We know we should exercise. But when moving your body feels like a chore, it’s easy to resist it. What if instead of “should,” we started looking at movement as something joyful, energizing, and protective of our long-term health?

In this episode, I’m joined by Erika Shannon, a fitness and wellness expert with over 20 years of experience. Erika specializes in helping women in perimenopause and menopause find sustainable, empowering ways to move their bodies—without the all-or-nothing approach.

We talk about what women in their 40s and 50s really need from exercise, why strength and functional movement matter so much in midlife, and how you can create fun, flexible workouts that actually fit into your busy life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why exercise in midlife is about protecting your health span (not just lifespan)
• The six functional movement patterns every woman over 40 should train: push, pull, squat, hinge, carry, and rotate
• How muscle mass, bone density, and heart health change in perimenopause and menopause—and what to do about it
• Simple ways to add “movement snacks” into your day—even if you’re sitting at a desk all day
• The truth about protein, fiber, hydration, and fueling your workouts in midlife

Take Action:

• Connect with Erika at erikashannon.com.
• Grab your free functional workout by subscribing to Mind Your Midlife on Patreon or Substack.
• Take a video of yourself skipping and send it to Cheryl on social! Instagram, LinkedIn
• Listen to the Mind Your Midlife episodes on hydration and hormone health

Remember:

You don’t have to spend hours in the gym to stay strong and healthy. Exercise isn’t just about looking fit—it’s about building resilience, maintaining independence, and living joyfully in your 40s, 50s, and beyond.

Focus on “all or something,” not all or nothing.

Text me to ask a question - I'll answer on the podcast!

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💡Want menopause support, mindset shifts, or support with midlife transitions?

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Let’s talk midlife body positivity, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative. Every week I'm adding new success strategies for midlife women.

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