Transforming Your Midlife: The Journey to Health and Empowerment
In this episode of the Soul Sister Movement Podcast, host Noni Banks is joined by Shirley Macon-Thomas, a life coach, Reiki practitioner, and group fitness instructor. Shirley shares her journey in the health and fitness industry and how she discovered her passion for life coaching. With two major life coaching certifications under her belt, Shirley expresses her love for helping people and empowering them to live their healthiest and best lives. Tune in to this inspiring episode and let the Soul Sister Podcast guide you on your journey to fulfillment in midlife.
Timestamps:
00:03:17 - Health and Wellness for Middle-Aged Women
00:04:34 - Shifting Fitness Perspectives
00:05:02 - Learning from Parental Health
00:07:15 - Mental Health and Cultural Considerations
00:08:48 - Adapting Fitness for Different Ages
00:09:55 - Starting and Maintaining a Fitness Routine
00:11:44 - Importance of Recovery and Self-Care
00:12:07 - Self-Compassion in Wellness Journeys
00:13:16 - Listening to Your Body
00:14:07 - Shirley's Personal Recovery Routine
00:15:14 - Encouraging Self-Care and Recovery
00:16:33 - The Importance of Movement
00:17:40 - Encouragement for Late Starters in Fitness
00:18:59 - Setting Fitness Goals at Any Age
Shownotes:
Prioritizing health and wellness involves taking care of both our mental and physical well-being. In a podcast episode, life coach and fitness instructor Shirley Macon-Thomas emphasizes the importance of focusing on these two aspects.
Shirley highlights that while wanting to look good is natural, feeling good is even more crucial. Taking care of our mental and spiritual health is essential for overall well-being. This includes practicing self-care, self-compassion, and positive self-talk. Shirley encourages listeners to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being by engaging in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.
When it comes to physical health, Shirley emphasizes the importance of starting where you are and finding what works for you. She suggests trying different types of exercise and finding activities that are enjoyable. It's important not to compare oneself to others and to listen to one's body. Shirley advises paying attention to muscle pain versus pain in joints or other areas, as this can indicate the need to reassess and potentially modify the exercise routine.
Shirley also addresses the common belief that it's too late to start exercising or taking care of one's health. She firmly believes that it is never too late and encourages listeners to meet themselves where they are in their journey. Whether it's starting with gentle stretching, walking, or even running marathons, Shirley emphasizes that everyone can find a way to prioritize their health and wellness.
Overall, prioritizing health and wellness means recognizing the importance of both mental and physical well-being. It involves taking care of our mental and spiritual health, as well as engaging in physical activities that bring us joy and support our physical well-being. By finding a balance between these two aspects, we can live a fulfilled and joyful life in midlife and beyond.
Overall, the key message from the episode is that it's never too late to prioritize your health and start exercising. Whether it's walking, gentle stretching, or more intense workouts, finding what works for you and starting where you are is the most important step. By embracing self-compassion, listening to your body, and creating a routine that you enjoy, you can embark on a fitness journey that will benefit your overall well-being and quality of life.