Movement Is Medicine
The Midlife Strength Secret Nobody Talks About
When was the last time you felt strong in your body—not just “functioning,” but truly capable, energized, and connected?
In this episode of the Wild & Wise Show, I sat down with my dear friend and personal trainer Laura Stewart for a conversation that goes way beyond reps and routines. Laura is not just a coach—she’s a wife, mom, BMX racer, and fierce advocate for women in sport and wellness. She also happens to be the woman who got me moving again after frozen shoulder—and helped me start rewriting my own story around strength, aging, and what’s possible.
We talk about why strength and flexibility become non-negotiable in midlife, how “movement as medicine” isn’t just a cute phrase (it’s a survival strategy), and why it’s time to stop sitting out of your own life because something hurts—or because someone once made you feel like you didn’t belong.
Laura shares her journey from postpartum mental health struggles to becoming a respected trainer and competitive BMX racer in her 40s. Yes, you read that right. BMX. Racing. As a mom. And she loves it.
She also shares:
Why so many women stop doing what they love because of pain or injury—and how to start again safely
What “getting weird” with movement actually means (and why it matters more than you think)
The invisible emotional labor many women carry when trying to care for their bodies, and how community support can change everything
Why shoulder mobility, squatting, and joint range of motion are just as important as cardio (maybe more)
One of my favorite moments? When Laura explained why older people shuffle. Not because of age. Because they’ve lost the strength and stability to balance on one leg. Something so simple—and so powerful.
Laura doesn’t preach perfection. She encourages presence. “Start where you are,” she says. “And move more often.” Whether you’re walking with a friend, deep-squatting to pull weeds, or rolling your shoulders while standing in line—it all counts.
This episode is full of practical wisdom and generous reminders that your body is not broken. You don’t need to be “fit” to start—you just need to begin.
So if you’ve ever felt stiff, tired, discouraged, or disconnected from your body... if you’re wondering how to rebuild strength in a way that feels supported, not shame-based... this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts
💬 Want even more? Members of the Wild Women Collective get access to Laura’s bonus Q&A, where we talk about body changes, unsupportive relationships, and how to keep showing up for yourself—especially when you feel alone in it all.