The Power of Strength – Staying Physically Strong in Menopause & Beyond with Women’s Health Physiotherapist, Christien Bird. S6. Ep 12.

The Happy Menopause

February 6, 2025 37 mins

About

In this episode, we’re talking about strength - not weight, not size, but pure, functional strength. Because let’s be honest, we can spend way too much time worrying about one and not nearly enough about the other!

Strength is vital at any age, but as we hit midlife and beyond, it becomes essential. It boosts confidence, protects our bones, and keeps us active for longer. After all, what’s the point of making it to 90 if you’re too frail to enjoy it?

To explore this, I’m joined by the brilliant Christien Bird, a familiar voice on The Happy Menopause podcast. A women’s health physiotherapist with a passion for strength, Christien is in her early 60s, represents Team GB in triathlon for her age group, and has just signed up for an Ironman challenge - because she loves pushing herself! If anyone can inspire us to embrace strength, it’s her.

Together, we discuss:

-       The barriers holding women back from exercise – and when they start

-       Why strength is so important in midlife

-       How it plays a key role in avoiding frailty

-       Three different exercise personas - find out which one you are!

-       Practical tips for getting started, even if you’re feeling shy

Tune in for an inspiring and empowering conversation that will change the way you think about strength!

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Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest.

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Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my latest book
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Information

Episode

102

Date

February 6, 2025

Length

37 mins
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  • How to Manage Hormonal Headaches with Professor Anne MacGregor, Specialist in Headaches & Women’s Health – S3. Ep 3.

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    This episode of The Happy Menopause is all about energy. Have you lost your Va Va Voom? Do you feel tired all the time? Do you blame your age for your lack of energy? If this sounds familiar, then it’s definitely time to take action, because whether you’re 29 or 69, it’s far more likely […]

  • Beating Brain Fog with Dr Sabina Brennan, Neuroscientist & Psychologist – S2. Ep 16.

    Do you ever wonder what you came upstairs for, forget where you’ve parked the car or find yourself grappling for the right word that just won’t come? These are all common concerns for women in midlife because brain fog is one of the classic symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.  All that hormonal turmoil plays havoc […]

  • Dealing with Vaginal Dryness with Kathy Abernethy, Menopause Specialist – S2. Ep 15.

    In this episode, I’m focusing on the Cinderella of the menopause. In recent years, we’ve become a bit more confident about discussing our menopause – some women will mention their hot flushes without turning a hair and the common mental health symptoms such as anxiety and mood swings have also started to come out of […]

  • Shining a Spotlight on the Sandwich Generation with Katie Taylor, Founder of The Latte Lounge – S2. Ep 14.

    We’re the sandwich generation. That group of –  let’s face it – mostly women who are caught in the middle between caring for elderly parents and supporting our children, whatever age they might be. That’s a big burden to be carrying and multigenerational needs have grown even more acute during the pandemic, so that a […]

  • Challenging the Stereotypes Around Older Women with Journalist & Motorhome Adventurer, Siobhan Daniels – S2. Ep 13.

    International Women’s Day is that time of year when we come together to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year’s theme is choose to challenge, because with challenge comes change. Today’s guest is a brilliant example of this, because she’s passionate about challenging ageism and redefining the narrative around older […]

  • Creating a Menopause-Friendly Workplace with Deborah Garlick of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace – S2. Ep 12.

    The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is Choose to Challenge and that couldn’t be more relevant to what we’re discussing in this episode, because we’re turning the spotlight on the workplace, which can be a very unfriendly place for women in midlife. So much so that some recent statistics suggested that 1 in […]

  • How To Nourish Your Skin From The Inside Out & From Outside In, with Ada Ooi, Skin Specialist – S2. Ep 11.

    Skin is a hot topic for most women of any age, but never more so than in midlife, when hormonal changes during the perimenopause can wreak havoc. It can be baffling and infuriating to find yourself grappling with acne in your 40s, especially if it’s never been a problem in the past. And dry skin, […]

  • Managing Heavy or Painful Periods & Dealing with PMS, with Joyce Harper, Professor of Reproductive Science – S2. Ep 10.

    This episode is all about periods, because long before you hit menopause day – which is officially 12 months since your last period – you’ll have experienced changes. The hormonal rollercoaster of the perimenopause can cause a lot of period havoc and it may all start sooner than you’d think and last longer than you’d […]

  • Why Can’t I Lose Weight? With Tanja Shaw, Weight-loss and Life Coach – S2. Ep 9.

    New Year is a great opportunity to take stock, so why not make this the moment for you to take positive action to improve your health and wellbeing? Weight management is usually firmly on the agenda in January and it’s a topic I covered last year when I spoke to Dr Zoe Harcombe, so this […]

  • How to Manage Anxiety & Enhance Emotional Wellbeing, with Rachel Weiss, Accredited Counsellor & Coach – S2. Ep 8.

    Well, 2020 has been quite a year! As we slide into December, it seems a good time to reflect and check in with ourselves.  I think everyone has struggled with their own different challenges over the past few months and this second lockdown here in the UK has felt especially difficult as we’ve moved into […]

  • How to Live a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life, with Susan Saunders, Researcher & Author – S2. Ep 7.

    Ageing is something that inevitably starts to preoccupy us in midlife, because we all want to be as fit and well as possible as we grow older, and let’s be honest, we’d like to keep looking good too. As my latest guest Susan Saunders remarks, “We all know people who are ageing at different rates. […]

  • My Top 10 Menopause-Friendly Foods with Jackie Lynch, Registered Nutritional Therapist & Author – S.2 Ep 6.

    Following on from last month’s popular episode How Nutrition Can Help You Manage Your Menopause, I’m shining the spotlight on nutrition again for this World Menopause Day special as we look at the top 10 foods to support a healthy menopause. Get your notebooks ready so you can add them to your shopping list! My […]

  • Living With Premature Menopause, with Dr Rebecca Gibbs, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist – S.2 Ep 5.

    It’s World Menopause Day and this year’s theme is premature ovarian insufficiency otherwise known as premature menopause. It’s a condition which affects 1 in 100 women under 40, 1 in 1000 under 30, and 1 in 10,000 under 20. This is where the ovaries are unable to produce oestrogen and progesterone and the menopause happens […]

  • How Nutrition Can Help You Manage Your Menopause, with Registered Nutritional Therapist, Jackie Lynch – S2. Ep 4.

    It’s October at last and my regular listeners will know that my new book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish comes out this month. This book has been burning away inside me for a long time now, as there simply isn't enough information out there to support women during this hugely transitional […]

  • Finding Passion, Profit & Purpose in Midlife, with Laurie Wright, Master Neuro Coach & Business Mentor – S2. Ep 3.

    September is the perfect time to be thinking about new beginnings and of course midlife can often provide an opportunity for a whole new perspective too. As reproductive hormones subside, you’ll have the headspace to become more aware of yourself and to focus on your own choices, so it can be a time of big […]

  • How to Exercise Effectively in Midlife (Part 2): Exercising in Public Spaces, with Women’s Health & Fitness Coach Baz Moffat – S2. Ep 2.

    This interview is Part 2 of my exercise series and is full of brilliant advice from former Team GB rower, medallist and women’s health and fitness coach Baz Moffat on the best ways for women in midlife to exercise. It was actually recorded some months ago, just before lockdown, but much of the advice became […]

  • How to Have Great Hair, with Dr Sharon Wong, Consultant Dermatologist & Hair Specialist – S2. Ep 1.

    Welcome to Season 2 of The Happy Menopause podcast. We're kicking off with a fascinating episode which focuses on hair, because dry and thinning hair can be one of the most frustrating symptoms of the menopause. Of course, hot flushes, anxiety and fatigue can have a hugely negative impact on women, but there’s something about […]

  • Joy & Adventure: How to Make the Most of Midlife, with Jo Moseley, Joy Encourager & Midlife Adventurer – S1. Ep 18.

    Summer is here and lockdown is easing in most places so I thought this would be a good time to start thinking about new adventures. Midlife is a time which can be transformational and enormously liberating because the hormones that have driven your decisions, approach and emotions for years start to subside and there’s some […]

  • Nutrition for Managing Stress & Boosting Resilience, with Jackie Lynch, Nutritional Therapist – S1. Ep 17.and Author

    In this episode, we hear from expert nutritional therapist and host of The Happy Menopause podcast, Jackie Lynch, as she explores a nutritional approach to managing stress. It’s been a bruising few months in lockdown and everyone has faced different challenges, which can’t have been easy. Whatever’s been going on with you, the chances are […]

  • How to Improve Your Sleep with circadian neuroscientist, Professor Russell Foster – S1. Ep 16.

    Sleep can feel like the holy grail for women in midlife – something you’re desperately searching for which is incredibly hard to find. There are many reasons that sleep can be elusive during the menopause – hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations and anxiety can all play their part in disrupting our slumber. And when we […]

  • How to Exercise Effectively in Midlife (Part 1): Exercising at Home, with women's health and fitness coach, Baz Moffat – S1. Ep 15.

    Exercise is a non-negotiable for women in midlife. It can make a material difference to bone density and muscle tone which both decline significantly during and post-menopause, and of course it’s also crucial for heart health, mental health and stress management. And with self-isolation now part of our daily lives, it’s more important than ever […]

  • International Women’s Day Special: The Menopause Café – From Light Bulb Moment to Global Movement – S1, Ep 14.

    International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It’s all about getting the message out there and enabling and empowering women to make a difference to their lives. So I thought it was the perfect opportunity to interview Rachel Weiss, the founder of Menopause Café, a grassroots project to support […]

  • Transformation & New Beginnings – How to Reinvent Yourself in Midlife with Camilla Sacre-Dallerup, Life Coach and Author – S1. Ep 13.

    The menopause might be the end of a chapter, but it’s also an opportunity for a whole new one. This stage of life can actually be transformative and enormously liberating on a number of levels, because the hormones that have driven your decisions, your approach and your emotions since puberty start to take a back […]

  • How to Boost Your Libido & Have Great Sex in Midlife, with Tracey Cox, Sex and Relationship Expert – S1. Ep 12.

    Low libido is one of those extra little gifts from the menopause which you may not have expected. As sex hormones start to decline, it can have a very real impact on your va va voom and there are lots of ways this might affect you – vaginal dryness might make sex too painful; you […]

  • Managing a Healthy Weight in Mid Life with Dr Zoe Harcombe, Researcher & Author – S1. Ep 11.

    It’s that time of year when you might be looking to lose a few pounds which isn’t an easy task for women in midlife. As if the menopause wasn’t tough enough, with all the different symptoms you experience, the gradual increase in weight that comes with the menopause can often feel like the last straw! […]

  • Food & Fashion to Fight Hot Flushes with Nancy Zeffman & Eileen Willett of Cucumber Clothing – S1. Ep 10.

    Hot flushes can be a real nightmare for some women during the menopause. They're disruptive, embarrassing and uncomfortable, especially at work, in a social situation or at night. So what can we do about it? There are lots of ways that diet and lifestyle can pro-actively address hot flushes, and there are also some fabulous […]

  • Your Best Life: The Importance of Self Care for a Healthy, Happy Menopause with Dr Louise Wiseman, GP and author – S1. Ep 9.

    Do you spend most of your time thinking about and looking after other people? It’s something women seem hardwired to do, but how good are you at looking after yourself and putting your health and happiness first? Our nurturing gene seems to have a blind spot when it comes to our own wellbeing, yet the […]

  • World Menopause Day Special: Mid Life, the Play by Author Sheila Chapman – S1. Ep 8.

    It’s World Menopause Day, so we are celebrating women in midlife and shouting about the menopause in all its glory. Over the past year, the taboo around discussing the menopause has been gradually chipped away, which is encouraging, but there’s very little portrayal of the menopause in the arts, so I’m excited to tell you […]

  • World Menopause Day Special: Know Your Menopause: How to Spot the Symptoms with the Pausitivity team – S1, Ep 7.

    It’s World Menopause Day today and we’re celebrating women in midlife with this special episode. There’s no better day to be busting the taboo about discussing the menopause and raising awareness of the different symptoms women experience and the range of solutions available to them, which is why I’m speaking to the brilliant team from […]

  • Managing Stress Incontinence (Or How to Stop Leaking!) by Myra Robson, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist & Founder of the Squeezy App – S1. Ep 6.

    Have you ever had a little wee when you sneeze, cough or exercise? Honestly? Because it wouldn’t be surprising. It’s called stress incontinence and it happens to 1 in 3 women, yet it’s the one thing we never speak about. 40% of women are too embarrassed to consult their doctor about it and just accept […]

  • Managing the Menopause at Work with Menopause Trainer, Julie Dennis – S1. Ep 5.

    The menopause can be stressful enough for women without the challenges of dealing with it in front of your colleagues. 75% of women of menopausal age are in work and will be affected by a range of symptoms, from hot flushes which are uncomfortable and can embarrassing; flooding which can be a nightmare if access […]

  • A Herbal Approach to Menopause Symptoms with Herbalist, Ed Joy – S1. Ep 4.

    For centuries, people have used herbs in a medicinal capacity, from ancient civilisations through to today, where many modern pharmaceutical drugs are originally derived from plant extracts. Drop into any health food store and you’ll find a whole range of herbal supplements; chat to your friends and they may swear by a miracle herb that […]

  • Dealing with Anxiety, Overwhelm & Brain Fog, with Becks Armstrong, Founder of the Clarity App – S1. Ep 3.

    Forget hot flushes! Anxiety and loss of confidence are some of the most underestimated and upsetting symptoms of the menopause. Many women are taken by surprise in their mid to late forties to suddenly discover that they’re doubting themselves and their abilities; feeling overwhelmed by tasks or projects they previously handled with ease; or simply […]

  • Building Strong Bones for the Menopause and Beyond with Christien Bird, Women’s Health Physiotherapist – S1. Ep 2.

    “Your next position is your best position”. Variety is the spice of life when it comes to the ideal posture and exercise, according to Christien Bird, Women’s Health Physiotherapist. Regular exercise is crucial for women in midlife, not just to support bone density, but also to reduce the risk of heart attacks, which increases as […]

  • Breaking the Menopause Taboo with Jo McEwan from Positive Pause – S1. Ep. 1.

    In the UK, 13 million women are going through a menopause, which can last anything up to 15 years. In the US, 6,000 women hit the menopause every single day! So it’s not exactly a niche subject, yet, it’s not something we easily talk about either. This means that many midlife women can feel isolated […]

  • Introducing The Happy Menopause

    Join Registered Nutritional Therapist Jackie Lynch as she takes you on a journey through midlife to learn how diet and lifestyle can help you take control of your menopause symptoms. Each month Jackie covers a range of topics, from managing hot flushes or dealing with anxiety to intimate health and strong bones. She'll introduce you […]

  • Symptoms of Breast Cancer (YouTube Video #389)

    Symptoms of Breast Cancer In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Barbara 'Menopause' Taylor reveals a surprising truth—most breast cancers have no early symptoms. She debunks common myths, especially the widespread belief that breast pain signals cancer, and explains the difference between signs and symptoms. Learn why relying on symptoms alone can be dangerous, and how early […]

  • Sherri Dindal – Being The Real Slim Sherri and new beginnings in Midlife & Menopause

    Many of you will know The Real Slim Sherri from Instagram and TikTok – she is well known for her no- holds barred, unfiltered truths around growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, midlife, life as a Gen X woman and menopause.  I have loved her page ever since I discovered it and so was […]

  • What Stem Cell Therapy Taught Me About Recovery, Mindset, and Reinventing Downtime

    In today’s episode, I share my personal experience with stem cell therapy—and the unexpected lessons that came from being forced to slow down. Whether you’re choosing a procedure like stem cell therapy or suddenly dealing with an injury or illness, time off from your normal routine isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a major mental and […]

  • 193 Can Color Heal You? Dr. Deanna Minich Thinks So 🎨🧠🌿

    Forget everything you thought you knew about nutrition. This episode gets wildly colorful—literally. Dr. Deanna Minich joins Sally to decode how COLOR—yes, actual colors—can shift your health, your hormones, and even your mood. From purple carrots to chlorophyll, this convo goes deep on how to nourish your body and your energy. We’re talking:✨ Yellow for […]

  • Ep #152: Overcoming Gender Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry with Captain Reyné O’Shaughnessy

    In this episode, Andrea Donsky, nutritionist, published menopause researcher, menopause educator, and co-founder of WeAreMorphus.com, talks to Captain Reyné O’Shaughnessy. She is a veteran commercial airline pilot with over 34 years at a Fortune 50 carrier and more than 10,000 heavy-jet flight hours, including being among the first women qualified on the Boeing 747. She's […]

  • 219 How to Support Your Mental Health and Stop Menopause Weight Gain

    Menopause is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. I’ve experienced the exhaustion, the thinning hair, the mood swings—and the confusion that comes when you feel like your body is changing faster than you can keep up. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey with menopause and the lessons I’ve […]

  • S4 Ep178: Mid-life Nutrition: Tips and Tricks From a Dietician with Dr. Alexandra Filingeri

    Any mid-life woman knows that once you hit your 40s, 50s, or 60s, things will not go well if you eat the same way you did when you were 20. But it’s confusing to know what to eat, and how much to eat, without downloading multiple APPs and carrying around a calculator  My guest, Alexandra […]

  • 164: Emotional Eating in Menopause – The Psychology Behind the Cravings

    Do you get cravings for the foods that make your soul feel fuzzy but your body feel icky? In this episode, Adele explains the psychology behind those cravings, how to make steps away from those cravings and how to be more mindful with your eating. Check out Adele’s FREE symptom assessment here: https://adelejohnstoncoaching.com/free-copy-of-our-symptom-assessment/ Adele is […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – Writing a Book

    This week on Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I dive into a juicy conversation all about her brand new book Shiny Happy Singles — or Thrive Solo if you're tuning in from the US. We chat about the inspiration behind the book, what it really means to thrive on your own, and why this message is […]

  • From Midlife Crisis to Midlife Chrysalis: Chip Conley’s Roadmap to Reinvention

    In this episode of Hello Menopause, Stacy talks with entrepreneur, author, and Modern Elder Academy founder Chip Conley about what it really means to navigate midlife. Drawing from his own experience with prostate cancer and hormone therapy, Chip shares what it felt like to go through “male menopause” and how that informed his vision for […]

  • Bladder Issues in Menopause – The Hidden Bacteria You Need to Know

    If bladder issues in menopause are keeping you from jumping for bone density or for jumping for joy. Or if laughing and sneezing or a need to consider hydration needs against access to a bathroom are real life and every day concerns you… we’ve got you today.  Bladder issues in menopause don’t need to keep […]

  • Ep 176 -Restoring Blood Flow for Brain, Heart and Hormonal Health with Cathy Eason

    In this week’s episode,  Dr. Fiona Lovely speaks with Cathy Eason, a certified holistic nutritionist and clinical educator, about nitric oxide (NO), often called the “miracle molecule” for its vital role in blood flow and thus, overall health.  We talk about the groundbreaking findings from a pilot study on nitric oxide’s impact on women’s sexual […]

  • Ep 481: The 5,000-Year-Old Secret to Stopping Emotional Eating

    I’m showing you how ancient Buddhist wisdom can help you break the cycle of emotional eating with more awareness, compassion, and ease—just like I teach my clients. Get the full show notes and information here: https://drdebbutler.com/481

  • #129: 7 Essential Habits to Move Through Menopause with More Ease

    Midlife doesn’t have to be a crisis — it can be a genuine metamorphosis. In this episode, I’m not talking about just surviving menopause.I’m talking about moving through it with more ease, clarity, and actual calm. You’ll hear a segment from a training I recently ran, where I shared seven essential habits that helped me […]

  • 13 – HRT after 60: myths, facts and finding your own path with Ann Newson

    In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by her mother, Ann Newson, for a candid and deeply insightful conversation about HRT after 60, as requested by some ofour viewers.  Together, Dr Louise and Ann address the persistent fears around breast cancer and HRT, revisiting data from the controversial 2002 WHI study. They also explore the […]

  • Grading and Staging of Breast Cancer (YouTube Video #388)

    Grading & Staging Breast Cancer – Know the Hidden Dangers In this episode, Dr. Barbara 'Menopause' Taylor breaks down the critical differences between grading and staging breast cancer—and exposes the hidden dangers that often leave patients confused or misinformed. Learn how cancer cell "grades" reflect aggressiveness, how "stages" indicate spread, and why stage 0 (carcinoma […]

The Happy Menopause

Join award-winning nutritionist and author Jackie Lynch as she takes you on a journey through midlife to learn how diet and lifestyle can help you take control of your menopause symptoms. Each month Jackie covers a different topic, from managing hot flushes or dealing with anxiety to intimate health and strong bones. She’ll introduce you […]

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