Active Health

What happens when your body can’t keep up with your ambition? In this powerful and deeply introspective conversation, world-leading sports dietitian Renée McGregor sits down to unpack one of the most misunderstood issues in sport — Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Renée shares her expert insights on how under-fueling, overtraining, and perfectionism intersect to impact athletic performance, mental health, and long-term wellbeing. Whether you’re an elite athlete, weekend warrior, coach, or health professional, this episode offers science-backed guidance, emotional honesty, and practical tools to help you find balance between drive and recovery. 🎧 Tune in to explore:The truth behind RED-S and how it developsWhy energy availability matters more than you thinkHow athletes can fuel smarter, train stronger, and recover betterRenée’s personal reflections from working with Olympians and recreational athletes alike💡 A must-listen for anyone passionate about sports performance, nutrition, body image, and sustainable success.🔍 SEO Keywords: Renée McGregor, RED-S, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, sports nutrition, athlete health, female athletes, overtraining, energy availability, sports dietitian, endurance training, recovery, performance nutrition, eating disorders in sport, mental health in athletes, fueling for performanceAre you eating enough to fuel your active life? Are you training too often or too intensely? Could your digestion problems, low mood and frequent injuries be a sign that you haven’t got the balance right? Dr. Juliet McGrattan is joined by leading sports dietician Renee McGregor to dive deeply into the condition of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Listen in to hear what this condition actually is, the symptoms you might experience and why it affects recreational runners, and not just elite athletes. RED-S is a complex and important condition that all active women need to be aware of. Find out what immediate steps you can take if you think you might be affected and when and how to get help.Host: Dr. Juliet McGrattanRecorded: February 24, 2022For more information, links and resources and hundreds more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the ONLY GLOBAL PODCAST FOR WOMEN’S SPORT with more than 60 hosts, 1600+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. Every episode is a WiSP SPORTS ORIGINAL PRODUCTION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.We are ranked in the top 2% of more than 2.71 million podcasts worldwide. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.

In this empowering episode of the Active Health Podcast, host Dr. Juliet McGrattan sits down with renowned women’s health physiotherapist Emma Brockwell to tackle a topic that affects millions of active women but is too often overlooked: Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) in runners. Whether you’re a dedicated marathoner, a casual jogger, or returning to running after childbirth, this conversation offers essential guidance on understanding, managing, and overcoming SUI. Juliet and Emma dive deep into why urinary leakage happens during running, the biomechanics of the pelvic floor, postpartum recovery, training modifications, myth-busting, and the latest evidence-based approaches to support women in running confidently—without embarrassment or fear of leakage. You’ll learn:What causes stress urinary incontinence in runnersHow pregnancy, postpartum recovery, hormones, and training load impact the pelvic floorKey warning signs runners shouldn’t ignorePelvic floor rehabilitation techniques that actually workHow to safely return to running after childbirthPractical strategies to prevent leakage before and during workoutsWhen to seek professional help—and what treatment options existThis episode is a must-listen for female runners, coaches, running clinicians, and anyone supporting women’s health in sport. Juliet and Emma combine expert insight with clear, compassionate guidance to help runners feel stronger, more confident, and fully informed. Perfect for those searching for topics such as women’s running health, pelvic floor dysfunction, SUI in sport, postpartum running, leak-proof running tips, and women’s physiotherapy expertise.🎧 SEO Keywords Stress urinary incontinence in runners, SUI in running, women’s running health, pelvic floor health, pelvic floor exercises, postpartum running, running after childbirth, female runners leakage, women’s health physiotherapy, Emma Brockwell interview, Juliet McGrattan podcast, Active Health podcast, running and pelvic floor, manage urinary leakage running, continence and exercise.Did you know that one in three women leak urine when they cough, sneeze, jump or run? That’s a huge figure and our guest thinks it’s an underestimate too. Pelvic health physiotherapist Emma Brockwell joins Dr. Juliet McGrattan to talk about stress urinary incontinence. Emma is a leading expert in women’s pelvic health with national and international influence. She’s passionate about raising awareness, educating and encouraging women to prioritize their pelvic health. We learn who is most likely to be affected by stress incontinence, why every woman needs to take action, and what to expect when you go and see a women’s health physio. Emma drills down into what’s known about running technique and leaky bladders as well as which exercises are beneficial for runners with stress incontinence. You’ll most definitely find yourself squeezing your pelvic floor muscles while you listen and there’s lots of tips on how to do it correctly. The take home message is that all women need to get familiar with, and strengthen their pelvic floor and if you’re leaking – get an expert assessment.Host: Dr. Juliet McGrattanRecorded: December 17, 2021Active Health is part of the Women Unscripted network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

In this powerful episode of the Active Health Podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattan is joined by fitness instructor and certified Health Coach Chantel Oakley for an in-depth conversation on strength training for runners. Whether you’re a beginner preparing for your first 5K or an experienced marathoner chasing a personal best, this episode gives you the knowledge and motivation you need to run stronger, faster, and injury-free. Juliet and Chantel break down why strength training matters for every runner, how to integrate it into a busy training schedule, and which exercises deliver the biggest performance gains. You’ll learn how strength work improves running form, reduces injury risk, boosts power and speed, and supports long-term health. Chantel also shares practical tips for getting started, building confidence in the gym, and tailoring workouts to your unique running goals. With clear explanations and realistic, science-supported strategies, this conversation empowers runners of all levels to make strength training an enjoyable and consistent part of their routine. If you’ve ever wondered how to lift, what to lift, or when to lift, this is your go-to guide. Perfect for: recreational runners, endurance athletes, new runners, returning runners, coaches, women’s health advocates, and anyone looking to build a stronger, more resilient body.🔑 SEO Keywords:strength training for runners, running strength training, strength workouts for runners, injury prevention running, running performance, runner fitness, Active Health podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattan, Chantel Oakley, women’s running health, running tips, training advice for runners, beginner runner strength, marathon training strength, how runners should lift weightsBe honest with yourself, are you a runner who could probably benefit from doing some strength and conditioning? Do you struggle to stay motivated to do it? Are you recurrently injured? Perhaps you don’t really know what to actually do or where to even start? In this episode, Dr. Juliet McGrattan is joined by fitness instructor and Health Coach Chantel Oakley.  With huge experience as a trainer, including working with Nike, Chantel walks us through why strength work is so important for runners. She explains what benefits we’ll get, how quickly we’ll notice them and how to do exercises with good form. Starting with simple body weight exercises and progressing to resistance bands and one set of dumbbells, we’ll discover how it’s actually quite simple for us all to add some strength work into our week. More than that, Chantel helps us to reconsider our motivations for training. How to move from a life of ‘should do’s’ and shame to one of ‘can do’s’ and hope. A mind set switch can prove very powerful when it comes to creating and sticking with new habits. You’ll be heading straight for your fitness kit by the end.Host: Dr. Juliet McGrattan.Recorded: November 17, 2021Active Health is part of the Women Unscripted network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

How do you train, prepare, and stay motivated for your first marathon? In this inspiring episode of the Active Health Podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattan sits down with Nancy Gillen, a first-time marathon runner who recently completed her debut 26.2 miles. Whether you're considering signing up for your first race, are already deep into training, or simply love hearing real stories from everyday athletes, this episode is packed with practical tips, encouragement, and expert insights. Nancy shares her honest journey—from the moment she decided to take on a marathon challenge to the ups and downs of training, staying consistent, managing injuries, handling pre-race nerves, and what it really feels like crossing the finish line for the first time. Dr. Juliet brings her medical, coaching, and running expertise to the conversation, offering guidance on beginner marathon training plans, injury prevention, fueling and hydration, mindset for long-distance running, and how to stay healthy while increasing your mileage. Listeners will learn how to avoid common first-timer mistakes, when to adjust training, how to balance busy life with long-run schedules, and what to expect during race week and on marathon day. If you're dreaming of running your first marathon—or supporting someone who is—this uplifting episode will give you the motivation, confidence, and knowledge to get started and keep going.Keywords: first marathon, beginner marathon training, how to run a marathon, marathon motivation, training tips for new runners, marathon mistakes to avoid, long-distance running advice, running health, marathon stories, running mindset, marathon preparation, Dr. Juliet McGrattan, Active Health podcast.Host: Dr. Juliet McGrattanRecorded: October 20, 2021Active Health is part of the Women Unscripted network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

If you’ve ever headed out for a workout only to be met with an annoyingly runny nose, you’re far from alone. In this episode of the Active Health Podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattan dives into the real reasons why your nose streams during exercise—and what you can do about it. Whether you’re a runner, gym-goer, cyclist, or simply trying to stay active outdoors, understanding exercise-induced rhinitis, cold-weather sniffles, and allergy-related symptoms can make a huge difference in your comfort and performance. Dr. McGrattan breaks down the science behind why your nose runs when you run, how your nasal passages react to temperature changes and exertion, and the red-flag symptoms that suggest you might need rest or medical attention. Listeners will learn practical strategies to minimise congestion and manage exercise-related runny noses, including hydration tips, warm-up routines, breathing techniques, environmental considerations, and when over-the-counter remedies might help. Perfect for runners, endurance athletes, weekend warriors, and anyone frustrated by constant sniffles, this episode helps you understand your body better and keep training confidently—even when your nose has other plans. Tune in for expert-led, evidence-based insights to help you stay healthy, informed, and active year-round.Keywords: runny nose during exercise, exercise-induced rhinitis, why does my nose run when I run, running health tips, cold weather running, Active Health podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattan, sports medicine advice, breathing during exercise, runner health, staying active with allergies, nasal congestion while exercising.Host: Dr. Juliet McGrattanActive Health is part of the Women Unscripted network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

Digestive health and exercise don’t always go hand-in-hand — and for many active people, talking about bowel habits can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing. In this insightful and down-to-earth episode of the Active Health Podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattan tackles a surprisingly common yet often unspoken topic: pooping and running. Whether you’re a new runner, a seasoned athlete, or simply someone trying to stay healthy and active, this episode offers expert guidance, evidence-based advice, and plenty of reassurance. Dr. McGrattan breaks down why bowel movements can change with training intensity, hydration, nutrition, stress, and hormones, and offers practical strategies for managing runner’s trots, urgency, and exercise-induced gastrointestinal issues. You’ll learn how to identify triggers, plan your pre-run routines, fuel intelligently, and understand what’s normal — and what’s not — when it comes to pooping and physical activity. Perfect for runners, walkers, gym-goers, and anyone curious about how the gut responds to movement, this episode helps remove the stigma and gives you the tools to feel confident, comfortable, and in control of your digestive health. Keywords: pooping and running, digestive health for runners, running and bowel movements, exercise and pooping, gut health, runner’s trots, GI issues during exercise, hydration and digestion, pre-run nutrition, Active Health podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattan, running tips, athlete gut problems, healthy digestion for runners.Host: Dr. Juliet McGrattanActive Health is part of the Women Unscripted network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

Should you work out when you’re sick — or should you rest? In this evidence-based and reassuring episode of the Active Health podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattan breaks down everything you need to know about exercising with a cold virus. Whether you’re a regular runner, a gym-goer, or someone who simply wants to stay active while recovering, this episode gives you clear, science-backed guidance to help you make the right decisions for your body. Dr. McGrattan explains the difference between mild cold symptoms and red-flag signs that mean you should not exercise. She discusses the “above-the-neck rule,” immune system responses, how cold viruses affect performance, and why rest can sometimes be the best form of training. You’ll learn how to adjust your workout intensity, when it’s safe to return to running after illness, and how to support recovery through hydration, sleep, and smart pacing. Perfect for runners, exercisers, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone navigating training while unwell, this episode helps you avoid setbacks and return to activity safely. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I run with a cold?” “Will exercise make my symptoms worse?” or “How long should I wait before training again?” — this episode has the answers.Keywords: exercising with a cold, run with a cold, workout when sick, exercise and immune system, exercising with a virus, return to exercise after illness, Dr. Juliet McGrattan, Active Health podcast, running health, fitness and colds, recovery from cold virus, respiratory illness and exercise.Host: Dr. Juliet McGrattanActive Health is part of the Women Unscripted network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

Why do we get that sudden, sharp pain under the ribs during a run or workout — and how can we stop it derailing our training? In this episode of the Active Health podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattan breaks down everything you need to know about coping with a stitch while exercising, from what causes it to the most effective ways to prevent and relieve it. Whether you’re a new runner experiencing a side stitch for the first time or a seasoned athlete frustrated by recurring abdominal cramps, this episode gives you practical, evidence-based advice you can put into action immediately. Dr. McGrattan explores the latest thinking on why stitches happen, how breathing, posture, hydration, and warm-ups influence your risk, and simple on-the-spot techniques to ease the pain so you can keep going. You’ll learn:What a stitch really is — and the potential causes behind itHow to prevent stitches through smart warm-ups and better breathingWhat foods and drinks might trigger exercise discomfortWhy pacing and form matter more than you thinkQuick fixes you can use mid-run or mid-workoutWhen a stitch might be a sign to slow down — and when to push throughIf you want to enjoy running, walking, cycling, or any workout without being stopped in your tracks, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you exercise with confidence and comfort. Perfect for runners, gym-goers, sports enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to improve their fitness experience. Tune in to Active Health with Dr. Juliet McGrattan and learn how to stay moving — stitch-free.Keywords: exercising with a stitch, side stitch relief, running with a stitch, exercise pain, abdominal cramp exercise, Active Health podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattan, running tips, fitness advice, workout discomfort, exercise breathing techniquesHost: Dr. Juliet McGrattanActive Health is part of the Women Unscripted network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

In this episode of the Active Health podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattan explores everything you need to know about swimming after childbirth—from when it’s safe to get back in the pool to how the water can support recovery, confidence, and fitness in the postpartum months. Whether you’re a new mum eager to return to gentle exercise or someone looking for expert, evidence-based guidance, this episode provides clear, reassuring, and practical advice. Dr. McGrattan breaks down the postpartum healing timeline, discusses pelvic floor recovery, and explains why swimming is one of the most effective and low-impact forms of exercise following pregnancy and birth. You’ll learn how to recognise when your body is ready, how to adapt your technique in the early weeks, and how to manage common issues such as postnatal fatigue, pelvic floor weakness, stitches, and C-section scars. Listeners will also discover the mental-health benefits of returning to the water, including stress relief, improved sleep, and rebuilding confidence in a post-baby body. With thoughtful tips for beginners and seasoned swimmers alike, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make postpartum swimming safe, enjoyable, and empowering. Perfect for new mums, health-conscious parents, fitness professionals, and anyone interested in postnatal exercise, women’s health, and active recovery.Keywords (SEO-friendly) swimming after childbirth, postpartum exercise, postnatal fitness, when can I swim after giving birth, pelvic floor recovery, C-section swimming safety, postnatal return to sport, new mum fitness, gentle exercise after pregnancy, Active Health podcast, women’s health podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattanActive Health is part of the Women Unscripted network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

Exercise and alcohol is a combination many active people juggle — but how does drinking really affect your workouts, performance, recovery and long-term health? In this episode of the Active Health podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattan, GP, runner and women’s health expert, breaks down the science behind alcohol’s impact on fitness so you can make informed, realistic choices. Whether you enjoy a post-run pint, a celebratory glass of wine after a race, or occasional drinks at the weekend, this episode gives you evidence-based guidance on how alcohol influences endurance, strength, hydration, sleep quality, immune health, injury risk, and your overall ability to train well. Dr. McGrattan also discusses practical strategies for managing alcohol around training, ways to minimise negative effects, and how to spot when drinking habits may be holding you back from your exercise goals. Perfect for runners, gym-goers, cyclists, team-sport athletes and anyone wanting to lead a healthier, more active life without giving up social enjoyment, this episode is packed with clear advice, useful tips and realistic takeaways.Keywords: exercise and alcohol, drinking and fitness, alcohol and running, alcohol and performance, alcohol recovery, hydration and alcohol, Active Health podcast, Dr Juliet McGrattan, healthy lifestyle, sports health, fitness tips, training adviceHost: Dr. Juliet McGrattanActive Health is part of the Women Unscripted network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

Blisters can be a painful and frustrating part of exercising, running, hiking, or even walking long distances—but they don’t have to derail your fitness goals. On this episode of the Active Health Podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattan dives into practical tips, expert advice, and science-backed strategies to prevent, treat, and cope with blisters during physical activity. Dr. McGrattan explains why blisters form, the best ways to protect your feet, hands, and other vulnerable areas, and how to keep moving safely without worsening the injury. Whether you’re a runner, gym enthusiast, hiker, or just getting back into exercise, this episode provides actionable insights on foot care, blister prevention, and recovery. Learn about:Common causes of exercise-related blistersPrevention techniques: footwear, socks, and friction managementSafe treatment and when to seek professional careTips to stay active while managing blistersExpert advice for long-term foot healthIf you want to stay active, prevent painful interruptions, and take care of your body while exercising, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and step confidently—without blisters holding you back!Keywords: blisters, exercise, running, foot care, blister prevention, sports injuries, active health, fitness tips, injury recovery, Dr. Juliet McGrattanHost: Dr. Juliet McGrattanActive Health is part of the Women Unscripted network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

Struggling to stay active during allergy season? On this episode of the Active Health Podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattan dives into how to exercise safely and effectively while dealing with hay fever. From sneezing and itchy eyes to congestion and fatigue, hay fever can make workouts feel challenging—but it doesn’t have to stop your fitness journey. Dr. McGrattan shares practical tips and strategies for managing seasonal allergies while exercising, including the best times to train, protective gear, and pre- and post-workout routines that can help minimize allergy symptoms. Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, or gym-goer, this episode offers expert advice on staying active during peak pollen season without compromising your health or performance. Learn about:The impact of hay fever on exercise performanceEffective allergy management strategies for active peopleTiming workouts to reduce exposure to pollenHow to protect your eyes, nose, and lungs while staying activeSafe use of allergy medications before or after workoutsDon’t let hay fever sideline your fitness goals! Tune in to get actionable tips to exercise safely during allergy season and keep your workouts on track.Keywords for SEO: hay fever and exercise, exercising with allergies, managing hay fever while active, allergy season workouts, staying fit with hay fever, Active Health podcast, Dr. Juliet McGrattan, fitness tips for allergy sufferers.Host: Dr. Juliet McGrattanActive Health is part of the Women Unscripted network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.