Midlife Fitness: Finding Joy in Movement, Strength & Health

Together We Pause Episode 15: "Midlife Fitness: Finding Joy in Movement, Strength & Health | Together We Pause Podcast"

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye and Helen explore their personal journeys with fitness — from the awkward days of PE at school to discovering new ways to enjoy movement in midlife. They reflect on how childhood experiences shaped their attitudes to exercise, how the reasons for working out shift over time, and why finding joy in movement is far more important than chasing calories. With plenty of honesty (and laughs), they talk about walking, paddle, gym workouts, and the importance of doing what feels good for your body.

Episode Highlights:

Early Experiences with Fitness:
Helen shares how being picked last in PE left her feeling disconnected from fitness, while Faye recalls the opposite — captaining school sports teams and thriving in competition.

Evolving Attitudes Toward Exercise:
Both hosts discuss how their relationship with fitness changed as they grew older, moving from exercise as punishment or weight control to exercising for health, joy, and mental wellbeing.

Discovering What Works in Midlife:
Faye talks about the challenge and fun of trying padel, while Helen celebrates walking as her go-to form of movement. They also reflect on why women in midlife should embrace strength training for bone density and long-term health.

Breaking the Rules of Fitness:
From club-style workouts with glow sticks to joining local walking groups, they highlight how fitness doesn’t have to look like traditional sport. The key is finding movement that feels good and works for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Do What You Love: Exercise doesn’t need to be punishment — find movement that genuinely makes you happy.
• Fitness in Midlife Matters: Strength training, walking, and joyful movement all play a role in maintaining health as our bodies change.
• Redefine Success: Forget being “good at sport” — success is moving in ways that work for your lifestyle and body.
• It’s Never Too Late: Whether it’s padel, pilates, or just a brisk walk, midlife is the perfect time to try something new.

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• Join the Conversation: Leave a review or comment — what’s your favourite way to move your body?