7. Embracing Freedom in Faith-Based Fitness: An Interview with Jess Kohlman, CPT

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Today I’m thrilled to introduce you to a special guest, Jess Kohlman. Jess is a personal trainer, wife, and mom of two, who runs her business, Faithfully Fit Motherhood, entirely online. Jess and I connected back in 2020, and she has been a bright light in the faith-based fitness community ever since.

In this episode, Jess shares her journey from struggling with restrictive diets and poor body image to finding true health through strength training, faith, and a holistic approach to fitness. She’s passionate about helping women break free from the chains of diet culture and embrace a healthy, balanced lifestyle that honors God.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Jess's Journey to True Health:
  Jess opens up about her early struggles with diet culture and how becoming a mother and earning her personal training certification led her to a healthier, more sustainable approach to fitness. Learn how she shifted her focus from calorie restriction to building strength and mental health through faith-based fitness.

• Creating a Culture of Health at Home:
  As a mom of two young boys, Jess shares practical tips on how she models a healthy lifestyle for her family. From balanced nutrition to spiritual health, Jess emphasizes the importance of leading by example and fostering a positive relationship with food and fitness for her children.

• The Role of Faith in Fitness:
  Jess explains why integrating faith into her fitness journey has been a game-changer. Discover how a biblical perspective on health and wellness helps her and her clients avoid the pitfalls of perfectionism and instead find freedom in a faith-based approach to fitness.

• Overcoming Diet Culture and Embracing Freedom:
  We dive into the damaging messages of diet culture and how Jess helps her clients break free from these harmful mindsets. By focusing on habits, education, and the unique needs of each individual, Jess empowers women to enjoy their health journey rather than dread it.

• Practical Steps for a Healthy Lifestyle:
  Jess shares her holistic approach to health, which includes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Learn how she helps her clients build sustainable habits and appreciate the journey of becoming stronger and healthier, all while staying true to their faith.

• The Joy of Helping Others:
  Hear Jess’s favorite part of being a personal trainer—watching her clients break free from the need for perfection and find joy in their fitness journey. She loves seeing the transformation in her clients as they grow in confidence and embrace exercise and prayer as gifts rather than obligations.

Final Takeaway: Jess’s story is a powerful reminder that our health journey is not just about physical fitness but also about spiritual and mental well-being. By keeping faith at the center, we can break free from the chains of diet culture and enjoy the process of becoming healthier, both physically and spiritually. Jess’s holistic approach to fitness is all about finding balance, building sustainable habits, and honoring the bodies God has given us.

Resources: Connect with Jess on Instagram at Faithfully Fit Motherhood for more faith-based fitness inspiration and practical tips. You can also explore her programs and resources designed to help you achieve your health goals without diets or restrictions.

Connect with Me: If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Follow me on Instagram at @sdfitwell and let’s keep the conversation going. I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode and how you’re integrating faith into your fitness journey.

Follower her on Instagram: @jess.kohlman

Check out her podcast: Faithfully Fit Motherhood Podcast

If we aren’t already friends on Instagram head over to @sdfitwell and send me a message, I’d love to chat!