How Faith Transforms Your Fitness Journey: An Interview with Christian Fitness Coach Hannah Roy

In today’s culture, fitness is often seen as a means to achieve a certain body type, lose weight, or hit an aesthetic goal. But what if your health journey could be about something much greater? What if fitness could become an act of worship rather than just another box to check?

That’s exactly what Christian health and fitness coach Hannah Roy believes. In this conversation, Shaela Daugherty, host of the Simple Fitness Habits podcast, sits down with Hannah to talk about faith-based fitness, why shifting our motivation matters, and how we can honor God with our bodies.

Whether you’re just getting started with fitness, struggling with consistency, or looking for a deeper purpose in your health journey, this conversation will encourage and equip you!

Prefer to listen? Check it out here:

From Fast Food to Fitness Coach: Hannah’s Health Journey

Shaela: What made you start taking your health seriously? How did you get into fitness coaching?

Hannah: Growing up, I played basketball, but that was about the extent of my activity. I worked at Chick-fil-A and lived off Taco Bell three times a week. I wasn’t someone who cared about eating healthy at all!

But in 2020, everything changed. Hannah’s then-boyfriend (now husband) started working out regularly, and she decided to join him at the gym.

"At first, I thought it wasn’t going to be fun, but I ended up loving it. I realized I could actually get strong. I wasn’t just the ‘skinny girl’ anymore—I was capable."

However, like many women, Hannah initially fell into the trap of focusing on fitness for vanity rather than true health.

"I started chasing the ‘perfect’ body and developed unhealthy habits. I was eating less, working out obsessively, and feeling guilty when I didn’t train. My identity became all about how I looked."

Many women can relate to this struggle—treating fitness like a punishment rather than something that brings joy and strength.

But then, God used a single Bible verse to transform Hannah’s entire mindset about health.

Finding Purpose in Fitness Through Scripture

Hannah shares that she had committed to reading the Bible every morning, no matter how early she had to wake up for work. One morning, she read a verse that changed everything:

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31

"I realized in that moment—my fitness wasn’t for the glory of God. It was all about me. And I knew that had to change."

That shift didn’t just impact her personally—it completely changed her business, her coaching philosophy, and her calling.

"I had already been coaching, but I wasn’t really inviting God into my business. Once I fully surrendered my fitness journey to Him, everything shifted. I started coaching from a biblical perspective and helping women do the same."

She quickly saw how many Christian women wanted this too—a way to take care of their bodies that was rooted in faith, not just fitness trends.

Why Fitness is About Stewardship, Not Striving

Shaela: A lot of women struggle with motivation. How does faith help shift our mindset in fitness?

Hannah: When you’re working out for the wrong reasons, it never truly satisfies. But when you’re doing it unto the Lord, there’s so much joy in it. It’s not just about chasing a body image—it’s about obedience and stewardship.

Hannah believes that when we see fitness as a gift, it completely changes our approach:

• Instead of exercising out of guilt, we move out of gratitude.
• Instead of chasing the “perfect body,” we focus on honoring the body God gave us.
• Instead of feeling defeated when we miss a workout, we trust that our worth is in Christ.

"When you realize that taking care of your body helps you show up for your calling—whether that’s ministry, motherhood, or mission work—you start to see fitness differently. It’s not about achieving a number on the scale. It’s about having the energy and strength to do what God has called you to do."

This is something Shaela has also seen in her coaching:

"So many women get discouraged when they miss a workout or eat something ‘off-plan.’ But when you focus on fitness as a long-term journey of stewardship, not perfection, it becomes sustainable."

How to Create a Culture of Health in Your Home

As a pastor’s wife and fitness coach, Hannah is intentional about building a healthy lifestyle not just for herself but for her husband, their home, and their ministry.

Shaela: How do you and your husband make health a priority, even with a busy schedule?

Hannah: We know that if we want to be our best for ministry, we have to take care of our bodies. That means planning ahead. If we don’t schedule workouts and prepare meals, we’re way more likely to let it slide.

Here’s how Hannah and her husband prioritize health together:

• Meal Planning – “If you fail to plan, plan to fail. We make sure we have healthy meals ready, especially on busy ministry days.”
• Scheduling Workouts – “Even if we can’t train every day, we find ways to move—whether that’s gym sessions, walks, or even playing sports with the youth.”
• Making Movement Fun – “Our church does weekly pickleball nights, which has been an amazing way to build community and stay active!”

They even encourage their youth group to see health as a way to honor God, setting an example of strength, energy, and joy.

Why a Biblical Perspective on Fitness Matters

Shaela: Why do you believe it’s essential to build health and fitness from a biblical perspective?

Hannah: Because when you don’t, it’s exhausting. When fitness is all about worldly standards, it leaves you feeling empty. But when you invite God in, it becomes fulfilling.

She explains that fitness isn’t just physical—it’s a spiritual discipline:

• It deepens your trust in God. – “On days when I don’t feel like working out, I remember I’m doing this for the Lord, not for myself.”
• It helps you serve better. – “God has called me to be a disciple-maker. If I’m constantly tired or sick because I’m not taking care of myself, how can I show up well for the people He’s placed in my life?”
• It’s an act of worship. – “Every time we move, we can thank God for the breath in our lungs. What a blessing that we GET to move!"

Shaela adds:

"I always remind my clients—fitness is a get-to, not a have-to. It’s a privilege, not a punishment."

Final Thoughts: How to Start Your Faith-Based Fitness Journey

Hannah’s advice for women wanting to build a Christ-centered health routine:

✅ Shift your mindset – See fitness as a way to glorify God, not to meet unrealistic standards.
✅ Start small – Focus on one habit at a time (hydration, movement, protein, or sleep).
✅ Find a community – Surround yourself with faith-filled women who encourage and uplift you.

Ready to take the next step?

👉 Join My Free Christian Health & Fitness Community: Click Here

👉 Want a Step-by-Step Faith-Based Health Plan? Your Simple Health Blueprint is for you! Get It Here.

Let’s shift our mindset and move for God’s glory!