![]() Pietra Fitness has introduced a new dimension of healing. And here I am now with Pietra, a very natural and blessed progression on the continuum of this journey. I also became a leader in another beautiful Catholic fitness apostolate centered around the Rosary (of which I still am happily a part). My love of movement led me to begin again the study of the body and I was motivated to earn my personal training certification. Movement became synonymous with prayer time, offering the gift back to God the Father who, in turn, blessed me through the healing fruits of His creative design. My experience with fitness aided me, but adding a faith-based element amplified the healing potential beyond my expectations. My full story is written elsewhere, but an important element has been strengthening my body one little intentional movement at a time. ![]() I believe God allowed me to experience great suffering so that I might know Him more deeply and see how He has designed the world and my body to reflect His dignity and love. I was suffering from degenerative disease and, as I slowly lost function and strength, I grieved the loss of an active and fitness-loving lifestyle. The story of my healing from many years of debilitating illness includes a slow crawl out of physical atrophy and injury. I’ll revisit the yoga discussion in a moment, but first want to share how I went from skeptic to (future) instructor with Pietra. Pietra offers a Christ-centered option for both, plus a spiritual component which brings us closer to the Divine Healer. It is incorrect to say that we need yoga, but we do need options for managing stress and restoring function. In the medical and natural wellness worlds, yoga is recommended to patients at every level. Instead of a Christian label plastered over a yoga workout, the entire structure has been carefully and deliberately constructed for the good of body and soul. The program does not repackage yoga but reclaims what has been co-opted and distorted for a Christ-centered purpose. The physical exercises are designed to increase your flexibility, develop your muscle and core strength, and improve your posture and stability. ![]() Workouts enrich your body, mind, and soul so you can glorify God with your entire being and be refreshed and renewed for the work of your vocation. Pietra Fitness classes combine physical exercises with Christian prayer, Scripture, and meditation (mental prayer in the Catholic tradition). So if you are looking for a Catholic fitness program or are a Catholic fitness professional (or want to be) looking for a way to expand, you might want to stick around for the conversation! I don’t need yoga or want yoga and thank goodness Pietra isn’t yoga! I am going to talk about what Pietra Fitness IS and how I found myself here. So my openness to Pietra Fitness has been both intentional and careful. I’ve been heavily involved in occult spirituality in my past and I’ll have none of it now. “Christian yoga,” “Jesuit yoga,” “Catholic yoga”… I’ve seen all the yoga-with-a-Catholic-sticker-on-it programs out there and I wouldn’t enter in to any of them. Six months into my training I can say emphatically that it is not. I rejoice in both the good decision to undertake the adventure in the first place and the gift that the experience, program, and community have become.Ī friend recently asked me about my involvement: “Pietra… isn’t that some kind of Catholic yoga?” No. I recently hit the halfway mark in my studies to become a Certified Pietra Fitness instructor and have cause to celebrate.
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