Episodios

  • The Truth About Getting Fit After 40 (No One Says This)
    Mar 2 2026
    Fitness After 40: The Rules Have Changed (How to Lose Weight Without Extreme Diets) 👉Join OPERATION FIT AF Monthly Membership https://www.operationfitaf.com👉 Download the Nutrition Guide for Women Over 40 https://www.heathermonthie.com/nutrition👉 Meal Prep Essentials https://www.heathermonthie.com/mealprep/👉Free Goodies: https://www.heathermonthie.com/free/ 👉 GET MY BOOK ON AMAZON! What If You Gave Yourself a Year?: A Year of Showing Up, Slowing Down, and Discovering How the Boring Basics Still Work to Build a Strong, Confident, Healthier You https://amzn.to/4j0OmSI (my affiliate link!) https://youtu.be/ATNZEa3T184 Heather shares lessons from losing 60 pounds at age 48, explaining that fitness and weight loss after 40 require different expectations than in your 20s. She emphasizes giving yourself realistic time—suggesting a “pound a week” mindset like 30 pounds in 30 weeks or 50 pounds in 50 weeks—to reduce panic over scale fluctuations and make change sustainable through life disruptions. She warns that you can’t punish your way back into shape with extreme diets or excessive workouts, and instead encourages fueling your body with protein, complex carbs, fruits, vegetables, fiber, and healthy fats while managing stress. Heather also argues that midlife can be your strongest decade because increased confidence, mental discipline, and long-term thinking support a lasting lifestyle built on the “boring basics.” 00:00 Rules Have Changed00:23 Heather’s 60 Pound Story00:39 Why Old Habits Stop Working01:49 Second Big Weight Loss03:03 Give Yourself a Year05:10 Realistic Goals and Timelines07:10 No More Punishment Diets07:45 Fuel and Lower Stress09:09 Your Strongest Decade10:34 Long Game Mindset12:02 Boring Basics and Wrap Up Getting Fit After 40: The Truth No One Says If you’ve restarted your workouts recently and you’re in your forties — or beyond — you’ve probably noticed something no one really prepares you for. Getting fit after 40 does not feel the same as it did at 25. In my twenties, I could go to the gym a few days a week, do some cardio, go out dancing on the weekends, eat whatever was convenient, and stay lean without thinking too hard about it. I was the kind of person who would leave the gym and light up a cigarette in the parking lot. I lived on quick food, caffeine, and whatever fit into a busy life, and my body handled it. That version of living catches up with you. By my mid-forties, the gradual weight gain that had happened over the years — five pounds here, eight pounds there — had quietly turned into sixty pounds. There wasn’t one dramatic moment where everything fell apart. It was simply the accumulation of small habits that no longer matched my age, stress levels, or hormones. When I committed to getting fit after 40 in a serious way, what surprised me most wasn’t what to do. It was how differently I had to approach it. The Rules Have Changed The first truth about getting fit after 40 is that the timeline changes. In my forties, I told myself I would lose fifty pounds in a year. A pound a week felt steady and realistic. What actually happened was that I lost about thirty-five pounds in that first year. Years ago, I might have seen that as failure. Instead, I kept going. That shift made all the difference. When you stop treating your goal like a deadline and start treating it like a lifestyle, the pressure drops. A half-pound fluctuation on the scale doesn’t feel like a crisis. A stressful week doesn’t mean you’ve ruined everything. Life still happens — travel, work changes, family stress, hormonal shifts — but you’re no longer reacting to every bump in the road. That’s one of the biggest lessons about getting fit after 40: you are playing the long game whether you acknowledge it or not. The sooner you accept that, the smoother the process becomes. If you want to lose thirty pounds, give yourself thirty weeks. If you want to lose fifty, give yourself a year. The weight may come off faster at times and slower at others, but building it slowly gives you something sustainable. You Can’t Punish Yourself Back Into Shape Another truth no one talks about enough is that extreme approaches stop working. Crash diets, excessive cardio, severe restriction — they may have felt manageable in your twenties. In your forties and fifties, they create more stress than progress. And most of us already carry enough stress. Between work, family, aging parents, relationships, and financial responsibilities, your body is handling a lot. Layering aggressive dieting on top of that often backfires. Instead of asking, “How do I burn this off?” the better question becomes, “How do I support my body so it can handle my life?” That shift changes everything. Protein becomes about maintaining muscle and strength. Vegetables and fiber support digestion and long-term health. Sleep becomes non-negotiable because recovery no longer happens ...
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    7 m
  • How to Stay on Track With Your Nutrition While Traveling Over 40
    Feb 20 2026
    If you’re over 40 and working hard to stay consistent with your fitness, nutrition, or wellness plan, traveling can feel like a major disruption. Whether it’s a work trip, a vacation, or a long weekend away, it’s easy to worry about falling off track. You might do great at home — with your routines, your kitchen, and your regular grocery store — but travel can make everything feel unpredictable. The good news? Traveling doesn’t have to derail your nutrition plan. Over the past year, I’ve figured out practical strategies to stay consistent while traveling — without feeling restricted or missing out on the experience. Here’s exactly what works. LINKS ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST! https://youtu.be/SDR6_hQ8Pr8 1. Start With Where You’re Staying Your nutrition success while traveling starts before you even unpack your suitcase. Take a look at your accommodations: Do you have a microwave?Is there a refrigerator?Do you have access to a kitchen? If you’re staying in a hotel for work, you may not have much flexibility. But if you’re traveling for pleasure, consider booking: A hotel with a microwave and fridgeAn Airbnb with a full kitchen Having access to even a refrigerator and microwave makes a huge difference. A full kitchen gives you complete control. If you choose an Airbnb, check what’s actually included — utensils, storage containers, pans, etc. Sometimes you have to get creative (yes, I’ve stored taco meat in a water pitcher before!). The key is understanding your baseline so you can build your plan around what’s available. 2. Make the Grocery Store Your First Stop When you arrive at your destination, go to the grocery store before doing anything else. This is one of the most powerful habits for staying on track. Stock up on simple staples: Protein Options Greek yogurtHard-boiled eggsRotisserie chickenTuna packetsProtein shakes (like Fairlife Core Power)Protein powder (if you have a blender) Protein is your anchor — especially over 40 when maintaining muscle mass becomes even more important. Fruits & Vegetables Pre-cut fruitBerriesBaby carrotsSugar snap peasPre-cut veggiesJicama sticksGuacamole snack packs Convenience matters when traveling. Grab-and-go options prevent impulse decisions later. 3. Bring Tools That Make It Easier If you’re road-tripping, invest in a high-quality cooler — ideally one that plugs into your vehicle so you don’t deal with melting ice. If you’re flying and won’t have access to a microwave, consider using a Hot Logic Mini. It’s a portable hot plate that safely and evenly warms your meals. It’s a game changer when you want a warm, healthy meal without relying on fast food. Preparation removes pressure. 4. Use a Smart Strategy When Eating Out Let’s be clear: you should enjoy restaurants while traveling. The goal isn’t restriction — it’s consistency. Here’s the simple framework: Start With Protein Before you even focus on sides or sauces, decide what protein you want: SalmonFishChickenSteakShrimp Build your meal around that. Moderate Heavy Sauces Cream-heavy dishes and high-sodium meals can lead to bloating and inflammation, especially over 40. If you choose them, enjoy them intentionally — just don’t let every meal revolve around them. Look at the Menu Ahead of Time When possible, review the menu online and decide what you’ll order before you arrive. This prevents impulse decisions. If I were prepping for a competition, I’d often choose a salad and add protein. But if I’m simply maintaining while traveling, I prioritize protein and balance the rest. 5. Stay Hydrated (This Matters More Than You Think) Travel often means: Flying (dehydrating)Eating out more (higher sodium)Sitting for long periods It’s very easy to come home feeling inflamed and bloated. Drinking enough water helps: Reduce bloatingImprove digestionMaintain energySupport recovery Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day. Hydration is one of the easiest wins while traveling. 6. Keep Moving If you’re traveling for vacation, you may naturally walk more. If you’re traveling for work and sitting at conferences all day, look for opportunities to: Stand in the back of the roomTake short walksMove between sessions Daily movement supports digestion, circulation, and overall well-being. 7. Follow the 80/20 Rule This is about sustainability — not perfection. Stay on track 80% of the time. The other 20%?Enjoy the local dessert.Try the new restaurant.Have the experience. Travel is part of life. When you get home, simply get back on your plan. Don’t let a few days turn into weeks of feeling “off track.” Travel doesn’t have to throw you off your nutrition plan — unless you let it. Final Thoughts: Nutrition Over 40 Is About Momentum After 40, consistency matters more than intensity. You don’t need to be perfect.You don’t need to over-restrict.You don’t need to skip restaurants. You just need a strategy. With a little ...
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    6 m
  • Integrating Strength Training and Yoga into Your Wellness Routine
    Feb 12 2026
    Heather shares strategies for integrating weightlifting and yoga into a balanced weekly schedule without feeling overwhelmed. She provides specific examples of alternating days between weight training and various types of yoga to maximize efficiency and recovery. Heather also emphasizes the importance of rest days and offers insights on how to integrate both practices throughout the day. The video is designed to help those in midlife build strong, healthy bodies that can carry them well into old age. 00:00 Introduction: Balancing Fitness and Yoga00:47 Identifying Your Fitness Profile01:23 Creating a Balanced Weekly Schedule02:33 Exploring Different Yoga Styles04:35 Combining Yoga and Weightlifting05:22 Personal Tips and Strategies06:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts https://youtu.be/Dj1MSGROtTg?si=cs4fMv4m86e6tV2K There’s a very specific kind of question that tends to show up in midlife. It doesn’t usually sound dramatic. It’s not urgent. It’s quieter than that. It sounds more like this: “I know I need to be lifting weights… but I love yoga.”Or, “I’ve been doing yoga for years, but I keep hearing I should be strength training.”Or sometimes simply, “How am I supposed to fit all of this in without feeling like my entire life revolves around working out?” And I understand that question deeply, because I’ve been every version of that woman. There was a time when my training was almost entirely strength-based. I was lifting four, sometimes five, days a week, focused on performance, progress, and pushing. Yoga was something I would occasionally add in when I felt tight or needed to stretch. And then there were seasons when yoga became the anchor. It was grounding. It kept me mobile. It kept me sane. But eventually, I had to be honest with myself; mobility alone wasn’t enough to protect my muscle mass or bone density as I moved through my 40s and beyond. At some point, if you care about longevity, you realize this isn’t an either/or conversation. It’s a both/and. The real question becomes how to combine them intelligently. The First Thing We Have to Do Is Get Organized Most overtraining doesn’t happen because someone is “too motivated.” It happens because there is no structure. We react to how we feel that day. We add a class because it sounds good. We lift because we feel guilty for missing a workout earlier in the week. We say yes to a hot yoga session on what was supposed to be a recovery day. And suddenly we’re exhausted and wondering why our joints ache. The solution is far less exciting than people expect. You look at your week. You decide — ahead of time — which days are strength days and which days are yoga days. If you’re lifting three days per week — say Monday, Wednesday, and Friday — that’s your strength foundation. Those sessions are about building. Not burning. Building. That distinction matters more than most people realize. Strength training, done properly, is about creating capacity in your body. It’s about teaching your muscles and bones to handle load. It’s one of the most important investments you can make for your future self. Then you look at the other days. That’s where yoga lives. Maybe Tuesday and Thursday are your practice days. Maybe Saturday becomes a longer mobility session. Maybe Sunday is true rest. But the decision is made calmly, not emotionally. That alone prevents most overtraining. Not All Yoga Is the Same This is where nuance comes in, and nuance is something we don’t talk about enough in the fitness world. There is a profound difference between a heated power yoga class that leaves you drenched and shaking… and a slow, restorative practice where you hold a pose for ten minutes and allow your nervous system to settle. If you are strength training with intention — challenging loads, progressive overload, real muscular effort — and then you stack intense yoga sessions on top of that, you are not recovering. You are layering stress on stress. Midlife bodies are incredibly resilient. But they are also honest. If you push without allowing adaptation, they will tell you. The version of yoga you choose should support your training, not compete with it. Sometimes yoga is the challenge. Sometimes yoga is the repair. Knowing the difference is maturity. Can You Do Both in One Day? Yes. But timing matters. When I lift, I prefer to lift first. I want my nervous system focused. I want my energy directed toward building strength. Afterward, when my body is warm and my spine is open, I might spend time working on a pose I’m building toward. Something technical. Something that requires mobility and control. If I’m taking a full yoga class, I usually separate it from my lift by several hours. That space allows your body to shift gears. We are not twenty-five anymore. Recovery is not optional. It’s part of the process. And if longevity is the goal — not just aesthetics — then your programming has to reflect that. ...
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    4 m
  • Strength Training Over 40 (Beginner Weightlifting Guide)
    Feb 1 2026
    If you’re over 40 and ready to start strength training but don’t know where to begin, this video is for you! Join Heather as she walks you through beginner-friendly strength training movements designed to help you build muscle safely and confidently. Learn about compound movements like squats, deadlifts, shoulder presses, and lunges, all geared towards creating a strong, healthy body to carry you through midlife and beyond. Heather also covers the importance of proper form, nutrition, and recovery in achieving your fitness goals. Get started today and build the strength you need to lead an active, independent life! 00:00 Introduction to Strength Training for Beginners00:46 Understanding Muscle Toning and Bulking Myths02:35 The Importance of Compound Lifts04:33 Getting Started with Squats14:51 Mastering Deadlifts21:34 Pushing Movements for Upper Body Strength25:02 Introduction to Pushup Variations25:14 Wall Pushups for Beginners26:24 Elevated Pushups and Knee Support28:32 Floor Pushups and Advanced Variations30:57 Exploring Pulling Movements32:50 Incorporating Rows and Pull-Ups38:31 Lunges for Lower Body Strength43:39 The Importance of Recovery44:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement https://youtu.be/tUIOMbILch0 AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS Power Block Adjustable Dumbbells https://amzn.to/4aPEs1y Power Block Workout Bench https://amzn.to/41LfVa5Power Block Adjustable Kettle Bell https://amzn.to/3Sd080EStability Ball https://amzn.to/4dOf90DBOSU Ball https://amzn.to/3HalghzPilates Ball https://amzn.to/3RSonzKPilates Ring https://amzn.to/41Lg3GBResistance Bands https://amzn.to/3Sa1jOjStorage Rack https://amzn.to/3vAOtQ0Resistance Loops https://amzn.to/47qxTj5Foam Roller https://amzn.to/3vsTudHAerobic Step https://amzn.to/41QOITtDumbbell Weight Rack https://amzn.to/47wbm4yBattle Ropes https://amzn.to/48LnVtIPull up Bar https://amzn.to/3YP9MKiDumbbells (select which weight you’d like) https://amzn.to/3X9ywvL PROTEIN IDEASOptimum Nutrition Whey Protein https://amzn.to/40BRJHFEgg Bite Mold for InstaPot https://amzn.to/44oIVHHCore Power Protein https://amzn.to/3GreCGWPremier Protein https://amzn.to/3GreCGWIsalean Performance Protein https://ysa.isagenix.com/en-us/shop/weight-management/isalean-performance-protein?pid=9c4ee1928e9c4dbfab628af1e4c8695eOrgain Plant Based Protein Powder https://amzn.to/44ulJ9HLemonade Clear Protein https://amzn.to/44etstCCatalina Crunch Protein Cereal https://amzn.to/3U0O56lRoasted Edamame https://amzn.to/3Tnvgu8Muscle Mac Macaroni & Cheese https://amzn.to/4kn6zcgProtein Coffee Creamer https://amzn.to/4lf2esRCollagen Peptides https://amzn.to/4lf2iZD 📢 Affiliate Disclaimer Some links in this description may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through them — at no additional cost to you. I only share products and resources I personally use and love. Thank you for supporting my channel and my work! 📢 Health & Fitness Disclaimer The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new diet, fitness, or wellness program, especially if you have existing health conditions or concerns. Listening to your body and seeking personalized advice when needed is always encouraged.
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    49 m
  • This Is Why You Keep “Getting Ready” but Never Starting
    Jan 27 2026

    Stop Preparing and Start Moving: How to Break Free from the ‘Getting Ready’ Trap

    Heather addresses the common issue of feeling stuck in the ‘getting ready’ phase, where constant planning and preparation replace actual action. She explains why this feels productive but ultimately hinders progress. Heather shares insights on overcoming fear, perfectionism, and procrastination, especially for those in midlife aiming to build strong, healthy bodies. She emphasizes the importance of starting with small, manageable actions and the necessity of consistency over intensity. Viewers are encouraged to take immediate steps and commit to daily movement, breaking free from the endless cycle of planning.

    👉Join OPERATION FIT AF 365 Days Body Transformation Challenge https://www.operationfitaf.com

    👉 Download the Nutrition Guide for Women Over 40 https://www.heathermonthie.com/nutrition

    👉 GET MY BOOK ON AMAZON! What If You Gave Yourself a Year?: A Year of Showing Up, Slowing Down, and Discovering How the Boring Basics Still Work to Build a Strong, Confident, Healthier You https://amzn.to/4j0OmSI (my affiliate link!)

    00:00 Introduction: Stuck in the Getting Ready Phase
    00:43 Understanding the Illusion of Progress
    02:24 Facing the Hidden Fears
    04:32 The Trap of Perfectionism
    06:14 Taking Action: Small Steps to Success
    07:51 Consistency Over Intensity
    09:10 Breaking the Loop: Start Small
    12:20 Conclusion and Invitation

    https://youtu.be/63_EliMI2z4

    📢 Affiliate Disclaimer
    Some links in this description may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through them — at no additional cost to you. I only share products and resources I personally use and love. Thank you for supporting my channel and my work!
    📢 Health & Fitness Disclaimer
    The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new diet, fitness, or wellness program, especially if you have existing health conditions or concerns.

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    7 m
  • 365 Day Body Transformation Challenge Explained (Is This for You?) : Operation Fit AF Info Session
    Jan 20 2026

    Operation Fit AF: 365 Days Body Transformation Challenge Explained

    Heather introduces the Operation Fit AF 365 Days Body Transformation Challenge, designed for midlife individuals seeking to build strong, healthy bodies that will last into their later years. Heather shares her personal fitness transformation journey, beginning with her decision to quit smoking and culminating in her achievements in bodybuilding competitions.

    This program offers a structured yet flexible approach to achieving various fitness goals over the course of a year, emphasizing the importance of consistency and community support. The session also covers the balance framework for health, the concept of 75-day missions to break down long-term goals, and addresses frequently asked questions about the challenge.

    Join the 365 Days Body Transformation Challenge at www.OperationFitAF.com

    00:00 Welcome to Operation Fit AF 365 Days Challenge
    01:09 Heather’s Personal Fitness Journey
    03:48 The Turning Point: Breaking the Leg
    05:27 The Year-Long Transformation Plan
    05:54 The Importance of Enjoying the Process
    06:54 Community Support and Personal Goals
    07:24 The Long Game Approach to Fitness
    08:58 Heather’s Transformation Photos
    13:57 The Problem with Short-Term Challenges
    17:45 The Power of Experience and Learning
    19:50 Why a Year Changes Everything
    20:38 Introduction to Operation Fit AF
    20:43 Defining Fitness Goals
    21:22 The Balance Framework
    22:13 Building a Lifelong Healthy Lifestyle
    26:52 The 75-Day Missions Explained
    32:18 Frequently Asked Questions
    37:43 Final Thoughts and Joining Information

    https://youtu.be/cumhKtczrKc
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    40 m
  • From 60lbs Overweight to Bodybuilding Stage: Heather’s Transformation
    Nov 25 2025

    www.OPERATIONFITAF.com

    Heather’s Journey: Losing 60 Pounds at 48 and Prepping for Bodybuilding

    Heather shares her inspiring journey of losing 60 pounds as a 48-year-old woman, leading up to competing in a natural bodybuilding competition. She discusses the strategies that worked for her, such as tracking food intake, weighing herself, staying active, and practicing mindfulness through yoga. Heather also emphasizes the importance of hydration and diet focused on protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. She candidly shares how she overcame challenges and stayed motivated throughout her journey while highlighting her upcoming ‘Operation Fit AF’ program designed to help others achieve their fitness goals.

    00:00 Introduction: My 60-Pound Weight Loss Journey
    01:14 The Struggle and Decision to Share
    01:41 Past Bodybuilding Competitions and Weight Gain
    02:44 The Turning Point: Hiking Accident
    04:13 Starting the Weight Loss Journey
    05:04 Key Strategies: Tracking Food and Avoiding Pitfalls
    08:36 Importance of Weighing and Measuring Progress
    12:11 Daily Movement and Exercise Routine
    14:09 The Role of Yoga in Weight Loss
    17:06 Diet and Hydration Tips
    21:52 Staying Motivated and Consistent
    24:05 Operation Fit AF: Join the Community

    https://youtu.be/qBCP-aoIjWk
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    25 m
  • OPERATION FIT AF: What If You Gave Yourself a Year?
    Oct 6 2025
    If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and barely recognized the person staring back at you, this post is for you. Hi, I’m Heather Monthie, and I want to talk about something that’s been on my heart lately: What if you gave yourself a year?A year to stop starting over.A year to focus on you again.A year to rebuild your strength, confidence, and energy from the inside out. This idea has resonated deeply with so many women in our community, and it’s the foundation of my newest project: the StrongBody 75 Transformation Challenge, a 75-day journey to help you refocus, reconnect, and rediscover your strongest self. https://youtu.be/mR9FXMxlitc Where This Idea Began A few years ago, I found myself in a rut.Between work, responsibilities, and recovery from an injury, I had gained 60 pounds over seven years. I was constantly tired, my confidence was fading, and I felt disconnected from the active, vibrant person I used to be. Then came a turning point — a hike in the Grand Canyon. I’ve been a hiker for most of my life, but this time was different. I wasn’t ready. I struggled through the climb and realized, this isn’t who I want to be anymore. That day, I made a decision: I’m giving myself a year.A year to rebuild my body and mind.A year to get strong again, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Why a Year — Not a Quick Fix So many of us think in short bursts: six-week challenges, 30-day diets, or “get ready for vacation” programs. They can work in the short term, but they rarely build the habits that last a lifetime. What I learned through my own transformation is that it takes time to: Build consistency without burnoutDevelop resilience to bounce back from setbacksReconnect with yourself after years of putting everyone else first That’s why I encourage women to think long-term. Give yourself the space to grow into your strength instead of chasing it. Introducing: The StrongBody 75 Challenge Here’s the truth: most of us don’t need another crash program. We need a community, a plan, and accountability. That’s exactly what the StrongBody 75 Challenge is. 🗓 October 18 – December 31, 2025💻 100% Virtual – Join from anywhere It’s 75 days where you pick your goal and I help guide you toward it. Your goal might be to: Get consistent with your workouts or walksStretch or practice yoga dailyImprove your nutrition and hydration habitsRebuild your confidence after a setback I’ll provide yoga and stretch videos, bodyweight and strength workouts, mindset tools, and a private community for motivation and accountability. You’ll also get access to my full StrongBody Club library — including workouts, yoga classes, and nutrition resources — all designed for active women over 40 who want to feel strong and capable again. The Power of Resilience One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned? It’s not about never falling off track.It’s about how quickly you come back. When life happens — illness, injury, stress — you don’t lose everything you’ve built. You take a breath, adjust, and keep going. That’s real strength. Consistency + Resilience = Confidence.That’s the heart of the StrongBody philosophy. Join the StrongBody 75 Challenge If you’re ready to:✅ Focus on yourself again✅ Build momentum through the end of the year✅ Be part of a supportive, empowering community Then I’d love for you to join me in the StrongBody 75 Challenge. 👉 Register now at heathermonthie.com/strongbody75 There’s a small registration fee (because having skin in the game matters!) — and yes, there will be fun prizes, including a free one-year membership to the StrongBody Club. So if you’ve been saying “I’ll start after the holidays,” this is your sign.Start now. Start small. Start for you. Because when you give yourself a year — you give yourself back. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Strong Body, Strong Mind podcast🔗 Join the community: heathermonthie.com/strongbody75
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    6 m