Ep. 30 - Transform Your Body and Soul: How Faith-Based Fitness Can Boost Mental Health with Coach Matthew Gay, Founder of Fit Church United

The Holistic Counselor

Welcome to The Holistic Counselor Podcast! In today’s episode, Diana sits down with Matthew Gay, the inspiring founder of FIT Church, to discuss how integrating faith and fitness can transform not just your physical body, but also your mental and spiritual health. They dive into Matthew’s journey of overcoming self-doubt, poor health, and a near-fatal car accident, and how Jesus sparked the transformation that led him to become a fitness coach. With compassion and a Christ-centered approach, Matthew is on a mission to help believers bridge the gap between following Christ and living a healthy life.

Key Quotes:

• Matthew Gay: “Give me everything that you have to offer, and I will make more of it than you ever could.”

• Diana S. Rice: “We’re supposed to be warriors, not worriers, and our physical body is a part of that battle, nurtured by everything God has provided on this earth for our health.”

Topics Covered:

• Matthew’s August 10th viral Instagram reel calling out the unhealthy food culture in churches and his message that “The church is like a hospital, and we’re supposed to be helping people get better in every way.”

• The overlooked sin of gluttony in churches and the importance of addressing health and wellness within the faith community.

• Matthew’s personal story of struggling with self-esteem, surviving a car accident, and finding his calling in fitness through faith.

• How resistance in physical fitness mirrors spiritual growth and builds resilience in both body and soul.

• Practical tips for incorporating faith into your fitness journey and the mental health benefits of physical activity.

• The role of mindset and resilience in achieving long-term health goals.

• Addressing mental health struggles from a spiritual perspective and how fitness can support emotional and psychological well-being.

Resources Mentioned:

• Matthew Gay’s FIT Church Book: FIT Church Book – A must-read for anyone looking to bridge the gap between following Christ and living a healthy life.

• FIT for Heaven Program: A 12-week program designed for church groups, focusing on both body and spiritual well-being. For more information, check out FIT for Heaven Program.

• Books Recommended by Matthew:

• Knowing God by J.I. Packer

• Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

• Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper

• Song Mentioned: Fishes and Loaves by Josiah Queen, inspired by the biblical story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.

Connect with Matthew Gay:

• Instagram: @fitchurchunlimited

• Website: FIT Church Unlimited

Final Takeaway:

Matthew’s message is clear: Give God everything you have, and He will make more of it than you ever could. Whether you’re struggling with your health, mental wellness, or spiritual growth, Matthew encourages you to rely on God’s strength and embrace the transformation that comes with His guidance.

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Holistic Counselor Podcast for more encouraging and transformational episodes! If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a review and share it with your community.

Stay Connected with Diana:

• Website: Through the Valley Therapy

• Email: [e-mail]

• Instagram: @throughthevalleytherapy