Fit'n Fifty Plus

Wearable Devices why, when and what to look out for? Peta and I talk through the use of wearable devices. We take a little journey through the development of them and how we have both used them. We also talk about the top things to think about if you are thinking about buying one and how they might help you either keep on track or keep motivated. Listen in to understand a little more about them and also which one you should ask for, for your next gift.

Have you lost your Mojo? Well, we all do sometimes even me. Peta from Strong Healthy Women talks with me today about how we might get back the feeling of excitement. I challenge Peta to talk me through how to get it back. We also talk about why it goes away and how it is all a part of the ebb and flow of life.

When things don’t go to plan, how do you keep healthy and well? We all have those times when the world just falls to pieces. Our partners get really sick or one of your family members needs more support than normal or even when you move house and your routine is disrupted. We talk about the little things you can do to have some semblance of control over your diet and activity. How to build in some activity and learn to listen to your body. We also touch on what to do when the world has overwhelmed you and some of the things you can do to reconnect and also help someone else. What is your community and how do you define it?

Peta from Strong Healthy Women and I chat about stretching. Why you should do it? What exactly it does for your body and how to incorporate it into your daily life. Stretching is so important as you get older because it stimulates collagen as well as getting rid of the by-products of exercise and helping your blood get around to where it is most needed. Of course we have a bit of a laugh and confess that we didn’t start until we were both quite old. Listen in to understand how this is one of the habits you should be making for yourself.

Your brain, menopause, hormones and how it all affects your eating with Justine Cecile. The one thing I love about my guest and women I meet is their amazing back stories and how they end up helping other women. Justine has a fascinating back story, but most of all she has one of the most unique approaches to wholistic care during menopause for her clients. She is a functional, diagnostic nutrition practitioner, which means a science and functional based medicine approach to healthcare. We spend time talking about your brain, and how the way we manage our brains can affect our transition through this fabulous part of our life. A life long learner Justine talks about her journey with fibromyalgia and her mission in life to help women be healthier versions of themselves.

XXX Menopause and Tantric Sex yes we are going into a very deep conversation about all things sexual with the very knowledgeable Janet McGeever. Janet has recently co-authored a book with Diana Richardson on “Tantric Sex and Menopause, Practices for Spiritual and sexual renewal. Phew.. well it is a bit of a hot topic especially if you are menopausal. Janet gives us some amazing information about why many women might not be enjoying sex with their partner or worse still just giving up on sex and intimacy. Janet talks about love and connection and how we all need to slow down and start experiencing the joy of relationship. We also cover off why we might just be missing out on some good things for the rest of our bodies as a result. I learned a lot and I am sure you will too.

Women’s Health Physiotherapist and very smart woman Angela Melit joins me in the pod this week, and how amazing is this woman? Angela’s passion is trying to keep us all moving and being able to do the things we really want to do. We talk through incorporating things into your everyday movement to improve your pelvic floor functioning instead of leaving it to your gym / exercise session. The importance of posture and breathing in everything you do so you can reduce the pressure on your pelvic floor and keep It healthy. There’s so much more in this chat but Angela’s parting point is to think about what do you want to be doing when you are 80 because you need to prepare now.

A trainer with a difference that is exactly what Alison McGrath is. As a woman with a lifetime of experiences, Alison’s approach is to bring all that she has learned in life together. With this she is able to help other women who are still working to get the very best out of their lives and themselves. After her initial career in the fitness industry Alison went off and pursued a career in corporate and small business becoming extremely successful but also undergoing the highs and lows of that life. It was one of these lows that finally made her realise she wanted to go back to working with women to help them be fit and healthy even if they too are in stressful and high powered jobs. We talk all things fitness and how hard it can be as a woman to make time for yourself. We also go a little down memory lane and chat about aerobics classes and her intention to reintroduce retro classes complete with leotards.

Ageless Confidence what exactly is it? Peta Gillian and I talk through the lessons we learned at the Ageless confidence workshop Peta hosted in Brisbane. As well as what we learned we go through the hints and tips from the speakers and what the amazing women thought about being together and listening to different things. Everything from a speaker on incontinence to how to look good in your cozzie, or swimsuit depending on where you live. An interesting chat with some great tips to incorporate into your healthy life.

Go Live, Get Your Voice Heard and share all of that passion and wisdom you have amassed in your life. Yes this week I chat with the Queen of LiveStream Victoria Rose about going live, videoing and all that goes with it. We talk about why it is important to get our voices out there into society and how much older women in particular have to offer to those around us. We of course also talk about being fearless and taking risks and Victoria discusses with me why taking a risk is so exciting and can be defining for your life journey. As she says don’t let the dash between the beginning and end of your life leave you wondering what that was all about. Make it matter, stand up and be heard…

Winter Warmers How to Keep Going when you don’t really feel like it. A conversation about how to keep motivated and why you can’t really rely on it. Peta from Strong healthy women and I go through the many things you could do to support a healthy exercise habit. We delve into your inner reasons and goals you have for yourself and how these need to be strong enough and important enough for you to ignore the weather and other distractions. In a conversation that spans the globe as usual we cover off everything from clothes to exercising at home.

Yes indeed today my good friend and colleague Peta from Strong Healthy Women Brisbane interviews me yes me Jennifer from Fit N Fifty Plus about all things Menopause. We talk about the good the bad and the ugly and put a much more positive spin on the best part of your life. The usual hormone discussion but with an evolutionary twist and some tips and hints from both of us about travelling through this period of your life. The number one takeaway is that everyone’s journey is different and if you need help then go out and get it.

Just how do you know what to do and ask when someone close to you gets very ill and you all of a sudden become a carer? The Carers Compass is an organisation established by Dianne Gatto who had this very experience when her dad became very ill. I chat with Dianne about becoming a carer, about all of the things she learned and how the Carers Compass can help someone new to their role. This I s not generally something we choose and it generally doesn’t happen when we think we are ready for it. Listen in for an inside information about becoming a carer.

Communicating in a Relationship can be quite difficult and we also bring so much of our past, and our bad habits, with us into the space. This week I talk with stand up comedienne Jo Drennan and her business partner Ilka about their fabulous Facebook live series about just this very topic. Ilka and Jo present a very funny look at how we live our lives and what we do with our relationships through live streaming. The very best thing is they are older women who have lived quite a bit and so they have a unique and very funny perspective on what and how we tick.

Just what are the pieces of this healthy life puzzle and how can you incorporate them easily into your life so you can get more out of it? Just a little question that Peta, from strong Healthy Women, and I talk about in this conversation. Believe it or not, they are not the most complicated things in the world but actually understanding them and establishing how you can improve each part will make a difference to your health and wellbeing. As usual, this conversation takes us to some interesting places.

Just what does this word mean to you? Actually what does it really mean in our modern context where many of us go on to have more than one career. The second one starting after we have supposedly retired. Meet Maria Patserakis who is dedicating her time and energy to helping women actually retire with “Joy”. Maria and I go deep into what this means for women, the opportunities it opens up and Maria also gives us the heads up on what you need to think about ahead of time. No this is not a discussion about money, thank heavens, but one about the most important thing to you and that is your life and what you do with it.

Working out at home with Peta Gillian from Strong, Healthy Women Brisbane. Peta and I take you through your house, garden and maybe your farm to show you how you can make the everyday a part of your exercise routine. We talk about incorporating fun with your family into your fitness routine as well as an interesting discussion about what you might wear whilst working out in the comfort of your own backyard, apartment, house or property. Some really good tips to set up your own workout with things you already have. 

Broken hearted? Well this week’s guest Leah Shepherd can really help you get some perspective and help you really understand what is really going on. Leah and I talk all about relationships, breaking up and grief about not having that certain person there anymore. Leah’s own story is a fascinating journey into understanding what happens to you physically and emotionally when you “break up”. Leah has spent many years researching the physiology of this type of grief initially to understand her own reactions, but then to understand more so she can help others. If you have ever wondered why it hurts so much then listen in, even if you haven’t it is a fascinating topic about the connection between your body and soul so to speak.

Peta Gillian from Strong Healthy Women joins me to talk all things weights and weight training for women. Why training with weights and resistance training is important and just what can you do. As usual, Peta has some fun little tips to keep you smiling. We talk through the difference between actual weights and just using your body. Balance skills and how to jazz it up a little.

Well what’s next. Did you know that when you walk you are nearly always balancing on one leg? This week I talk with “The Barefoot Podiatrist”, Paul Thompson about understanding your feet and the impact that they have on your body and your health. Paul started out his career as a ”normal” podiatrist but his own issues with his feet, and having a small child got him interested in the role shoes play in our lives. Most importantly, just how very important your feet and their connection to your brain actually is. Paul and I talk about one of the best ways to improve your movement by actually taking your shoes off. We talk about how you might transition to doing more barefoot action and also set some challenges to help you improve your balance. A truly insightful exploration about movement and how to improve yours as you get older.

Yes the delightful Sally Marchini APD joins me once again in the hot seat to talk specifically about eating for your exercising body. Sally talks in detail about what you should and should not be worrying about. As well as some really good advice on keeping it simple. We cover off on superfoods, carb loading and a whole host of other things food related.

It would be fair to say that personal trainers come from all walks of life and backgrounds but JJ Armstrong has possibly the best and most fascinating background of anyone I have ever met. You see JJ was responsible for the personal training of combat soldiers in the British Army. So in fact their lives depended on their fitness and that was what JJ was responsible for. It’s fair to say that JJ’s journey since then has been quite remarkable from being one of the few female trainers in the British Army she went on to learn even more by studying at the prestigious United States Sports Academy. All of this has led her to develop a different approach to ageing, keeping fit and burning fat. She has 2 well tried and tested programmes Transform2Alpha and T2A Combat Aging. A very inspiring and intelligent woman we have a fantastic conversation about just how hard is too hard, and the physiology of getting and keeping fit as we get older. We also talk about the power of your mind and how that can make or break your health.

Shar Qui Bellydance Fitness with Oreet. This is not your usual fitness class, and definitely not your usual belly dance class either. Oreet specially designed the SharQui belly dance fitness because she wanted a faster more intense workout, along with all of the benefits of belly dancing. Oreet also designed the music to match.  Listen as we chat about the history of belly dance, and it has nothing to do with men. Using finger cymbals when you dance and why that is a part of belly dancing. More importantly the benefits of doing something you love to keep fit.  Check out your own free 30-minute SharQui Belly Dance download by going to the podcast page on my website.

Jo Drennan is a very funny woman but she wasn’t always that way. After a lifetime of very straight and structured thinking Jo realised that she needed to change if she was going to enjoy the rest of her life. Jo did something that not many of us would even think about doing let alone follow through with. Jo decided to go and learn how to do Improv Comedy, and it changed her life. Learning to communicate using humour has unlocked her passion for living, her ability to communicate with the people around her and most importantly allowed her to really live her life.  Listen in to a very, very funny conversation about life as a woman, being yourself and dating as you get older.  

Bliss Runner host Suzanna Miller and I delve into the mysteries of the female body, sexual energyand orgasms, yes you read that correctly…Suzanna thought there had to be more to life than what she was experiencing in her physical relationships and so she started meditating on a deep level. To her surprise her body reacted in an interesting way.   Listen in to a detailed discussion about personal energy, sex, your body and things you can do to really enjoy your physical relationships.   I learned a lot and I am sure you will too. Make sure you have your headphones in! 

Listen in and have a good laugh whilst I interview Heather Joy Campbell a Laughter Yoga practitioner and teacher. Heather and I explore how good laughing is for you, and how your brain doesn’t know the difference between fake and real laughing. Heather gives us some little tips for pretending to smile so you get the endorphins to de-stress immediately. She also gives us a few hints for incorporating mindful, or thoughtful laughing into our everyday. I guarantee that you will be smiling at the end of this conversation.

Feldenkrais, have you ever wondered what it is? Join me as I discuss this amazing practice with Margaret Kaye, an experienced practitioner and inspirational woman. Margaret takes us through a little mindfulness and exercise practice you can do sitting in your chair to show us exactly how powerful being aware and moving gently can be for your body and its movement. We talk about how you can retrain your body to move better and with less pain if you just become more aware of what it is you are doing with it. A really enjoyable and interesting conversation about your capability and the ageing myth.

Leah Steinberg is an expert in “stuff” but particularly in managing your “stuff”. Leah talks with me about the service she offers to people who need to declutter and downsize. You know all of those things you have stored under the bed, in the shed and in that dusty cabinet? Well Leah can come in and help you pack it, sell it and get rid of it so you can go off and travel the world without worrying about the dusting. Leah and I talk about the trials and tribulations of clearing out your life and moving on, and the international movement of senior move managers. A very practical discussion about getting the right kind of help and making some space in your life.

Weight, what is it really, and what are you really made up of? This week I ponder that question with Accredited Practicing Dietitian Sally Marchini. Sally and I talk about a new machine that can tell you the exact make up of your body especially where your fat is hiding. Why is that important? Well it does make a difference to your health, so listen in to find out where it should and shouldn’t be.  Sally and I also talk about women’s health week and the importance of looking after yourself and attending to your own health checks. 

Have the courage to take the first step Drag your bike out of the shed and have some fun. Tina McCarthy is the very definition of fun. Behaving like a child comes naturally to her especially when riding her bike. Tina is the founder of Wheel Women, a group dedicated to teaching women cycling skills and increasing the number of women riding their bikes. Tina is also the recipient of the Iris Dixon Medal which recognized her contribution to women’s cycling.  This conversation has some great tips for starting out but also great commentary on being a “sports” person as a woman over 50. Check in and then check out on the road and into nature and have some fun.

Eating whole foods for your health with Sal Prothero qualified Nutritionist and whole Food practitioner. Oh yes my favourite topic FOOD. Sal Prothero took quite a while to actually get her nutrition qualifications but like every good woman she never gave up. Sal talks with us about the benefits of eating foods in their whole state as much as you can and the advantages for your body. We touch on what carbs really are and why you shouldn’t eliminate them from your diet completely. What you can eat for your brain health. Probiotics and keeping your gut healthy so it can absorb all the nutrients you need. So get out there and have a slice of sourdough (oh yes they do make gluten Free ones as well) with some good pickles on it.

Get Help FAST that’s the message from this week’s incredible woman Shelagh Brennand. Shelagh, not quite 50 at the time, was out in her garden just a few years ago when she started to feel quite unwell. Unbeknown to her she was actually having a stroke. Fortunately, Shelagh’s son was home, and after collapsing she ended up in the back of the ambulance and on her way to hospital.  Shelagh and I chat about what having a stroke has meant to her. Her experience through diagnosis and recovery, and her amazing life now. Shelagh has now dedicated her life to helping others understand about stroke, and has recently published a book of poems, “A Stroke of Poetry”, that she wrote to help her through her recovery. Her biggest tips; be grateful for all you have, and know the signs of a stroke.

“It’s never too late in fiction or in life to revise” so said Janis Joplin. My guest this week has certainly lived that mantra since she turned fifty. Jeanette Anderson from Nature Direct talks with me about changing your direction in life, taking risks and keeping active and curious as you get older.  Jeanette will definitely inspire you to take on the thing you have always wanted to do. We talk about how other people view you, and what happens when all of a sudden you are not the person they have known for the last 50 years, and how challenging that can be.    Jeanette’s outlook on life is full of energy and determination to really enjoy her time on this earth. Listen in it might be just the inspiration you are looking for.

Just Juicy and all thing Menopause with Blogger Mel Kettle. In her early 40’s Mel Kettle started to have some unusual symptoms that she knew had nothing to do with stress. Her journey to diagnosis of an early perimenopause sent her online and blogging about just what it is like to be a woman facing all of these things.  Mel and I talk about the good, and bad, of what happens to you personally when you live through this part of your life. Everything from the joys of not having periods through to the inability to sleep every night, and all things in between.  Mel has some really practical tips for hot flushes and sleeping, as well as her biggest wish… that we talk about this a lot more with the men in our lives so that they too can understand what is really going on. 

Respect Yourself and have some boundaries, one of the gems from this week’s conversation with Talli Kimelman. Talli is one powerhouse of a woman who has spent her life doing what she loves, and interestingly what she actually knew she wanted to do from day one, caring for children.  Having trained as a teacher Talli went on to have 11 children who are now grown. Talli then decided this was her time and she could start to do all of the things she had wanted to. An experienced parenting coach, childcare director, author of Make Mine Mensch and mentor to many young parents. Talli gives us some great tips for being a great grandparent and also being good and kind to yourself. A truly delightful conversation with someone who fills every minute of her life. 

Yes, that is right you can rule your little corner of the world using an activity app called Run and Rule. Best of all it’s free.   This week I catch up with Clare Sanders from Run and Rule, a new activity tracking app for IPhones that she and her partner have developed.   The app tracks your activity and then uses that to allow you to build up your territory, therefore letting you rule your world.   It’s simple and easy to use, but best of all great fun. You can have teams, as well as using it on your own.  Clare also shares some great tips for making activity a part of your everyday.  Give it a go you never know it might just be the one thing that keeps you out there and moving.

Listen in as Jennifer is interviewed by Janine Hall, from Organic Lip Balm, about her new book which is now available in hard copy.  Jennifer explains why she wrote the book and discusses the four sections. Preparing, Pursuing, Persevering and Purchasing and how they fit together As well as how you might use it to design a fitter and healthier life for yourself as a Fifty Plus Woman.

Let’s talk the whole thing out. If you are confused about what these things are and how they affect you then listen in to Carla Johnson Accredited Practising Dietitian. Carla gives us the real deal on how fat actually works in your body. Did you know the babies use their brown fat to keep warm? Also that not keeping your house too hot can actually help your brown fat burn more energy in your body.   Carla takes us through what kind of fat is the best to have, oh and that you should be having some good fat every day. We take a brief diversion to talk about coconut oil and what it really is.  So eat up, add an avocado and drizzle some olive oil on that salad and be merry.

Corina Collins decided it was time to create a new life and as a part of that took to designing her own sport wear for real women, and in colors other than black. Yes, women who are a little bigger than size 6 and definitely over 18.  Corina talks with me about her decision and also about what makes good sportswear and what you should look for when buying. We talk about good design, designs with sleeves and buying good quality so you can’t see through, especially your tights!  Check it out there will be some tips in here for everyone.  Oh and since we interviewed Corina her company has now processes to ship overseas.

“When you’re sitting on the edge of the plane with your legs tucked under the fuselage you realise there is no backing out.”  Alison Vidotto is a mother of 6, an award winning business woman and an author, who has a challenge for herself to do one extreme thing every year. This year it was skydiving!   Why would you do that I hear you say? Join me in an exploration of her adventure, and her reflections on life and how to live it well.

Leanne has a passion for helping people get the best out of their life. Despite pressure to become a Doctor Leanne decided that drowning people in pills was not the best way to go, and that exercise and movement was more likely to get long lasting results.   Leanne has a fascination for the human body and takes us through some simple treatments for some of the aches and pains we might experience. This includes an in depth discussion on why heat packs really work and when and where to use them.  If you have ever wondered when to use ice and when to use heat, and exactly how your body responds to injury, then this conversation will definitely fill in your information gaps.  

Bespoke perfumer and clinical aromatherapist Angela Vrettas and I take a delightful romp through the world of scent. How essential oils and their powerful properties as well as their smell can contribute to your well-being.  Do you remember the smell of your mother or some other significant person in your life? What smells do you love and just what kind of smell or perfume do people relate to you?   Angela talks about how she identifies a person’s essence so she can create a bespoke perfume just for you. Such a lovely conversation one destined to make you smile the next time you smell something you recognise. 

Dr Elise Sullivan, author of “Laying Bare the Power of You”, entrepreneur, dedicated horse woman and woman over 50 and I talk about life and the journey through your fifties. Elise takes us through some of the significant journeys in her life and we both reflect on how good it is to be over 50 and what that can mean for you as a woman. We cover everything from being silent for 10 days with Vipashna meditation through to a modern day love story and also cover off easy ways to feel at one with yourself.  Listen in for a funny but insightful look at one woman’s journey to empowerment and good health.

Yesiree Fit N Fifty Plus managed to get not one but three guests on to talk about boxing, why you should do it, what you need and also how much fun it can be.   Join with Peta Gillian ( yes almost a regular), Alexander Norris and Sallyanne Milham, all from Strong Healthy Women Brisbane, as I try to get to grips with the fun of punching.   All three women are fun and have great tips and insights into getting fit and having fun.

All I can say is wow I am in awe of Jenny Ryder. Having developed a passion for being fit and healthy just before she turned 50 Jenny decided to go the whole hog and buy a gym a year ago and she isn’t looking back.    Jenny talks about what makes a good gym great and what you should look for in a good gym as well as giving us her tips for keeping fit and healthy which includes “Make it Fun”. She also talks about “Suck it up Buttercup” an obstacle event she is training some women for. You really will love this conversation.    If ever you are in downtown Grafton NSW look her up she has offered a free session!  

I’m lucky enough to have enticed Kristie Melling back into the studio to talk about taking good care of your body through massage, and how to do it yourself. Kristie from Feeling Peachy is a thoughtful, practical and vivacious massage therapist who believes in being kind to your body but also learning how to take care of it yourself.  Join us as Kristie takes us through her new “Recharge Your Body” and “Couples Massage” programs and gives us a couple of really worthwhile tips for taking care of your feet and your partner.

Yes this weeks’ topic is X-rated, that is we are talking about sex, vaginas and things you can do to help you have a full, happy and sexy life. I am speaking with Natalie Holzgrefe from V’Juvenate about vaginal and sexual dysfunction and incontinence, and the latest technology to help you with these issues.  So no missing out on your gym sessions or feeling uncomfortable and then not doing what you need or would like to do just because of problems “down there”. This is an depth discussion about a fascinating new treatment that might be just the right thing for you.

Money the age old issue that has brought world powers down, pushed couples apart and damaged the health of more than one of us in some way during our lives. This weeks’ guest Maggie Wilde talks with me about how you can improve your health, and your feelings of abundance, by changing your mindset. Maggie is an author as well as having an amazing business helping people change their mindsets to help them lose weight. Maggie and I talk through some simple strategies, that you can use every day, to help you get more of what you want and need from the universe.

The amazing Pilgrims walk is something that many of us dream about but few of us find the time and the energy to complete. Meet Doreen Schwegler a woman with an appetite for walking and adventures of all kinds and who manages to have both of these things in spades. Doreen is a naturopath with a background in scientific research and very much an inspirationally active woman over 50. Doreen talks about the beauty, trials and tribulations of doing such a long walk and shares some of her stories from along the way. Doreen also shares some of the other adventures from her life as well as her philosophy and tips for being fit, well and healthy over 50.

Yes, that’s right this weeks’ guest encourages you to make love to your skin twice a day. Debbie Majella from Door of Youth talks with me about looking fabulous in your own skin. Loving yourself firstly, and taking care of your skin in the best and simplest way possible. Debbie shares some great tips about dry brushing and AHA and why you should be looking at the ingredients in your skin care products. So if you are wondering how to get back your youthful glow listen in for some fantastic information.

Have you ever wondered about the mysteries of hitting that little white ball around the lawn? If so, and maybe if you just want to know a bit more, you should listen in to my conversation with Deborah Marsland. Deborah loves her golf and takes time out to tell us why it is so good for you, how to start and how it can help to keep you a fit and active woman. Deb also realised that it was hard to get good women’s gear and so she established her own online shop Fairways.