Karen Murdy

This story first appeared in the spring 2019 issue of the Arbor Light, the official magazine of Concordia University Ann Arbor.


The best way to catch up with Karen Sue (Hinz) Murdy is by walking alongside the blogger, writer, motivational coach, wife, and busy mom of four boys. No matter what’s on her packed calendar, she always makes time for the Lord, her family, and for exercise. Oftentimes, all at once. And she uses her gifts and training to help others keep God, relationships, and movement into their own daily lives.

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As a student at Concordia University Ann Arbor, Murdy took full advantage of the beautiful campus to walk out her stresses, a daily habit she learned from her parents growing up in Reese, Michigan.

“There are so many decisions to make as a college student, so I walked a lot when I was at Concordia,” says Murdy. “I prayed for guidance along the river bank and remember knowing a profound sense of peace during my time there.”

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Not all of Murdy’s movements on campus were solitary, however. She laughingly recalls leading her friends in aerobic-type exercises in the ballroom of the Manor. In between dance moves, they would talk about their favorite subject, the New Testament. She didn’t know it at the time, but her impromptu “Manor-obics” would be a precursor to an impressive career as a motivational speaker who gets people moving and fired up for our Savior.

The pastor’s daughter would go on to earn her degree in exercise physiology, start a cardiac rehabilitation program, marry an internal medicine physician who shares her passion for the Lord and healthy living, and design a multidisciplinary weight management program that would help people lose weight and shift priorities in their lives. Murdy’s enthusiastic personality and positive approach to Christian wellness have helped her to become a vivacious motivational speaker.

To learn more about Karen Sue Murdy, visit her blog at karensuemurdy.blogspot.com.

The spring 2019 Arbor Light hit mailboxes the beginning of May. View a PDF version of the magazine here. If you are not on our mailing list, but are interested in receiving a free copy, call 734-995-7317 or send us an email.

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