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Explore every episode of the podcast Self Care Simplified

Dive into the complete episode list for Self Care Simplified. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
433. Specific Eating Habits to Reduce Cholesterol14 Feb 202500:05:47

Did you know that about 10% of Americans have high cholesterol, and many don’t even know it. The reality is as we age, we become more likely to have elevated cholesterol levels, which can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. And while treating high cholesterol can be as easy as picking up a new prescription at the pharmacy, what if you want to tackle it drug-free?

Listener Carolyn asks**:**“I currently have high cholesterol and really don't want to take medication. I am hoping to get my numbers down by diet and exercise. What’s my best plan of action on the nutrition front? Can I still have occasional splurges? And if so, are there any splurges that I really need to avoid all together that will impact my cholesterol numbers?”

To tackle Carolyn’s question, we’ve invited Dr. Federica Amati back to the podcast. Dr. Amati works as Head Nutritionist for the personalized health company,Zoe, and she’s written two fantastic books,Recipes for a Better Menopause andEvery Body Should Know This. When it comes to knowing exactly how to eat best during midlife - without being extreme or restrictive about it, which I love! - she knows what really works.


More Resources

Follow Dr. Federica Amati on Instagram

Listen to Episode 412. How to Eat for a Better Menopause with Dr. Federica Amati

Follow Megan on YouTube

Follow Megan on Instagram

431. Climb Down on the Floor & Get Back Up Easily - How to Build Your Strength!07 Feb 202500:09:12

I post lots of training and how-to videos on social media, and most of them get anywhere between 25,000 and 100K views if they’re really hitting. But right now, I have 3 videos right now that have reached about 1 million views. Whoa!

You wanna know what they all have in common?

They aren’t about complicated strength training moves, nutrition advice or ways to stay motivated. They address the very real, every day challenge of climbing down on the floor and getting back up again with ease.

If this is something you currently struggle with, you’re not alone. And if it’s not you yet, don’t get caught thinking this is just a problem for a much older version of you. Losing your ability to climb down easily & get back up again doesn’t happen overnight - it happens over years and the decline usually starts in your 40’s.

Tune into this week’s quick episode, where I’ll outline the things you need to get up and down off the floor with ease, as well as practical exercises to help make it happen!


More Resources

Video Demonstration of the 4-Step Strengthening Process to Climb Down & Up

No Knees Version!

FREE Weekly Jumpstart Newsletter! Master your midlife health in just 3 minutes a week with this easy-to-read newsletter

FREE 5-Day Core Tune Up - A free mini-course to dramatically improve your functional core strength, create better alignment, and relieve back and hip pain for good!

Need help getting started! Get Megan’s FREE 5-Day Jumpstart Tips guide!

The Jumpstart 30 Program for Beginners - Jumpstart your health & fitness journey with Megan’s signature 30-day program for true beginners!

The Back & Hip Fix 30-day program - Reduce your chronic back & hip pain in less than 10 minutes a day!

Follow Megan on Instagram

Follow Megan on YouTube

422. The Only 4 Nutrition Habits You Need to Feel Amazing07 Jan 202500:31:30

Every year, it feels like eating healthy gets more and more complicated. So many rules, so many do’s and don’ts. Eat more of this, less of that. Avoid entire food groups but make sure you’re eating plenty of these other food groups!

And when it gets too complicated you’ll inevitably feel like you’re doing it wrong, you’ll get overwhelmed, and you’ll just stop trying.

So while the nutritional world gets more complicated, let’s go the other direction and blaze a different trail.

This week we’re going to cut through all the noise and zero in on 4 SIMPLE habits that will make you feel fantastic. No special equipment or supplements needed. Just four things you can start doing TODAY that will have a significant impact on your health and well-being.

If the nutritional “noise” is making your head spin, then this episode is for you!


More Resources & Links

Get Started! Join the Jumpstart 30 program today!

Total Nutrition Reset - reset your eating habits and establish healthy food choices for life in just 30 days!

FREE! - Download my free report on the Three Eating Dangers to Avoid to Reset Your Eating Habits

Follow Megan on YouTube

Follow Megan on Instagram

332. Splurging, Mindless Snacking & Stress Eating: Your Biggest Nutrition Struggles Solved!27 Feb 202400:21:35

Without a doubt, the most common questions I get asked are about nutrition. The women I talk to usually have a pretty good grasp on the things they SHOULD be eating. The challenge comes with getting a handle on what they “SHOULDN’T” be eating - you know, the snacking and splurging that can sabotage the best laid plans!

This week we’re doing something a little different. I’ve gone back into the archives and pulled three short clips from our Ask Megan episodes that address these burning questions.

Take a listen as we tackle:

  1. Overcoming mood eating with mindfulness

  2. Splurges - how many is too many?

  3. Stopping the mindless between-meal snacking

My hope is that this compilation gives you the exact strategies that you can use TODAY to get control of your eating habits.


More Resources & Links

FREE! - Download my free report on the Three Eating Dangers to Avoid to Reset Your Eating Habits

The Jumpstart 30 Program for Beginners

Follow Megan on Instagram

Follow Megan on YouTube

331. The Optimal Workout Time for the BEST Results23 Feb 202400:08:39

Trying to fit exercise into our busy schedules can be challenging. But should we be considering the best time of day to workout?

Listener Martha asks: “Hi, Megan. I'm wondering if there's a preferred time of day to workout. Should I be working out first thing in the morning? Is there a time of day I should avoid? Is there a certain time of day specifically to do cardio or lift weights? I'm trying to get stronger, maybe lose a few pounds, but really just want to be consistent.”

In this shortie episode, I talk about workout timing - and what I recommend may be a hot take! But if you’re looking for a way to make your workouts consistent, then this advice may be exactly what you need!

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.

More Resources

Ask Megan your burning question here

Follow Megan on Instagram

330. The Suprising TRUTH About Fat Loss - Simple Strategies for a Fitter, Leaner Body in Midlife20 Feb 202400:40:42

When we start thinking about weight loss, what we’re really wanting is FAT LOSS. But so often our pursuit of fat loss is filled with frustration, confusion and defeat. How do I lose fat but maintain muscle mass? Why do the things I did in my 20s not work in my 40s, 50s and beyond? Why is the number on the scale just not moving?

Meet my friend Philip Pape - he’s a nutrition coach and the host of the Wits & Weights podcast, one of the top 25 nutrition podcasts. Today we’re going to dig into the strategies that ACTUALLY work if sustainable fat loss is one of your goals.

Tune in while we discuss:

  • Body Composition - what it is and why it matters.
  • The difference between “weight loss” and “fat loss”.
  • The 3 big guiding principles for true, sustainable fat loss - and how to incorporate them into your life.

While achieving fat loss can often feel like finding the Holy Grail, today’s episode will break it down into simple, attainable steps.


More Resources & Links

Subscribe to Philip Pape’s podcast Wits & Weights here!

Check out my episode on Wits & Weights: Ep 149: 4 Surprising Ways to Lose That Midlife Belly Fat with Megan Dahlman

The Jumpstart 30 Program for Beginners

FREE 5-Day Core Tune Up - A free mini-course to dramatically improve your functional core strength, create better alignment, and relieve back and hip pain for good!

Suffering from Back & Hip Pain? Check out the Back & Hip Fix 30-day program here!

Ask Megan your burning question here

Follow Megan on Instagram

Follow Megan on YouTube

329. Exercising with Osteopenia & Low Bone Density - The Do’s and Don’ts16 Feb 202400:09:20

You’ve heard me rave about the short-term and long-term benefits of strength training. And maybe I’ve convinced you that this is the direction to go with your fitness. But what do you do if the desire to strength train runs into underlying bone health issues?

Listener Lex has this very question: “I am a 50-year-old woman who has never strength trained - so I'd be starting from scratch. And I've considered using your program, but you know what stops me? I have osteopenia. And I don't know if I would need to modify the program or how I would go about in a way to address the osteopenia. I don't want to hurt myself any further - I want to get on a fast track to improving it. What are your thoughts?”

Lex, I promise you’re not the only one with this concern!

In this quick episode, I talk about Osteoporosis and Osteopenia and the differences between them, and then I give you advice on the things you should be doing, and the things to avoid to help not only address, but improve your Osteopenia.

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.

More Resources

268. Increase Bone Density and Prevent (and Reverse!) Osteoporosis

Read this great article on Osteopenia

The Jumpstart 30 Program for Beginners

Ask Megan your burning question here

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328. STOP Feeling Old! Reverse Mobility Loss & Improve Joint Health to Feel Younger!13 Feb 202400:31:03

Do you feel like with each passing year your body is beginning to fall apart and become less mobile? Movements feel stiff and actions that used to be effortless are now uncomfortable?

I’m often asked, “What can I do to maintain and improve my mobility as I age?” I think the underlying question is, “What can I do to not feel like I’m moving like an old person!”

And the answer is: MOBILITY. And more specifically, JOINT MOBILITY - which is essentially the ability for your joints to move around the way you want them to.

Tune in this week as we discuss:

  • The dangers of limited joint mobility
  • Four key components of a healthy joint
  • Mobility vs. Flexibility
  • And finally, the 3 KEY ways to keep your joints healthy, mobile and pain-free!


More Resources & Links

Are your hips tight? Grab Megan’s free Hip Flexor Stretching Masterclass here!

Need help with a fully body functional strength training program? Click here for Megan’s Jumpstart 30 program for beginners!

Need help getting the ball rolling with some simple tips? Get Megan’s FREE 5-Day Jumpstart Tips guide!

Follow Megan on YouTube

Follow Megan on Instagram

327. Night Sweats & Hot Flashes! Triggers & Remedies to Ease Symptoms09 Feb 202400:09:45

Ask any woman over 40, and they’ll know exactly what you’re talking about. You wake up in the middle of the night feeling like you just dunked yourself in a pool - literally dripping with sweat. But you’re not necessarily hot, you’re actually clammy and can’t get warm.

What the heck is going on here?!

Listener Dawn asks: “Night sweats. Good Lord, woman. I know there are many women that suffer from night sweats. Mine is partially because of the full hysterectomy and the chemo from cancer. But even past treatment and in remission, I now have night sweats tremendously. So that's my question. What can I do?!”

In this shortie episode, I dive into Vasomotor Symptoms - you know them as night sweats, hot flashes, heart palpitations, and even changes in blood pressure. I’m sure it’s no surprise that fluctuating hormones are the culprit - but what exactly is happening in our bodies and want can we do to help manage it?

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.

More Resources

Article in Healthline: What Are the Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause?

[Research Review: Understanding the pathophysiology of vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats) that occur in perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause life stages](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18074100/#:~:text=Vasomotor symptoms (VMS)%2C commonly,to changes in gonadal hormones.)

Need help getting started! Get Megan’s FREE 5-Day Jumpstart Tips guide!

The Jumpstart 30 Program for Beginners

Ask Megan your burning question here

Follow Megan on Instagram

Follow Megan on YouTube

326. Defying All Expectations: Strength, Aging, and Body Image06 Feb 202400:32:17

So often we measure our success by decrease - Is the number on the scale going down? Are my clothing sizes getting smaller? But what would it look like to shift our focus to increase? How much weight could I lift? How strong could I get?

Meet Alyssa Ages, who asked herself this very question. She wanted to know how physically strong she could become. And that question led her on a journey of building real strength, becoming a Strongman Competitor, and, at the age of 40, pulling a semi truck.

Alyssa documents her journey to uncover the true meaning of strength in her book Secrets of Giants. This week we sit down and talk about body image, many women’s ongoing fear of “getting bulky”, muscle and bone health with aging, and the confidence that comes with being someone that’s really, really strong.

Get ready for a truly inspirational and empowering conversation that just might change the way you measure success.


More Resources & Links

Grab Alyssa’s book Secrets of Giants: A Journey to Uncover the True Meaning of Strength

Read to get started with a beginner-friendly routine? Check out the Jumpstart 30 program here!

Not ready to commit? Sign up for Megan’s FREE 5-Day Jumpstart Tips Guide here!

Ask Megan your burning question here

Follow Megan on Instagram

Follow Megan on YouTube

325. Ravenously HUNGRY? Do This!02 Feb 202400:08:35

We’ve all been there - you get to mid-afternoon or the end of the day and you find yourself STARVING! And suddenly you want to snack on anything you can find.

Listener Jennifer has been there, too: “I was wondering what strategies you suggest for when I get ravenously hungry, especially in the evenings. When my stomach is absolutely growling I have a really hard time not eating just anything in sight.”

In this shortie episode, I help decode what those intense feelings of hunger mean, and help you discover WHY you’re so hungry. Then we’ll talk about adjustments you can make to help prevent that late evening hunger.

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.

More Resources

Need help getting started! Get Megan’s FREE 5-Day Jumpstart Tips guide!

FREE! - Download my free report on the Three Eating Dangers to Avoid to Reset Your Eating Habits

Ask Megan your burning question here

Follow Megan on Instagram


324. Menopausal Belly Fat & Why It’s Killing You30 Jan 202400:30:01

It’s no surprise that as we get older our bodies start to change. Maybe the most obvious changes can happen around your midsection. It can feel like you wake up one day and suddenly your clothes don’t fit quite the same way. And all the ways you’ve tackled weight gain in the past aren’t working.

While those changes to your midsection can be frustrating, they can also be dangerous.

In this week’s episode we are going to talk all things belly fat.

  • Visceral fat vs. subcutaneous fat - what’s the difference and why does it matter?
  • Why are women in midlife more susceptible to midsection weight gain?
  • Your Belly Fat Action Plan - all the tools you need to combat midlife belly fat!

If you’re in your 40s and beyond and wrestling with midsection weight gain, you’re not going to want to miss this episode!

More Resources & Links

Need help getting started with a thorough routine that checks all the boxes? Click here for Megan’s Jumpstart 30 Program for Beginners

Back or hip pain standing in your way? Click here for Megan’s 30-day Back & Hip Fix program.

Episode 280. How To Combat Menopause Weight Gain and Belly Fat

Episode 258. Unlocking the Secret to Better Sleep

https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(17)30602-X/fulltext

https://www.jadeteta.com/blog/female-belly-fat-stress-menopause-other-causes

Follow Megan on Instagram

323. Strength Training - When & How to Increase Your Weights26 Jan 202400:08:23

After listening to all my episodes touting the benefits of strength training, you’ve added weights to your exercise routine. Maybe you’ve been lifting the same weights for weeks now, and are starting to realize that those lunges and chest presses don’t feel quite as challenging as they did when you started. But how do you really know when to grab some heavier weights?

Listener Kristi had this very question: “Hi Megan, I've been working out for a little while now using weights and I'm wondering how to know when it's time to increase the weight - and how much I should increase the weight by when I do move up? Also, do you have any recommendations for the best kind of weights to buy if I'm planning to do this long term?”

In this shortie episode, I break down the best way to know both WHEN and HOW to level up your weights. And I’ve got some recommendations for the best weights to look for and which ones to avoid.

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.

More Resources

Dumbells I Use And Recommend

Need help getting started! Get Megan’s FREE 5-Day Jumpstart Tips guide!

Ask Megan your burning question here

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421. When Discouragement (Inevitably) Hits & You Lose Motivation03 Jan 202500:06:47

We are in the season of New Year’s Resolutions. People everywhere are feeling motivated, setting goals and ready to make some real changes!

But what happens in about a month when motivation is low and all those shiny, new resolutions start to feel impossible?

Listener Becky has been there: “I always seem to hit a wall around the 4-week mark with my habits. Usually right around then, if I’m not seeing the results that I really wanted to see, discouragement kind of sets in and I lose my motivation. I can feel myself dwindling, using excuses and then finally not doing it anymore. How can I get past this discouragement and get myself to keep sticking with it?”

Hmmm, sound familiar?

This week I’ve asked Monica Packer, host of the podcast “About Progress”, to help us tackle the inevitable lack of motivation and moments of discouragement that can set in as we are working to establish new habits. If you’ve found yourself losing steam with your healthy habits, then this is the episode for you!

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.


More Resources & Links

Learn more from Monica Packer at www.aboutprogress.com

Listen to Monica’s extremely popular podcast About Progress

Need help getting started! Get Megan’s FREE 5-Day Jumpstart Tips guide!

The Jumpstart 30 Program for Beginners

Follow Megan on YouTube

Follow Megan on Instagram

Ask Megan your burning question here

322. Two Back Surgeries Before 40: Where He is Now + Longevity Training Wisdom23 Jan 202400:30:59

Sometimes, despite all our knowledge, coaching and best efforts, we still find ourselves sidelined with injuries or pain. And suddenly our well-crafted plans and best intentions are out the window as we wrestle with this new reality.

That’s where today’s guest, Brad Williams, found himself. Brad is a long-time personal trainer with more than 14 years of experience who specializes in training the over-40 crowd. Yet, Brad found himself with back issues that led to two separate back surgeries.

Brad and I sat down to talk about his experience with injury, surgery and recovery and how his training has changed.

We dive into:

  • What led to his multiple back surgeries and what he might have done differently
  • What he learned about his body during the recovery process
  • Quality of movement vs. quantity of movement
  • The importance of improving quality of movement - especially for people over 40.

If you’re facing pain or recovery, or want to know how to shift your focus from quantity to quality, this episode is just what you need.


More Resources & Links

Connect with Brad and his Over 40 Fitness Hacks Podcast Here!

FREE 5-Day Core Tune Up - A free mini-course to dramatically improve your functional core strength, create better alignment, and relieve back and hip pain for good!

Back & Hip Fix - Megan’s revolutionary 30-day program to eliminate back and hip pain at its source!

Follow Megan on Instagram

Subscribe to Megan’s YouTube channel

321. 3 Steps to Getting Fit & Strong in Your 60’s19 Jan 202400:07:14

“Hi Megan, my name's Terry. I'm 60 years old and I'm trying to get fit. Mostly strength. Where do I even begin?”

The process sounds so daunting - wanting to get started with a new health and fitness focus, but having no clue how to do it.

The reality is, many women in their 50’s, 60’s or 70’s feel like it’s too late to get fit and build strength. But I’m here to tell you it’s NOT too late.

To Terry and every woman wanting to dive into something new, I applaud your courage! And I’m here to help.

In this shortie episode, I outline the first three SIMPLE steps of starting a new fitness routine - one of them doesn’t even require getting off the couch! I promise, it’s never too late to start - as long as you start slow and trust the process.

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.

More Resources

Listen to Episode 312: Strength Training for Women over 40 - How to Get Started

Read to get started with a beginner-friendly routine? Check out the Jumpstart 30 program here!

Not ready to commit? Sign up for Megan’s FREE 5-Day Jumpstart Tips Guide here!

Ask Megan your burning question here

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320. Outsmarting Self-Sabotage: Avoid These Mistakes for Sustainable Results this Year!16 Jan 202400:22:11

It’s January and everyone is embarking on a new health and fitness routine. Motivation levels are the highest they’ll be all year, and everywhere you look - on TV, social media, or magazines - people are making dramatic fitness goals and lifestyle changes.

Unfortunately, at the same time, I’m witnessing a lot of mistakes being made with these new routines. Mistakes that can easily lead to frustration, burnout and even injury.

In this episode, we’re talking about the THREE most common mistakes that can sabotage your efforts and prevent you from getting the results you ultimately want. And then in each case, I’ll show you how a slight adjustment can take these potential pitfalls and turn them into spring boards to help you stick with those new year’s resolutions.

More Resources & Links

Need help getting started for free? Get Megan’s FREE 5-Day Jumpstart Tips guide!

Ready to take the plunge & work with Megan? Check out her signature Jumpstart 30 course for beginners!

Suffering from Back & Hip Pain? Check out the Back & Hip Fix 30-day program here!

Follow Megan on Instagram

Follow Megan on YouTube

Be sure to leave a rating & review - let us know how this show has helped YOU!


319. 3 Simple Hip Mobility Exercises for Hip Osteoarthritis12 Jan 202400:06:55

It’s estimated that about 1 in 4 people will develop hip osteoarthritis in their lifetime. This happens when the cartilage in your hip joint gradually wears away over time, exposing the bone surfaces and causing them to rub against each other. Not fun.

Listener Heidi struggles with this very condition, and asks: “I have moderate hip osteoarthritis, and my biggest problem is going from that sitting position to a standing position. What can I do during a long meeting, a long flight, or a long car ride to help make that transition from sitting to standing better?”

Heidi, you’re certainly not alone in the struggle!

In this shortie episode, I give you three concrete things you can do to help smooth that transition from long stretches of sitting to standing. And the BIG takeaway that will help ease the pain of hip osteoarthritis!

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.

More Resources

FREE 5-Day Core Tune Up - A free mini-course to dramatically improve your functional core strength, create better alignment, and relieve back and hip pain for good!

Suffering from Back & Hip Pain? Check out the Back & Hip Fix 30-day program here!

Ask Megan your burning question here

Follow Megan on Instagram

Follow Megan on YouTube

318. The 5 Steps You Need NOW for Reducing Anxiety, Depression and Mindset Struggles09 Jan 202400:42:39

As I coach women with their fitness and nutrition, I see a lot of anxiety, depression and lowered moods, and even toxic thoughts that begin to creep in and affect women’s overall health and outlook.

Sound familiar?

Many of us women have a silent mess going on inside of our minds. This mental chaos can have a dramatic impact on our daily mood, and how we show up to take care of ourselves and others.

The reality is, you can have the perfect routine, the perfect meal plan in place, but if your mind is not in the right space, none of it matters.

That’s why I invited Dr. Caroline Leaf on the podcast to talk about our brain, our mindset and our thoughts, and specifically how our mind is intimately connected with our physical bodies. Dr. Leaf is one of the world’s leading experts on cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology, and is the author of several books including “Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess”.

In today’s episode, we’ll discuss:

  • Increased anxiety and depression in midlife and it’s impact on our physical health
  • Neuroplasticity - what is it and what can it do for us?
  • The 5-step process that can help reduce anxiety and depression - and how to apply them to our daily lives
  • The one simple action step you can take TODAY that will make an impact on your own mental mess.


More Resources & Links

Download Dr. Caroline Leaf’s Neurocycle App

Dr Leaf's Book - How To Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess

Dr Leaf's Book - Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess

Listen to Dr. Caroline Leaf’s podcast here

Grab Megan’s FREE 5-Day Jumpstart Tips Guide

Follow Megan on Instagram

317. Sprint Interval Training: Where does this fit your fitness routine?05 Jan 202400:08:20

Looking to mix up your exercise routine in the new year? Maybe you want to try something different to add a little variety - but you want to make sure it’s helping you meet your goals.

Listener Emily came to me with this question: “Hi, Megan. So what about sprinting? Is this going to increase my muscle mass, my fitness, my power? Or is this just a really hard waste of my time? Thanks so much.”

Ha! Great question, Emily!

In this shortie episode, I define what sprinting is (is it only running?), and what it isn’t. We dive into what sprinting can do for your body, and what it doesn’t do. And we’ll discuss who would benefit from sprinting and whether you need it to reach your goals.


More Resources

Ask Megan your burning question here

Follow Megan on Instagram

316. The Fountain of Youth: 4 Health Goldmines to MASTER in 202402 Jan 202400:26:38

It’s a brand new year! And everything that did or did not get accomplished for your body in 2023 is water under the bridge. Time to pivot and look forward. Time to create a good game plan to feel physically better than you’ve felt in a long time.

In fact, what if we implemented something that would help you feel younger, stronger, more energetic and significantly healthier in 2024… would you be up for it?

You may be thinking this is it - the silver bullet! The golden ticket! The piece of the puzzle you’ve been missing!

What is it? Is it cold plunging? New supplements? Keto-based intermittent fasting?

In a world of confusing and conflicting health information, which ones can we jump on board with to feel our best?

Well, I’ve got all the information you need to feel your absolute best in 2024. It’s four health goals you can put into practice today - no health food store or special gym membership needed.

Sound enticing? Tune in for the whole scoop!


More Resources & Links

Need help getting started! Get Megan’s FREE 5-Day Jumpstart Tips guide!

The Jumpstart 30 Program for Beginners

FREE 5-Day Core Tune Up - A free mini-course to dramatically improve your functional core strength, create better alignment, and relieve back and hip pain for good!

Follow Megan on Instagram

315. How to Get Motivated - Simple 3-Step Plan Works Every Time!29 Dec 202300:08:55

We are in that bizarre time of the year - the strange limbo between Christmas and New Year’s where most of the parties are behind us, but our “real life” routine hasn’t started back up again. And maybe we’re facing the reality that we’d like to make some healthy changes for the new year - dial in our nutrition, create a do-able fitness plan, get more active - but we just can’t seem to get off the couch.

Ever been there?

Listener Kim has, and she asks: “Can you talk about ‘getting motivated’? I know all the things I should be doing for my health and wellness, I just really struggle with getting motivated to do them.”

What perfect timing for your question, Kim!

In this shortie episode, I’m going to give you the simple 3-step plan to get motivated - it’s fool-proof! And you’re definitely going to want it as you start the new year.

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.


More Resources

Register NOW for Megan’s low-impact Jumpstart 30 program! Day One kicks off Monday, January 1st!

Ask Megan your burning question here

Follow Megan on Instagram

314. This One Little Word Changes Everything!26 Dec 202300:12:48

Special holiday episode for you! As this year draws to a close and your plans are beginning to materialize for 2024, you’re probably thinking of what you want to “try and do better” next year:

“I want to try to exercise more.”

“I want to try to eat better and clean up my nutrition.”

“I want to try to improve my balance and core strength and bone density and muscle mass and overall health!”

All great things, but often these intentions turn into “trying and failing”. So, what can you change about your mindset that will ensure your good habits have staying power this time?

Well, it all comes down to changing one little word that is the genesis of a monumental shift in your mindset. Could it be this simple? Ohhhh yes.

Turn this one up if improving your habits and actually seeing results is on your agenda for 2024.

More Resources & Links

The Jumpstart 30 Program for Beginners - Register now! Day One starts Monday, January 1st!

Follow Megan on Instagram

313. How Many Sets and Reps are Ideal for Building Muscle and Getting Stronger?22 Dec 202300:08:05

We’ve been talking a LOT about strength training on the show recently.

But there are still so many questions out there about putting all this advice into practice.

For instance, listener Maria asks: “Can I ask about building up your muscles? You mentioned hitting about eight reps. Eight to twelve reps? How many sets? Just one set? Thanks!”

Great question, Maria!

In this quick episode, I talk about the most efficient way to build muscle, how to maximize the effectiveness of your strength workout, and at what point more isn’t necessarily better.

If you can only make ONE goal for yourself in the New Year, let it be to build muscle - and this episode will help you reach that goal!

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.

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Register NOW for Megan’s low-impact Jumpstart 30 program! Day One kicks off Monday, January 1st!

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420. 10,000 Steps a Day? The Shocking Truth About Walking & What to Do NOW31 Dec 202400:30:18

10,000 steps a day. We often think of this as the gold standard for movement.

But is hitting that 10,000 step goal enough to actually impact your health and fitness?

In this episode, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of walking for fitness. I’ll discuss things walking CAN do for you, and things walking CAN’T do for you. Then we’ll dive into how you can go beyond walking to start building strength, increasing mobility and improving your overall fitness TODAY!

Use Coupon CODE: NEWYEAR25 from 12/31/24 - 01/04/25 to receive 25% off PLUS a free pair of Mini-bands shipped for FREE.

More Resources & Links

Need help getting started! Get Megan’s FREE 5-Day Jumpstart Tips guide!

The Jumpstart 30 Program for Beginners

FREE 5-Day Core Tune Up - A free mini-course to dramatically improve your functional core strength, create better alignment, and relieve back and hip pain for good!

Megan’s revolutionary Back & Hip Fix 30-day program

Find out your body type! Take the FREE Body Type Quiz now!

Create My Routine - Download my free routine creator!

Total Nutrition Reset - reset your eating habits and establish healthy food choices for life in just 30 days!

FREE! - Download my free report on the Three Eating Dangers to Avoid to Reset Your Eating Habits

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312. Strength Training for Women over 40 - How to Get Started19 Dec 202300:23:56

You know you probably need to strength train - you may have even been encouraged to do it by your doctor. But how in the world do you get started? With weights? With bands? It’s all so overwhelming!

Well, you have come to the right place!

Grab a pen and paper, because I’m about to show you exactly where and how to start in the simplest, easiest ways possible.

We’ll dive into:

  • Why you should strength train - especially as you get older.
  • How to start strength training SAFELY (ps…it doesn’t actually involve weights).
  • A do-able workout to get you started.
  • And the absolute EASIEST way to put this all into action!


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311. Bowed Legs? Exercises and Stretches for Better Alignment15 Dec 202300:07:59

Sometimes our individual body structure can make certain exercises more challenging - and we need a little expert advice to help us make some adjustments.

Listener Hannah came to me with questions about this very thing: “Hi, Megan. I just have a simple question for you. I am bow legged, and so sometimes it makes it harder for me to do balancing exercises. Any tips? I try to dig my toes in the ground and engage my core, but I'm still a little wobbly. Help!”

In this shortie episode, we talk about “bowed legs” or Varus knees, and how they can become a bigger issue in women as they age. I’ll walk you through the challenges it can create in certain exercises, the alignment adjustments you can make, as well as stretches and strengthening exercises to help you do it!

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.


More Resources

Ask Megan your burning question here⁠

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⁠FREE 5-Day Core Tune Up - A free mini-course to dramatically improve your functional core strength, create better alignment, and relieve back and hip pain for good!⁠

310. Organize, Plan, Prep: How to Create Healthy Meals in No Time Flat12 Dec 202300:31:53

Making healthy food choices is infinitely harder when you don’t have a plan. Just a little preparation and planning can set you up for mealtime success. But online meal prep experts, with their matching containers and and a full week’s worth of healthy dishes, can make the task feel completely overwhelming and unattainable!

That’s where Laurie Palau comes in!

Laurie is the author of the book Hot Mess: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized, hosts the popular weekly podcast, This ORGANIZED Life and is the founder of Simply B Organized. Her advice has been featured in Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens & The New York Times.

Laurie is taking her organizational expertise and applying it to the daunting task of meal planning. With her help, we’ll tackle:

  • The difference between meal planning and meal prepping - and how to get started!
  • Laurie’s TOP 3 favorite strategies for meal prepping - and how to get it done FAST.
  • Helpful tips for families with different dietary needs (vegetarian in the house, anyone?).
  • How to pivot when a new season of life calls for a new cooking routine.

And as a bonus, we'll dive into how a cluttered kitchen can make healthy eating more challenging - and where to start to get our kitchen clutter under control.


More Resources & Links

Grab more resources from Laurie here at Simply B Organized!

Need help getting started! Get Megan’s FREE 5-Day Jumpstart Tips guide!

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309. Monitoring Your Blood Glucose - Are the Gadgets Necessary?08 Dec 202300:06:55

From smart watches to heart rate monitors to sleep trackers, there is a world of fitness gadgets on the market to help you deep dive into your healthy habits and metrics. In recent months, glucose monitors are cropping up everywhere - but are they really helpful?

Listener Naomi asked that very question: “I'd like to ask a question about a glucose monitor. They seem to be popping up everywhere and seem to promise a lot of results by helping monitor your glucose. I'm just curious what you would have to say about that - whether it would be helpful to have more information and know kind of how your body's reacting to food and whatnot, or whether that's not necessarily something that they can actually do for you.”

Tune into this shortie episode where I deep dive this latest fitness gadget. I’ll explain what a continuous glucose monitor is and how it works. Then we’ll discuss what it monitors, who it might be helpful for, and who can skip it. If you’ve been curious about this latest trend, then this quick listen is for you!

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.

More Resources

Ask Megan your burning question here

Need help getting started? Check out The Jumpstart 30 Program for Beginners

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308. Indulging without OVER-indulging - Your Holiday Splurging Blueprint05 Dec 202300:24:53

It is that time of year! The season of joy, magic, and wonder. It’s also the season of parties, snacks and treats. So how to we fully enjoy the holiday season and still feel good on January 1st?

Just in time for the holiday party season, I have a 4-step Holiday Splurging Plan that will help you navigate all the potential pitfalls of the month ahead. Grab some paper and a pen - you’re going to want to take notes on this one.

Join me as we dive into:

  • What exactly is a SPLURGE? The answer might surprise you.
  • The “Plan Ahead” plan and how to make it work for you.
  • The “pro moves” you should implement now.
  • How to keep your head in the game.

And most importantly, the BIGGEST OBSTACLE you need to overcome this holiday season. This one tip alone will help you rethink your seasonal splurges - and set you up for even more success in the new year.

More Resources & Links

Download the free Holiday Splurging Blueprint here!

Listen to Ep. 304: Elastic Eating - What it is and Why You Need It (Especially During the Holidays)

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307. Encouraging Teens to Make Healthy Choices (Without giving them a complex!)01 Dec 202300:07:38

Pursuing a healthy relationship with food and exercise for ourselves is hard enough. So how do you encourage your family to get on board with the same choices - especially when they’re resistant?

One listener finds herself in this tricky situation: “How can parents help and encourage their teens to eat healthy and exercise, especially if the teens are slightly overweight and aren’t very interested in physical activities and they get irritated when you try to remind them to make healthy choices? We don’t want to give them a complex, but we also want them to be healthy because we love them. So how do we walk that balancing act of giving control of their health over to them, when they aren’t always making healthy choices?”

Such a great question in need of a delicate and graceful approach!

In this shortie episode, I provide tips on how to create a family culture of healthy choices without shame, how to celebrate your child’s own unique design and the importance of taking personal responsibility for the body God has given each of us.

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.


More Resources

Need help getting started? The Jumpstart 30 Program for Beginners

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306. The BIG 6 Lies About LIFTING WEIGHTS as a Middle-Aged Woman28 Nov 202300:33:20

Weightlifting - it’s either your favorite way to workout, or you avoid it like the plague. But maybe your reasons for avoiding it are actually myths. There’s a lot of conflicting information - and frankly, flat out WRONG information - out there in the world of fitness and nutrition. And none more persistent than some of the false narrative around weightlifting - especially for women.

If you’ve been around here for any amount of time, you know I’m a huge proponent of weight training for women of all ages. But just in case you need a second opinion, I’ve invited Lesley McShane on the podcast today.

Lesley is a podcaster, writer, author, and ACSM certified personal trainer who is fully committed to encouraging middle-aged women to prioritize their fitness and nutrition NOW to feel better and live happier, longer. Her mission is to help women discover that everything they need to create an epic and healthy second half of life already lives inside them.

Tune in as Lesley and I sit down and discuss the obstacles many women have to weight training, specifically the BIG 6: the 6 big lies that we tell ourselves about weightlifting.

If you’ve been dragging your feet about lifting weights and just strength training in general, this one’s for you.

More Resources & Links

https://lesleylmcshane.com/

Redesigning Midlife Podcast

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305. What are EAA’s & BCAA’s and Should You Supplement as You Age?24 Nov 202300:08:43

The world of supplements can be wildly confusing. With fitness gurus touting the benefits of a seeming alphabet soup of powders, drinks, and shakes things can get overwhelming fast.

Take EAAs and BCAAs - what are they? Do I need them? Am I missing out if I don’t take them?


Listener Gay had this very question: “Closing in on age 60 and it’s becoming more difficult to maintain my muscle mass/fat ratio. Are Essential Amino Acids the pixie dust to increase muscle and faster metabolism? I’m just wondering if this is marketing hype, science, or is it just another quick fix in a powder?”


In this shortie episode, I dive into the science behind amino acids - what they are, which ones we need, and the best place to get them. If you’ve wondered about this particular supplement too, then you’ve come to the right place!

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.


More Resources

Deeper Dive: Precision Nutrition Article - “What are BCAA’s and Are They Worth It?”

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304. Elastic Eating - What it is and Why You Need It (Especially During the Holidays)21 Nov 202300:19:59

Elastic eating. I bet you’ve NEVER heard of this. But this concept and mindset shift is exactly how you should eat to consistently stay healthy without getting obsessed about food or having it dominate your thoughts.

And with the holidays upon us, this is the perfect time to swap your “all or nothing” thinking for something more flexible.

Today, I am going to teach you all about how to become an “elastic eater”. This is so important if you feel like you’re always bouncing from strict, rigid habits (and white knuckling your way through them), to totally loose and haphazard eating… or what you probably refer to as “falling off the wagon”.

If nutrition is still a bit of a struggle for you, this episode is for you!

More Resources & Links

Holiday Splurging Blueprint - FREE Download!!

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303. Increasing Muscle Mass - How Much Weight Should You Lift?17 Nov 202300:10:03

Lots of great fitness programs - including mine - encourage women to lift heavy weights.

But have you ever been stumped by what exactly constitutes “heavy weights”? And how much weight it too much or not enough?

Listener Lisa had the same question: “I’m wondering what you consider ‘heavy weights’. I’ve noticed you mention that you lift heavy weights 2 times a week. How much do you lift?”

In this shortie episode, we dive into:

  • Debunking the myth that lifting heavy weights will make you “bulky”.
  • Why muscle mass gets even more important as we age
  • The ideal combination of weight and reps to build strong muscles

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.


More Resources

Ask Megan your burning question here

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419. Intuitive Eating: Yay or Nay? (You might be surprised!)27 Dec 202400:05:09

Do you ever hear about the latest eating or diet trend and wish you could “ask an expert”? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

Listener Frances asks: “Hi, Megan. I'm curious. What do you think about this new intuitive eating craze? I've been listening to a few podcasts and reading, and I was on board at first, but now I'm not so sure because I really, really think your advice about eating PROs, hydrating, and exercise makes a lot more sense. I don't know. What do you think? Thanks.”

This week, let’s get a take from another expert, Philip Pape, host of the Wits & Weights podcast. Philip will give you the low down on intuitive eating and whether this is trend to embrace or avoid. His answer just might surprise you!

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.


More Resources

Check out Philip’s Podcast “Wits & Weights”

The Weekly Jumpstart - Brand new free newsletter for women over 40 - Your go-to resource for simple, actionable ideas to help you move smarter and live stronger as a woman in midlife.

The Jumpstart 30 Program for Beginners

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302. Pain, Posture, and Your Fascia: What’s the REAL Connection?14 Nov 202300:41:52

Fascia. This buzzword has been making the rounds in the fitness industry, but it still seems to be a mystery. What is it? Where is it? How does it impact my health and fitness?

If you’re always dealing with pain, tension, body stress, maybe even headaches, learning more about your fascia might be a great place to start. And who better to help you out than the fascia queen!

This week on the podcast I talk to Jill Miller, C-IAYT, ERYT, YA-CEP fascia expert, with 30 years of corrective movement expertise that forges links between the worlds of yoga, massage, athletics, and pain management.

Jill is the former anatomy columnist for Yoga Journal, has been featured in New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Shape, Women’s Health, O, the Today Show, and is a contributing expert on the Oprah Winfrey Network. She is the author of several bestselling books, including her newly released Body by Breath: The Science and Practice of Physical and Emotional Resilience.

Jill and I sat down to talk all about pain, fascia, posture and even breathing.

  • What is fascia and self-myofascial release? What are the benefits?
  • Guided breathing exercises, and when and how to use them.
  • The one simple thought or tip that everyone should implement.

More Resources & Links

www.tuneupfitness.com

Jill’s massage balls: https://www.tuneupfitness.com/shop

Jill’s new book, Body By Breath: https://www.tuneupfitness.com/shop/books-accessories/body-by-breath-book-jill-miller

FREE 5-Day Core Tune Up - This 5-Day course will improves your core strength, creates better alignment, and relieves back and hip pain for good!

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301. How to Lose the Last 10 Pounds10 Nov 202300:10:37

Have you ever looked in the mirror or pulled on a pair of jeans and felt good about your progress, only to have all that confidence evaporate when you step on the scale?

At what point do you become satisfied with how you feel instead of chasing a specific number on the scale?

Listener Kristi finds herself in this very spot: “I’ve been trying for some time now to get off 10-15 pounds, and it seems like, it’s just not happening. My body just does not want to release that weight. I have to admit that I would feel better if I weighed a certain amount, but I’m not necessarily overweight or unhealthy, I would just feel better looking at a different number on the scale. So at what point do you just say, okay, this is my new weight?”

Thanks for your honesty, Kristi - you’re not alone!

In this shortie episode, I’ll tackle:

  • The mindset fork in the road where Kristi, and lots of women, find themselves as they make progress.
  • “Vanity pounds” and what it REALLY takes to shed them.
  • A better way to measure where you are and where you want to be

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.


More Resources

180. The REAL Secret to Losing Weight and Keeping it Off (backed by Harvard Medical)

216: The Best Ways to Measure Your Progress (Especially if Weight Loss is Your Goal)

228. The Shocking Truth About Weight Loss

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300. When Should You Expect Results? Progress Reality Check07 Nov 202300:21:56

It’s easy to jump into a new habit or lifestyle change with excitement and motivation. This is the time I’m going to stick with it and things are really going to change!

But we get a few weeks down the road, and all that enthusiasm starts to fade. I mean, making a lifestyle change is HARD.

And progress feels soooooo slooooooow.

So what’s the real and honest timeline for results and what are realistic expectations?

Today’s episode is a good reality check for when you’re not sure if what you’re doing is working. I’ll break down what I like to call the “Results Rule of 3’s” - what results you can expect to see at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 3 years of consistently showing up and doing the thing.

Change takes time - but knowing the results milestones to look for along can make all the difference!


More Resources & Links

FREE 5-Day Core Tune Up - This 5-Day course will improves your core strength, creates better alignment, and relieves back and hip pain for good!

Megan’s revolutionary Back & Hip Fix 30-day program

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299. Healthier Alternatives for Your Coffee Creamer03 Nov 202300:09:24

Did you know that 63% of Americans start their day off with coffee? And many of them enjoy their morning hit of caffeine light and sweet. But could that delicious coffee habit be derailing your healthy choices?

Listener Dondi asks: “I would like to know a good substitute for coffee creamer. I love my morning coffee, sweet and creamy, and I'm just looking for healthy alternatives and just curious what your thoughts are.”

Maybe you’ve wondered the same thing!

Grab your morning coffee and take a listen:

  • I’ll review our Basic Healthy Eating Habits - and where that sweet and creamy cup of coffee falls in the mix.
  • We’ll discuss WHY your coffee may or may not being impacting your overall healthy choices
  • And finally, I’ll give you some tips and coffee-creamer alternatives to consider

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.

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Ask Megan your burning question here

FREE! - Download my free report on the Three Eating Dangers to Avoid to Reset Your Eating Habits

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298. Debunking Myths & Finding Relief from Sciatica, SI Joint and Chronic Pain31 Oct 202300:47:28

Too many women live with some form of chronic pain, and have just written it off as “normal”. They deal with it, work around it, try to medicate it, and ultimately believe that this is how their body is now.

But what if I told you it didn’t have to be this way?

This week I sit down with Dr. Jen Fraboni, an internationally-renown physical therapist who specializes in helping people overcome chronic pain and maximize physical performance. In 2019, Jen was named one of the top 50 most influential healthcare professionals and she currently co-hosts "The Optimal Body Podcast”, with her husband, who is also a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Listen in as we discuss:

  • The dangers of not dealing with your pain
  • Sciatica and SI joint pain - how are they different and how to deal with them
  • Something everyone should be doing to help reduce overall pain

If you or someone you love is dealing with chronic pain - especially sciatica or SI joint pain - then don’t miss this important episode. It just might provide the answers and relief you need.

More Resources & Links

Jen.health

Jen’s NEW Pelvic Floor Program: jen.health/pelvicfloor

Listen to Jen’s Optimal Body Podcast

Need help getting started with good, functional core training? Grab Megan’s FREE 5-Day Core Tune Up here!

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297. The Step by Step Strategy to Improve Your Balance27 Oct 202300:07:37

We often spend a lot of time building our strength or improving our cardiovascular health - but what about our balance?

Balance is one of the 6 important aspects of fitness, but it’s often completely overlooked and not intentionally trained, until you realize how bad it is!

Crystal trains with me, and asks: “I started Jumpstart30 at the beginning of the year, then Jumpstart60, and now I’m in GetStrongX. Despite doing this for awhile now (and loving it, btw!) I’m still super wobbly with any kind of single leg deadlift. I can’t do any version of them without holding onto something to keep from falling over. Any tips on how I can improve my ability to do this exercise?”

In this shortie episode, I’ll break down the two types of balance and how to start improving them both. Then we’ll walk through those pesky single leg deadlifts, and I’ll show you how to stay balanced while performing them - and how those balance strategies translate to other exercises as well!

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.

More Resources & Links

Ep. 294. Easy Ways to Improve Your BALANCE & Prevent Falls

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296. Decades-Long Pain - How this Schoolteacher Finally Got Relief24 Oct 202300:25:23

Life is a full-contact sport. And many professions can take an even greater physical toll on your entire body. Being a nurse, teacher, doctor, dental hygienist, holding a desk job, even being a mom can begin to cause chronic pain and affect your quality of life.

This week I’m sitting down with MaryEllen Kiser, a 49-year-old teacher and mother of two, who struggled with excruciating back and hip pain for years. Despite her own best efforts and the help of specialists, she couldn’t find relief for her pain. Her journey from suffering to healing is filled with twists and turns - determination, frustration, discouragement, and ultimately HOPE.

If you or someone you love are going through a season of physical pain and the idea of relief feels hopeless, listen to MaryEllen’s story. Her experience may just be the hope you need to discover healing for your own physical pain.

More Resources & Links

Click here to learn more about the Back and Hip Fix program

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295. Separated Abs (Diastasis Recti) Years Later: Exercises to Avoid20 Oct 202300:07:10

It’s no surprise that pregnancy does a number on our abs. But can you address those issues 5, 10 even 20 years later?

Listener Bobbi finds herself in this very situation: “So, I suspect that I still have some diastasis recti from years ago (my kids are in their early 20’s now). I have heard that there are certain exercises that people with diastasis recti should not do. What are those? I don’t want to make it worse.”

If you’ve had kids - whether 1 year ago or 20 years ago - this quick episode is for you.

In seven minutes we’ll define diastasis recti and tackle exercises that help heal it - and which ones to avoid!

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.

More Resources

FREE 5-Day Core Tune Up course

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294. Easy Ways to Improve Your BALANCE & Prevent Falls17 Oct 202300:18:33

Statistically, every second of every day an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S. I did the math for you - that’s 86,400 falls each day! That’s 31 million falls a year - and women are falling way more often than men.

But what if I told you it didn’t have to be that way.

Today is part two of a little mini-series, and I’m kind of doing these backwards. Last week we tackled steps you can take to make sure you don’t get severely injured if and when you fall. This week, you’re going to learn how to prevent falls from happening in the first place.

Tune in as I discuss:

  • Why falls happen - and why we’re more prone to them as we age.
  • The three specific areas to improve to help prevent falling.
  • Simple exercises to start now that will help keep you safely on your feet and on the go!

Don’t let yourself become a falling statistic! Grab a pen and get ready to learn how to stay safe and active as you age!

More Resources & Links

⁠FREE 5-Day Core Tune Up - A free mini-course to dramatically improve your functional core strength, create better alignment, and relieve back and hip pain for good!⁠

⁠Follow Megan on Instagram⁠

293. Healthy On-the-Go Snack Ideas13 Oct 202300:06:50

It’s one thing to have a nutrition plan in place when you’re home and in your routine. But what happens when you need to hit the road?

Listener Kathleen find herself in this very spot. “My husband and I are taking a road trip for about a week, and I wanted to know what your suggestions would be on packing healthy snacks while we’re driving, and also healthy snacks in the evening. We’ll be bringing a cooler. What would I pack on a road trip?”

I think we’ve all been there!

Take a listen while I break down how to transfer your usual eating strategy to a travel situation. And then grab a pen and jot down some easy road-trip foods that will keep you feeling good while traveling.

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.


More Resources and Links

The Jumpstart 30 Program for Beginners

Ask Megan your burning question here

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418. What is “Heavy Lifting” & Should You Be Doing It?24 Dec 202400:10:45

Lots of great fitness programs - including mine - encourage women to lift heavy weights.

But have you ever been stumped by what exactly constitutes “heavy weights”? And how much weight it too much or not enough?

Listener Lisa had the same question: “I’m wondering what you consider ‘heavy weights’. I’ve noticed you mention that you lift heavy weights 2 times a week. How much do you lift?”

In this shortie episode, we dive into:

  • Debunking the myth that lifting heavy weights will make you bulky.
  • Why muscle mass gets even more important as we age
  • The ideal combination of weight and reps to build strong muscles

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.

More Resources

The Jumpstart 30 Program for Beginners - Get started with a structured strength training & mobility program!

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292. Easy Ways to Reduce the Risk of Injuries from Falling (Start these NOW)10 Oct 202300:17:39

Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death among Americans 65 and older. In fact, one out of four older adults will fall each year in the United States.

While the statistics are sobering, the reality is that falling does not have to automatically equal serious injury.

In this week’s episode, we’ll look at the risks associated with falling as we age. And then we’ll dive into the things you can begin doing NOW to dramatically reduce your risk of injury if you fall.

Grab some paper and take notes - this is a good one:

  • Bone density - what is it, how we lose it, and ways to protect it
  • The critical one-two punch of joint mobility and muscular strength
  • What is “unguarding” and why it’s important post-fall

While you can’t predict if and when a fall will happen, you can prepare now to help prevent a simple fall from having a major impact.

Have a friend of loved one who might benefit from these fall-prevention tips? Share this episode with them!


More Resources & Links

Episode 268. Increase Bone Density and Prevent (and Reverse!) Osteoporosis

YouTube video with guided body scan at the end: Bedtime Stretches to Improve Your Sleep

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291. Fruit Juices: Are They Helpful or Harmful?06 Oct 202300:06:13

Some nutritional swaps are pretty clear - like choosing fruit over “fruit” snacks. But what about the ones that aren’t so clear cut, like fruit juice.

In today’s shortie episode, Sarah asks: “I like to have a glass of fortified orange juice with with my breakfast each morning. Can this substitute for the glass of water with breakfast?”

Like so many things surrounding our health and nutrition, the issue isn’t black or white - and answer may surprise you!

Take a listen as we discuss fruit juice, water and all things hydration.

💥Taking listener questions!!! Do you have a question about your self-care that you need help with? Just head to www.vigeofit.com/ask to submit your question, and I’ll answer it for you on an upcoming Friday episode.


More Resources & Links

Episode 264. Staying Hydrated - Four Ways You May Be Drinking Water Wrong

Total Nutrition Reset - reset your eating habits and establish healthy food choices for life in just 30 days!

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290. Igniting Passion in Your Sex Life at Any Age03 Oct 202300:33:43

Self-care encompasses all areas of our life, including our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. But there’s probably an area you haven’t considered - a healthy sex life.

Today on the podcast I’m joined by Amanda Louder, a Certified Sex & Marriage Coach who helps Christian men & women overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of a more intimate relationship. She is also the host of the Sex for Saints Podcast that has over 1 Million Downloads!

Do you have questions about what a healthy sex life looks like?

Take a listen as Amanda and I tackle:

  • What is the connection between sex and self-care?
  • What does a healthy sex life look like?
  • How does our sex life change as we get older and how do hormones play a role?
  • What ONE THING can we do today to experience an improvement in this area of our lives?

Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about an often overlooked piece of our self-care puzzle!


More Resources & Links

www.amandalouder.com

Sex for Saints podcast

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