Midlife Transformation: A Journey to Reclaiming Your Health

Spandex & Wine

When Christine Cernera's 13-year-old son began experiencing debilitating symptoms in 2011, she never imagined how dramatically this health crisis would redirect her life's path. For six agonizing months, multiple doctors dismissed his pain as "all in his head." That traumatic experience—which eventually led to a diagnosis of a duodenal ulcer—became the unexpected catalyst for Christine's midlife transformation.
"That whole experience was so impactful in my life and it showed me that I had to trust my instincts," Christine shares with host Robin Hackney in this revealing conversation about health advocacy, career reinvention, and finding purpose through personal crisis. At 47, while juggling her son's health struggles and a demanding office job, Christine gained 20 pounds and reached a breaking point that demanded change.
What followed was remarkable. Christine left her office career to become a personal trainer before turning 50, then evolved into a functional nutritional therapy practitioner focused on helping others reclaim their health through digestive support, blood sugar regulation, and sustainable lifestyle changes. Now approaching 60, she's unexpectedly found herself a viral fitness sensation after a simple video of her morning mobility routine in pajamas garnered millions of views.
The most powerful insight Christine offers comes from her own lived experience: everyone has 15 minutes to dedicate to themselves daily. "If we take care of ourselves as young mothers, even a little bit, we will be better mothers to our children," she advises listeners who might be postponing self-care until some mythical "later" arrives. Her practical approach emphasizes small, consistent actions rather than radical overhauls—whether that's stretching, strength training, or simply taking time to breathe.
Whether you're facing a health challenge, contemplating a midlife pivot, or simply trying to establish better habits, Christine's journey offers both inspiration and practical steps to reclaim your wellbeing at any age. Subscribe to hear conversations that blend wellness wisdom with real-world application, and join our community of listeners seeking balance in both spandex and wine glasses.

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Spandex and Wine Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Christine's Health Journey Begins With Her Son (00:02:56)

3. Transitioning Careers to Help Others (00:11:26)

4. Nutritional Therapy and One-on-One Client Work (00:18:41)

5. Going Viral and Managing Social Media Growth (00:27:35)

6. Future Plans and Finding Balance (00:33:09)

7. Advice for Women Ready to Prioritize Health (00:39:51)

8. Closing Thoughts and How to Connect (00:44:55)