WHY to Fitness

Aaron O’Connell
  • 5.0 (16)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The WHY to Fitness podcast is dedicated to supporting Christians in achieving peace of mind and heart in all areas of life because every aspect of life affects our health and fitness.    Hosted by Aaron O'Connell, an IFBB Professional athlete actively pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies, the podcast's goal is to assist Christians in discovering their divine purpose while triumphing over spiritual, mental, and physical challenges related to their well-being.    At the core of this journey is the belief that God serves as the ultimate WHY, i.e., the ultimate driving force behind existence.   In this context, fitness is our ability to overcome the obstacles standing before the goal. It extends beyond exercise and nutrition to encompass relationships, mental health, finances, spiritual growth, and life experiences.   Tune in on a biweekly/weekly to access valuable insights, mindset strategies, theological discussions, interviews, and more to achieve success, which translates into attaining peace of mind and heart across every facet of life.  

  1. 12/18/2023

    The Unseen Boss: Aligning Spirituality and Career Success with Bridget Hom

    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. Support the show

    43 min

  2. 12/14/2023

    The Art of Embracing Falls

    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. Support the show

    18 min

  3. 12/11/2023

    The Divine Gift of Food: Honoring Your Body with Dara Hedrick

    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! Support the show

    1 hr

  4. 12/07/2023

    The Hidden Dangers of Lukewarmness on Your Health

    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. Support the show

    14 min

  5. 12/04/2023

    Sweating the Small Stuff with Heather Vecera

    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. Support the show

    47 min

  6. 11/30/2023

    Knowing is Not Enough

    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. Support the show

    20 min

  7. 11/27/2023

    Stewards of Creativity: A Discussion with Scott Barlass

    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. Support the show

    50 min

  8. 11/23/2023

    Thanksgiving, not Thankswanting

    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. Support the show

    17 min
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5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

The WHY to Fitness podcast is dedicated to supporting Christians in achieving peace of mind and heart in all areas of life because every aspect of life affects our health and fitness.    Hosted by Aaron O'Connell, an IFBB Professional athlete actively pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies, the podcast's goal is to assist Christians in discovering their divine purpose while triumphing over spiritual, mental, and physical challenges related to their well-being.    At the core of this journey is the belief that God serves as the ultimate WHY, i.e., the ultimate driving force behind existence.   In this context, fitness is our ability to overcome the obstacles standing before the goal. It extends beyond exercise and nutrition to encompass relationships, mental health, finances, spiritual growth, and life experiences.   Tune in on a biweekly/weekly to access valuable insights, mindset strategies, theological discussions, interviews, and more to achieve success, which translates into attaining peace of mind and heart across every facet of life.  

Information

  • Creator
    Aaron O’Connell
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 WHY to Fitness
  • Show Website
    WHY to Fitness