What is Catholic Fitness?

Welcome! My name is Melody Lyons. I’m a certified personal trainer and certified instructor with Pietra Fitness and SoulCore.

As a wife, mother, and grandmother thriving under the challenge of chronic illness, I have found that healthy movement of the body contributes to healing in all areas of life. Catholic fitness is oriented toward the healing of the whole person—mind, body, and soul— without compromising any aspect of our Christian faith.

We often see ourselves as fractured people; the sum of broken parts, diagnosis, and symptoms. God sees us in our wholeness … and delights in us.

The only path to full healing is through the Designer who sees us in that wholeness and shepherds our restoration.

Let’s begin! You’ll find resources below that can assist you with your next steps into a truly integrated foundation in healing.

FIRST, A WORD ABOUT YOGA…

Although I respect your decision to move as you choose, I do not offer or encourage any form of yoga prayer or exercises. Yoga (even the American cultural “lite” version) is a form of Hindu bodily prayer and is, at its core, incompatible with the Christian life. You can read a good overview from a Catholic perspective HERE. Though I once practiced yoga for the physical benefits, I have found alternatives which provide even greater value for the whole person. Whatever loss I perceived from walking away from yoga, I have recovered a hundredfold from surrendering this area of my life to Christ. I invite you to think and pray about doing the same!

PIETRA FITNESS

Becoming the cathedral God created you to be begins with a solid foundation. By combining stretching and strengthening exercises with Christian prayer and mediation, Pietra Fitness workouts enrich your body, mind, and soul so you can glorify God with your entire being.

I offer Pietra Fitness classes locally and hope to expand soon to online options for my incredible virtual community. You can also access their online studio and start your 14-day trial at PietraFitness.com. If you are interested in exploring the possibility of becoming a Pietra Fitness instructor, you can inquire through their website … and let them know that Melody sent you!

SOULCORE

SoulCore is an apostolate that intentionally engages the whole person in the sacred experience of the rosary. Integrating the prayers of the rosary with core strengthening, stretching and functional movements to nourish body & soul and encourage deeper reflection on the virtues. A gentle path to grow in virtue and cultivate interior peace.

I offer SoulCore classes locally and hope to expand soon to online options. You can also access their online studio and start your 14-day trial at SoulCore.com. If you are interested in exploring the possibility of becoming a SoulCore leader, you can inquire through their website… and again, please let them know that I sent you!

CONTACT ME…

This page is a work in progress as a dust off my wings to get local initiatives in place. I will be moving my fitness information to a new website as soon as time and resources allow. I still have a houseful of amazing kids plus adult kids who (with their families) bless us frequently with their company. Because of my limited time, I’m not currently taking personal clients. I hope to add that service in the future. You can find the story of my recovery from chronic illness in my book The Sunshine Principle.

If you would like to inquire about local classes or are interested in having me offer a class or a workshop in your community, please reach out HERE.

May the peace and joy of Jesus Christ be with you always!

Melody