197: Getting stronger and fitter in midlife with Vijay Bassi Reed

Vijay Bassi Reed is a former communications specialist who retrained in midlife as a personal trainer and nutrition coach. She is also a competitive HYROX and fitness racer. Her midlife transition emerged from burnout and hormonal change, leading to a deliberate reassessment of health, work and identity - and a stronger, more sustainable way of living. We talk about: -Vijay's journey from senior corporate communications roles to midlife personal trainer and nutrition coach -How anxiety, burnout and perimenopause quietly derailed confidence (long before menopause was named) -Why so many women are offered antidepressants -Menopause as an opportunity to reassess identity, values and how we want to live -The role of structured movement in rebuilding trust in the body -Discovering strength training, HIIT - and unexpectedly falling in love with running -What HYROX is and why it's resonating with women in their 40s, 50s and beyond -Completing a first marathon in midlife -Cultural attitudes to food, alcohol and achievement -Why alcohol and menopause often don't mix (and why opting out is allowed) -Letting go of "shoulds" and lowering tolerance for bullsh*t in midlife -Why starting before you feel "ready" matters more than perfect timing And more. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.