Episode 78

Have you ever wondered why you seem more prone to injuries as you navigate perimenopause or menopause? That twinge in your knee, the persistent ache in your shoulder, or the way your body feels stiffer during certain weeks might all be connected to your changing hormones.

As a 54-year-old competitive gymnast, I've had to rethink my entire approach to training after experiencing injuries that seemed to come out of nowhere. The truth is, they weren't random at all – they were perfectly predictable based on my hormonal fluctuations. When estrogen rises during the first half of your menstrual cycle, it boosts collagen production, giving your tendons and ligaments more elasticity and resilience. Think of them like fresh, stretchy elastic bands that can extend and snap back easily. But after ovulation, when hormones begin to drop, those same tissues become more vulnerable – like old elastic bands sitting in a drawer that snap when stretched too far.

This episode unpacks exactly how to work with these changes rather than against them. You'll learn how to time high-intensity workouts for when your body has natural hormonal protection, how to recognize your personal warning signs of increased injury risk, and specific nutrition and supplement strategies that can support your joints when your hormones no longer do. I'll share practical tips for adapting your warm-up routine, why strength training becomes even more crucial during this life stage, and recovery practices that help keep your body resilient.

Whether you're still experiencing regular cycles, navigating the unpredictable patterns of perimenopause, or adjusting to the consistently lower hormone levels of menopause, you can create a training approach that honors your body's current needs. This isn't about slowing down or giving up the activities you love – it's about getting wiser about how you pursue them. Join me to discover how tracking your symptoms, listening to your body's signals, and making strategic adjustments can help you stay active and injury-free for decades to come. Have you noticed changes in how your body responds to exercise? Share your experience in our Far Too Fabulous Facebook group!

Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!

Thank you for listening.

You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.

For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 77

Could Listening to Your Body Be the Ultimate Midlife Hack?

Have you ever felt like your body is trying to tell you something important, but you can't quite understand the message? You're not alone.

After 40, our bodies begin communicating in new and sometimes confusing ways. What's fascinating is that we've been culturally conditioned to ignore these signals – dismissing our intuition as "woo" or "too alternative" when it's actually millions of pieces of information being processed by our subconscious every second.

In this eye-opening episode, we explore the fascinating disconnect between our growing confidence as we age and the physical changes that often leave us feeling betrayed by our bodies. That unexpected weight gain? Those strange energy fluctuations? The occasional brain fog? These aren't random malfunctions – they're sophisticated communications from a body that's navigating significant hormonal shifts.

We dive deep into why strength training becomes non-negotiable after 40 (and why it makes you feel like a "badass"), how stress undermines even your best health efforts, and why supporting your gut and liver function becomes increasingly crucial during perimenopause. Plus, we share practical strategies for reconnecting with your body's wisdom without feeling overwhelmed.

Perhaps most importantly, we challenge the cultural narrative that aging means decline. The truth? Your body isn't broken – it's adapting. And when you learn to listen to what it's telling you, you unlock a level of wellbeing that no Google search or quick-fix solution can provide.

Whether you're approaching 40, firmly in your middle years, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on working with your body rather than fighting against it. Ready to trust yourself again? This episode is your invitation to reconnect with your most reliable health advisor – your own intuition.

Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!

Thank you for listening.

You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.

For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 76

Ever wonder why you're stuck in your weight loss journey despite seemingly doing everything right? The answer may lie deeper than your diet and exercise routine.

In this eye-opening episode, Julie and Catherine explore the powerful connection between mindset and weight management, particularly for women over 40. When hormonal changes make traditional weight loss methods less effective, addressing psychological barriers becomes essential for progress.

We dive into why the term "weight loss" itself works against us. Your brilliant subconscious, which runs 96-98% of your bodily functions, actively resists losing things it believes you need. This creates an internal conflict that no amount of willpower can overcome. For many women, extra weight serves as protection from past trauma or negative experiences – a fascinating "second gain" your body provides despite consciously wanting to be slimmer.

Your self-talk matters tremendously. Since your subconscious doesn't recognize negatives, saying "I can't lose weight" only registers as "weight" in your mind. We share practical techniques to identify and release emotional blocks without reliving painful experiences, including powerful questions that reveal surprising insights about what's really holding you back.

Most importantly, we remind you that you're so much more than numbers on a scale or clothing tags. You're the sum of your experiences, relationships, and contributions – a perspective that transforms your relationship with your body and creates space for genuine, lasting change.

Ready to understand why your body might be protecting rather than betraying you? This conversation will shift your approach to weight management by working with your subconscious rather than fighting against it.

Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!

Thank you for listening.

You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.

For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.