Today, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to none other than Menopause Mary. She’s 5’2”, fit, fierce, and fabulous—but it hasn’t always been that way. In fact, Mary used to describe midlife as a “mood swing wrapped in a hot flash, dipped in frustration.” Sound familiar? Grab a cool drink (or stick your head in the freezer), because this conversation that offers simple steps to go from hot flashes to harmony might just make you laugh and nod in total agreement.
Interview with Menopause Mary
Denise: Mary, you look incredible—strong, radiant, and at peace. But I know that wasn’t always your reality. Can you take us back?
Mary: Oh honey, midlife dragged me through it. There was a time I barely recognized myself. I was moody, weepy, angry, and confused—sometimes in the same ten minutes! It wasn’t me… or at least not the “me” I knew.
Denise: What was going on behind the scenes?
Mary: My sleep was a disaster. If I got three solid hours, I considered it a victory. And when I don’t sleep? I’m a cranky little gremlin with zero patience and a full calendar. Not a good combo.
Denise: And the weight gain?
Mary: Don’t get me started! I was eating the same way, moving the same way—and yet my jeans staged a full rebellion. One morning I swear they rolled their eyes at me. That extra fluff? It felt like a betrayal. I thought I was doing everything “right.”
Denise: Ah, the classic midlife shift. And let’s not forget the hot flashes.
Mary: [laughs] Girl, those things deserve their own sitcom! They show up like surprise guests at a dinner party. Boardroom? Boom. Yoga class? Bam. On a date? You bet. I’ve learned to laugh and layer. My freezer and I are very close.
Denise: One of the biggest shifts you made was in your workouts. Can you tell us more about that?
Mary: Absolutely. I used to grind away on the elliptical for an hour, dripping sweat and blasting 90s rock, thinking more was better. But the weight stuck around, and I felt more depleted than energized.
Then I discovered the magic of short, powerful bursts—HIIT and strength training. Life. Changing.
Denise: That’s a big shift! What motivated you to trade long cardio for lifting?
Mary: I realized I didn’t need to run myself ragged to see results. And let’s be honest, you can’t be emotionally and mentally strong and have flabby arms too. It’s all connected. Strength training gave me back not just my muscle tone, but my mojo.
Strength Training is Key in Menopause
Denise: You’ve become such a great role model for that. Any wisdom to pass on?
Mary: Oh, tons! First, strength training isn’t about bulking up—it’s about building a foundation. My friend Debra Atkinson puts it this way:
“The likelihood of getting hurt is far greater if you don’t lift weights than if you do… You’re not going to bulk up in a week or in two weeks but I promise you will already start to feel stronger.”
— Debra Atkinson, MS, CSCS
Mary: And she’s right! After a few weeks, I felt like I could lift my groceries and my confidence at the same time.
Denise: Mary, it’s been such a joy chatting with you today. Your honesty, humor, and heart are exactly what so many women need to hear right now. I know your story will inspire and empower others to take that first step toward feeling like themselves again. I can’t wait for more conversations like this!”
Final Thoughts from Denise
Menopause Mary’s story is more than a laugh-out-loud look at hot flashes and flabby arms—it’s a mirror for so many of us navigating the unexpected twists and turns of midlife. Maybe you’ve wondered why you’re suddenly tired, moody, or gaining weight despite “doing everything right.” Maybe you’ve felt unrecognizable in your own skin, frustrated that your usual routines no longer work. And maybe—just maybe—you’ve felt alone in it all.
But here’s the truth: you’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone.
Like Mary, you don’t need more willpower, dieting, or hours on the treadmill. You need a new approach—one rooted in nourishment, mindset, movement, and self-compassion. Yes, your body is shifting, but that shift is not a downfall. It’s a doorway.
When Mary swapped guilt for grace, cardio marathons for strength, and confusion for clarity, she didn’t just get her body back—she got herself back. That’s the real win. And you can, too.
Midlife can feel like an ending, but what if it’s really the beginning of your most vibrant, powerful, and purposeful chapter yet? A chapter where:
- You laugh through the hot flashes.
- Where you feel strong in your body and calm in your mind.
- You wake up with energy—and go to sleep with peace.
It’s possible. It’s not too late. And the first step is simple.
Let’s talk. I’m here to help you reconnect with your body, realign your habits, and rediscover your joy.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Just like Menopause Mary, you deserve to rise, reclaim, and radiate in midlife and beyond.
💬 Schedule your personalized strategy session today → Click here