Fitness, Hormones, and Finding Joy After 40: A Conversation with Dr. Maria Luque

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Want to be a guest or know someone would be a great fit? I am looking for military vets, active duty, military brats, veteran service orgs or anyone in the fitness industry

Navigating menopause often feels like entering uncharted territory with little guidance and too much conflicting information. In this candid conversation, Air Force veteran and fitness expert Dr. Maria Luque breaks through the silence and stigma surrounding midlife transitions, sharing wisdom gained from both her academic research and practical experience helping women thrive during menopause.
Dr. Luque reveals how she discovered her passion for fitness while serving in the military and how that eventually led to specializing in menopause health. She explains why so many women fail to recognize early menopause symptoms—anxiety, heart palpitations, and mood changes often appear before the more commonly known hot flashes and irregular periods. Both Cat and Dr. Luque share their frustrations with medical professionals who dismiss women's concerns with unhelpful "you're just getting older" responses, emphasizing why self-advocacy and finding knowledgeable providers is crucial.
The conversation takes a powerful turn when discussing body image during menopause. Dr. Luque introduces the concept of "grieving your former body" as an essential step toward acceptance, noting that most women don't realize they need this emotional processing. She explains why traditional approaches to fitness and weight management often backfire during menopause, leading many women to give up entirely. Instead, she advocates for "movement snacks" throughout the day and finding activities that bring joy rather than punishment.
What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical wisdom shared between two fitness professionals who understand the real challenges women face. They discuss how to overcome the mindset barriers that keep women from trying new activities, why community support is vital during this transition, and how to approach physical wellness with curiosity instead of judgment. Their message is ultimately one of hope and possibility—the door to your best self isn't locked during midlife; it just needs to be approached differently.
Whether you're currently experiencing menopause, approaching it, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers refreshing insights that extend far beyond hormones and hot flashes into creating a meaningful, active life that honors your changing body and expanding wisdom.

https://www.fitnessinmenopause.com

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Dr. Maria Luque (00:00:00)

2. Military Service & Fitness Beginnings (00:02:42)

3. Menopause Education & Awareness (00:08:51)

4. Body Image & Misconceptions in Midlife (00:17:45)

5. Reimagining Exercise & Finding Joy (00:25:12)

6. Resources & Final Thoughts (00:31:28)