The Truth About Exercise, Fatigue and Menopause - Episode 29
🎙️ Episode 29: In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation with Christien Bird, a women’s health physiotherapist and menopause expert. This interview took place at Therapy Expo last November – before the podcast existed – but the insights were too useful not to bring to you now.
What We Cover:
Christien and I discuss why menopause creates significant barriers to exercise, particularly strength training. We talk about that “bone-crushing fatigue” that so many women experience, concerns about pelvic floor control during exercise, and practical strategies to work around these challenges.
Key Takeaways:
– Why oestrogen loss affects recovery and why strength training becomes MORE important during menopause
– The truth about fatigue and why better sleep alone won’t fix it
– Practical pelvic floor strategies (including the NHS-endorsed Squeezy app)
– The truth about fatigue and why better sleep alone won’t fix it
– Practical pelvic floor strategies (including the NHS-endorsed Squeezy app)
– Why fasting might be the worst choice for menopausal women
– The importance of protein at every meal and eating MORE, not less
– How to start exercising when you feel overwhelmed
– Why that belly fat during menopause might actually be your body being protective
– The importance of protein at every meal and eating MORE, not less
– How to start exercising when you feel overwhelmed
– Why that belly fat during menopause might actually be your body being protective
My Favourite Quote from Christien:
“I’m a pelvic health physio, and I was surprised by the menopause… At the same time, now I’m post-menopausal, it’s probably the best time of my life. There’s absolute hope.”
Whether you’re navigating menopause yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers evidence-based solutions and real hope for staying strong through this transition and beyond.
🔗 Free Strength Training Masterclass: https://nevertoooldtolift.com/masterclass
📘 Free Never Too Old to Lift eBook:
https://nevertoooldtolift.com/ebook
📖 Paperback version of Never Too Old to Lift from Amazon https://geni.us/ntotlbook
👥 Stronger for Life Course & Community – https://nevertoooldtolift.com/course
🏋️♀️ See me for an in-person physiotherapy appointment
https://christileyphysiotherapy.com/
Other episodes I’m sure you’ll enjoy:
