith, health, and overall well-being. We delve into the concept of "sweating the small stuff," discussing how being mindful of our thoughts, beliefs, and actions can trigger significant shifts in our lives.

Life is a series of choices and in every moment, we get to choose between life and death. Our conversation navigates this concept, focusing on choosing life in every small decision we make and the subsequent power of healing and intimacy with God for personal growth and fulfillment. The discussion also includes the importance of taking care of our bodies as Christians and the biblical principle of being faithful with little, to be trusted with much. 

Finally, we take you through the importance of community, forgiveness, and authenticity in your life and how competition and comparison can hamper our relationships. The conversation culminates with the exploration of the transformative power of having an intimate relationship with God and its impact on our lives and those around us. Heather shares personal experiences, offering insights about God's presence in her life and providing encouragement for you in your faith journey. Buckle up for this enriching journey that promises to bring about a positive change in your life.

Are we adequately applying our knowledge or merely collecting it? Join me, Aaron O'Connell, as we dive deep into the paradox of our abundant access to information and yet, our struggle with its appropriate usage. We pull in threads from age-old biblical stories of Adam and Eve, King Solomon, and the Israelites, emphasizing that the true power of knowledge lies not in its possession, but in its application. We explore the pivotal role of wisdom and action in truly embracing life's responsibilities.

Moving from the abstract to the concrete, we examine the realm of health and fitness. You'll learn how to not just obtain knowledge about well-being, but make it an integral part of who you are. We'll talk about the crucial role of a supportive community and professional guidance while holding ourselves accountable. Remember, knowledge isn't just power; it is a responsibility. So, let's ensure we don't merely become repositories of information. Let's transform knowledge into action, building the resilience and confidence we need to overcome life's challenges. Let's embark on this journey of wisdom, action, and transformation together.

Imagine experiencing creativity from a spiritual perspective, as a divine gift from God. Join us as we engage with serial entrepreneur, Scott Barlass, who enlightens us about the intrinsic harmony between creativity, entrepreneurship, and Christianity. Together, we journey through the foundations of creativity as a divine endowment, underlining our role as stewards of God's creation. Scott's experience in developing IdeaBase, a software fostering innovative thinking, brings a refreshing perspective to the table.

We grapple with the fear of judgment that often intimidates us from sharing our ideas. As we delve into the role of personality in fostering this fear, we discover the importance of providing everyone the opportunity to express their ideas. The discussion unfolds into the realms of diversity and uniqueness within the Christian community, mirroring the body of Christ, where varied skills and gifts coalesce to create something extraordinary.

Venturing into Christian entrepreneurship, we highlight how it can be harnessed to serve others and build God's kingdom. As we discuss overcoming the fear of failure and the courage to take business risks, Scott shares his inspiring faith journey and the role of consulting in spurring innovation. The conversation culminates in a beautiful prayer for Scott's ministry, leaving us with a sense of inspiration, encouragement, and empowerment. This episode is a treasure chest for Christian entrepreneurs and creatives seeking divine inspiration.

What if the key to achieving your fitness goals was simply expressing Thanksgiving? Today, we are shifting the spotlight away from our relentless quest for more and instead, focusing on the power of thanksgiving. We'll explore the biblical perspective on thanksgiving, reminding you that being thankful for your body and health is the first stride towards fitness success. Together, we'll examine and unravel the 'never enough' mentality that is often prevalent in our health journeys and start celebrating the goodness we already possess. 

Are you ready to make the most out of your health and fitness journey through an attitude of thanksgiving? Seasoned with intriguing insights, our conversation also delves into the positive impact of a thankful mindset on mental health, and how it can diminish anxiety, depression, and stress. We'll guide you through practical ways to foster thanksgiving and how to serve God with our bodies by giving back to others. Let's step into a space of thanksgiving and, together, embrace the peace and fulfillment that comes with being grateful for our bodies, our health, and the opportunities we have. Tune in, and let's cultivate an attitude of Thanksgiving, not just for the season, but for a lifetime.

What if church meets fitness? In a world where physical well-being takes precedence, how can spiritual health complement this journey? Listen in as Logan Poirier, founder and executive director of Eleventh Element, spins an intriguing tale on how he transitioned from a church pastor to a CrossFit coach, and eventually merged both worlds in a transformative way.

Logan shares how his passion for both fitness and ministry helped him create Eleventh Element, a unique organization dedicated to not only promoting a healthy lifestyle physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. We delve into what makes Eleventh Element an unconventional 'church', with community nights, baptisms, and the gospel being propagated within fitness gyms. Logan also shares exclusive insights on the challenges faced while sharing the gospel in a fitness setting, and how Eleventh Element is revamping this, one workout at a time. 

In our chat, Logan also emphasizes the importance of integrity within the fitness community. He talks passionately about how Eleventh Element prioritizes accountability and accuracy in their group workouts. We also discuss how finding the right instructors is key to fostering an environment that lives out faith authentically. The episode concludes with Portier sharing his visions for the growth of Eleventh Element and how it plans to impact more lives. So tune in to discover how faith and fitness can intersect in life-changing ways, and how you can be a part of this journey too.

Imagine waking up every morning with renewed purpose and dedication to living a life that honors God. In this faith-filled episode of the WHY to Fitness Podcast, I, your host Aaron O'Connell, am thrilled to guide you through ten practical steps to transform your life into a living sacrifice for God, starting with dedicating your daily decisions to Him. We'll explore everyday practices, including healthy eating habits and how good sleep hygiene impacts your ability to serve God and others. Discover the significance of being intentional about our health and fitness and learn how serving others and pursuing holiness can offer our bodies a living testament to our faith.

As we journey, we'll delve into the power of being a living witness for Christ through our actions and words. We'll investigate how standing up for what is right can profoundly impact and reflect Christ's love and grace. You'll gain insights into the transformative power of scripture in guiding our decisions and actions and the unifying strength found in worship and fellowship with other believers. This episode is not just about spiritual health; it's about an ongoing conversation with God through prayer and living a life dedicated to worshipping Him in every aspect. So, join me, and let's embark on this journey together to live a life that truly honors God.

Imagine starting ministry at the tender age of 14 and it turns into a full-on ministry in the heart of your school and neighborhood. Sounds like a daunting task, right? That's exactly what Guery Ulysse, the founder of Young In Faith, did and continues to do. As we sat down with him, he unpacked his inspirational journey, right from his humble beginnings to the creation of a vibrant organization that empowers today's youth and students. He revealed the crucial role his mentors played, their belief in him led him to discover a passion that he himself was initially oblivious of – a passion for impacting schools and lost students. 

Navigating through the challenging yet rewarding terrains of faith-based leadership, Guery shared his struggles when dealing with adversity, especially when on the precipice of significant breakthroughs. His resilience, unwavering faith, and an enlightening perspective on how persisting through these moments allows God's truth to wash over you, offered much-needed strength and insights. Speaking from the perspective of being a spiritual soldier, he emphasized that even Jesus faced hate and false accusations. As followers, we need to be ready to tread the same path, armored by our faith. 

On a more relatable note, Guery shed light on the importance of contextualizing the Bible in a way that resonates with every generation. The key, he believes, is to offer a fresh perspective on an ancient text, making it digestible and relatable. We wrapped up with an encouraging note from Guery, urging listeners to persist no matter how hard life gets and to discover joy in Jesus every single day. Don't miss this inspiring discussion, as it promises to fan a spark of hope and faith in your hearts.

What if the obsession with physical perfection contradicts your spiritual beliefs? Listen in to a thought-provoking conversation with Aaron of WHY to Fitness as we navigate the rocky terrain of pride and how it can derail your fitness journey. We shine a light on the often-overlooked dangers of excessive focus on fitness, including body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and mental health issues. Drawing from the biblical tale of Nebuchadnezzar, we underscore the perils of arrogance and the need for humility in our approach to fitness.

Join us as we redefine fitness goals through the lens of faith, challenging conventional wisdom and questioning the motives behind our relentless pursuit of physical perfection. Aaron, with his blend of pastoral counseling and fitness coaching, imparts invaluable insights into achieving a balance between spiritual, mental, and physical health. Listen in to this engaging episode as we pave the way towards a fitness routine that prioritizes glorifying God over fueling vanity.

Join me as I sit down with Nathan Alpert, the dynamic president of YUGO Ministries, who is making a tangible difference in Ensenada, Mexico. Our heartfelt conversation centers around the ministry's fusion of an outward-focused mission trip with an inward-focused Christian conference. Together, we reflect on the power of collective prayer, the beauty of community support, and the life-changing experience my daughter had on her 7th birthday mission trip to Mexico. Nathan also shares stirring tales from the back alleys of YUGO Ministries, offering a window into the impactful work they do on the ground.

Have you ever pondered the intricacies of 'Bringing the Kingdom Down to Earth'? Nathan and I unravel this profound concept, walking through Jesus's mission of establishing a unique, eternal kingdom and our role as conduits of divine love and peace. Let's explore an interesting parallel between a pizza box and our purpose as vessels of God's kingdom. We also examine the importance of spiritual wellness through love and service and the grace that covers us when we falter.

In the latter part of our conversation, Nathan shares enlightening insights on the perceptions of Mexico and conservative Christianity. He emphasizes the significance of leading with love before truth-telling, drawing from Jesus's ministry as a guide. He paints a portrait of the warmth and welcoming spirit of the Mexican people, challenging the media-driven narratives of hostility. As we wrap up, we invite you to join us in a prayer of gratitude for the work of YUGO Ministries and Journey Church. We hope this episode ignites a spark in you to engage, understand, and take action.

Are you tired of living in a bubble, meticulously sanitizing every surface, and fearing the rise of superbugs due to the overuse of anti-germ products? Well, brace yourself for a paradigm shift as we challenge the conventional wisdom of germ theory and explore the fascinating terrain theory. We unravel the unintended consequences of the pharmaceutical industry's alignment with germ theory, including the proliferation of superbugs and surge of chronic conditions. From the history of germ theory to intriguing studies on the whooping cough vaccine, we spare no detail in this riveting exploration. 

But that's only the beginning. We also spotlight the potency of proper nutrition and the role of salt, protein, and micronutrients in our bodies. We caution about the pitfalls of using medications as a band-aid solution rather than tackling the root cause of health issues. Drawing strength from faith, we highlight the power of trust in God's plan for our health and well-being. Ultimately, we're advocating for a proactive approach to health, one that encourages personal responsibility rather than reliance on doctors. We dare you to tackle germs head-on and embrace their role in boosting our health, rather than cowering in fear and avoidance. This is a call to action, a challenge to flip the script on health and wellness. Will you answer the call?

This episode is a testament to the power of faith in entrepreneurship. Today, we welcome Colt King, a successful entrepreneur who bravely shares his transformative journey. He ventured to South Florida at the vulnerable age of 18 with nothing but the desire to build a life for himself. Colt's story is one of resilience, breaking societal norms, and discovering the power of entrepreneurship.

Colt's journey is not just about achieving success. It's about understanding God's love, dealing with misconceptions surrounding wealth in Christianity, and fighting against the deceptive tactics of Satan. This is a story of personal transformation and healing through surrendering to God. Colt’s journey weaves together faith, fitness, and business. It’s about living righteously, maintaining humility in the face of material success, and handling criticism and judgment from others. 

The conversation doesn’t stop at Colt’s personal transformation. We also explore how faith, fitness, and entrepreneurship intersect. We discuss the concept of tithing, using money as a tool for good, and setting priorities as an entrepreneur. Join us as we explore these fascinating themes, reflect on the power of faith, and learn how to serve God’s Kingdom through our everyday work.

Join us as we unveil the blessings promised to those who venture into the study of Revelation. Along the way, we'll marvel at how Jesus fulfilled more than 324 of the known 1800 prophecies found in the Bible. At the heart of this journey is an assurance that, despite the world's trajectory, God is victorious, Christ is triumphant, and righteousness is inevitable.

In the second part of our discussion, we confront the rapture's timing head-on, sifting through evidence in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 7:21, and Revelation 12:6. As we ponder the enigma of Christ's Second Coming and the role of the rapture, we'll share the comforting notion of Jesus preparing a heavenly place for us. Moreover, we will expose the church's divine protection from God's wrath. Rounding off this enlightening discourse, we dive into the concept of the Millennium and the eternal state, exploring its implications for believers and non-believers alike. We conclude with a hopeful vision of the new earth and heaven, where believers will reign with Jesus for eternity.

When you hear the words faith, fatherhood, and mixed martial arts, you might not be quick to connect them. Yet, our guest, Jason Eastman, intertwines these elements in a profoundly meaningful way. A fighter and a father, Jason takes us through a captivating journey of how faith is not only a cornerstone in his life but also a pillar of strength in the demanding sport of MMA and his role as a father.

Jason's exploration of faith and fighting provides a refreshing take on how MMA is not a violation but a pure form of expression between athletes. He shares his personal story of overcoming challenges with self-control, revealing the transformative power faith holds. With raw honesty, Jason recounts his fight for his daughter's rights, illuminating the emotional terrain of fatherhood.

We delve deep into the impact of parental values, faith, and the legacy we leave behind. Jason opens up about his father's influence, including the faith-driven gesture of moving his mother out of an abusive situation. The conversation shifts to the importance of instilling values in children, nurturing trust in God's guidance, and creating a lasting legacy. We also discuss the power of community, accountability, and how God works in spite of us. Tune in for an enriching discussion with Jason Eastman – a father, a fighter, and a man of faith.

What if the key to achieving your fitness goals isn’t more time at the gym but less stress in your life? Welcome to our enlightening conversation about the surprising effects of stress on our fitness journeys. We challenge you to rethink the role of stress in your life and its effect on your emotions, physical health, and behaviors. Join us as we delve into how transforming our minds, instead of simply following worldly patterns, can lead to a healthier, happier existence.

Imagine a world where your workouts are not a source of additional stress but a path to overall peace. It may sound counterintuitive, but we’re here to challenge the norm. We shed light on the downsides of stress-induced workouts and the destructive pursuit of material things. We draw on the wisdom of Matthew 6:21-34, encouraging a shift in focus from worldly concerns to God’s guidance. This spiritual perspective offers a refreshing take on fitness, inviting you to invest in the treasures of God rather than the fleeting rewards of physical achievement.

Now, let’s demystify the strategies to de-stress and find peace. Drawing inspiration from the Mayo Clinic’s advice, we explore prayer, gratitude, and the pursuit of a higher purpose. We’ll unpack the story of Martha and Mary from Luke 10, emphasizing the importance of spending time with God over being consumed by worldly tasks. We provide practical steps to replace stress patterns with healthier ones and to seek divine healing. Tune in to redefine your fitness journey and discover a path to peace beyond the gym.

Ever felt caught in the whirlwind of societal pressures, idolizing the 'perfect' body and using food as a crutch? Our guest today, Kailyn España, takes us on the rollercoaster ride of her journey with eating disorders and body-image issues. A compelling tale that spans from her initial love for sports transforming into an unhealthy obsession with exercise, to her stepping into the world of health counseling and fitness, Kaelin's story is a must-listen for anyone battling similar demons. 

Unmasking the often hidden, uncomfortable topic of eating disorders, Kailyn shares her personal experiences and enlightens us with the wisdom she's gained in her journey. We explore the dangers of food worship and the harmful effects of comparison, societal pressure, and unhealthy patterns. Kailyn opened up about her journey through different diets and how she sought control through food. Through her narrative, we investigate how generational trauma, societal pressure, and misconceptions around nutrition can impact our mental and physical health. 

As we wrap up this enlightening episode, we dive deeper into the importance of community, faith, and functional fitness in overcoming struggles with eating disorders. Discover how Kailyn found solace in the power of Jesus and how He stood as her rock during times of hardship. Get ready to be inspired by the wisdom she shares on living God's will and how counseling, community, and faith can play a crucial role in healing. This episode is not just Kaelin's personal narrative; it's a beacon of hope for those grappling with similar issues, offering insights and practical advice on how to regain control of their lives. 

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Do you ever wonder why progress seems elusive despite your best efforts to lose those extra pounds? We're exploring the less discussed issues of self-sabotage and excuses that could derail your weight-loss journey on this episode of the WHY to Fitness Podcast. Join your host, Aaron O'Connell, as he nimbly navigates the complexities of the physical and psychological factors hindering your progress. Aaron unearths the profound insights on human emotional needs as expounded by Tony Robbins and explains how these could subtly influence our actions and decisions.

Certainty can be a critical ally in the quest for successful weight loss. Aaron illuminates how having a definitive plan, confidence in your ability to execute it, and a deep understanding of the reasons behind your fitness journey can profoundly impact your success rate. Tune in as he takes a spiritual turn, advocating for a fitness journey connected to God for an additional layer of motivation and focus. Taking inspiration from billionaire HL Hunt, Aaron breaks down the three key components that spell success and how these can be harnessed for your weight loss journey. For those struggling with weight loss, this episode is a treasure trove of enlightening insights designed to help overcome self-sabotage and maintain unwavering consistency.