In this energizing episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with online history instructor and newly certified personal trainer Phillip Campbell to talk about the vital role of health and fitness in homeschooling.

Phillip shares his personal transformation journey—from struggling with fatigue and poor bloodwork in his late 30s to becoming a certified trainer through the American Council on Exercise.

They discuss:

Why sedentary lifestyles are quietly damaging our kids’ health
How diet affects focus, mood, and academic performance
The importance of building muscle and bone density early
Practical, low-cost ways to implement cardio and strength training at home
How tracking fitness progress builds agency and self-esteem

If you’ve ever wondered how to integrate intentional physical training into your homeschool day, or how to help your teen build lifelong healthy habits, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement.

Thank You to Our Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Franciscan University of Steubenville.

At Franciscan University, students live the truth of the Gospel in a vibrant Catholic community that unites faith and reason in every major. Twenty percent of Franciscan students come from a homeschool background!

High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit online through Franciscan’s dual enrollment program.

Learn more at Franciscan.edu

Show Notes About Our Guest

Phillip Campbell is a longtime history instructor for Homeschool Connections and author of the popular Story of Civilization series from TAN Books. He holds a degree in European history from Ave Maria University and a degree in Secondary Education from Madonna University. Recently, Phillip completed the American Council on Exercise certification program and is now a certified personal trainer.

Resources Mentioned

Phillip’s HSC Author Page:
https://homeschoolconnections.com/author/?n=228687

Helping Teens Understand Real Nutrition:
https://homeschoolconnections.com/helping-teens-understand-real-nutrition/

Finding Happiness article: https://catholicexchange.com/happiness-is-close-at-hand-using-the-sermon-on-the-mount-as-an-antidote-to-anxiety/

More Health & Fitness Articles:
https://homeschoolconnections.com/category/physical-education-pe/

Phillip’s Website:
https://phillipcampbell.net/

Phillip’s Online Courses:
https://caravel.homeschoolconnections.com/catalog/table?tableFilters[instructors][value]=43

In This Episode, We Discuss

Phillip’s Personal Health Transformation