Can Christians Do Yoga? With Michelle Tornetta

What if your body was never meant to be separated from your spiritual life?

In this deeply moving episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex sits down with Michelle Tornetta to explore a conversation many Christians have never had:How does God meet us through movement?

Together, they unpack:

• Why modern Christianity often disconnects the body from faith
• The hidden influence of Gnostic thinking in church culture
• How movement can deepen prayer, worship, joy, and emotional healing
• An honest conversation about yoga for Christians
• Why play, celebration, and embodiment matter spiritually
• Parenting a child with disabilities and learning to walk with God through grief
• How caregivers can care for themselves without guilt
• Rediscovering childlike faith through movement and creativity

Michelle also shares the powerful story of her daughter Abby—a miracle child whose life has shaped her understanding of joy, suffering, stewardship, and the goodness of God.This conversation is honest, hopeful, deeply embodied, and full of practical encouragement for anyone who feels disconnected—from their body, their joy, or even from God Himself.

⏱️ Timestamp Outline
00:00 – Intro: Movement, Faith & the Human Body
01:10 – Why Spiritual Life Isn’t “Just In Your Head”
04:00 – God Meets Us Through Movement0
5:30 – Elijah Running a Marathon After Mount Carmel
06:30 – Gnosticism and the Christian Body Problem
08:00 – Michelle’s Journey Into Faith + Fitness
10:00 – Yoga for Christians (Honest Discussion)
14:00 – Why Mindful Movement Matters Spiritually
18:30 – “Adulting” and Losing Childlike Faith
21:00 – Why Christians Need Play, Joy & Celebration
22:30 – Parenting a Child With Disabilities
25:00 – Abby’s Story: Stroke, Seizures & Miraculous Joy
31:00 – Every Christian Has a “Cup” to Carry
34:00 – Caregiver Burnout & Stewardship
36:30 – How Michelle Cares for Herself While Caring for Others
41:00 – Why Michelle Started Podcasting
44:00 – Doodle Prayer & Embodied Prayer Practices
48:00 – Why Children Understand Embodied Faith Naturally
50:00 – Final Encouragement to Listeners51:00 – Closing Prayer

🎯 Calls To Action
👉 Start your own journey toward embodied Christian stewardship with the
Faithful Fitness Devotional
 https://FaithfulFitnessDevo.com

👉 Join the Faithful Fitness community and train your body, mind, and spirit alongside believers pursuing Christ-centered health:
https://faithfulfitness.co
👉 Connect with Michelle Tornetta’s work, podcast, and resources:

https://breatheandbe.net/store
The Honeycomb Doodle Journals can also be purchased on Amazon: https://a.co/d/08vbEu5b
Simple Steps for the Whole You Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PL9Ml50AlxqcTMS1xq7wi?si=700eb8ac4bc34dcd

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-with-coach-alex-vanhouten--5150768/support.