Episode 78: Exercising When Youāre Ill - When to Rest, When to Move, and Why Listening Matters
In this episode of the Ruth Macfit Podcast, Ruth shares a personal story from a weekend run that didnāt go to plan and why stopping was the smartest decision she could have made.Using both lived experience and evidence-based guidance, this episode explores how to decide whether to exercise when youāre feeling under the weather, why simple rules like āabove the neckā can be misleading, and how to adapt training without losing momentum or confidence.Youāll hear about:Why exercise can feel harder, not easier, when illness is brewingThe difference between normal training fatigue and illness-related fatigueWhen light movement can help and when rest really mattersHow to test readiness with everyday movement rather than full workoutsWhy pushing through can prolong recovery and increase riskHow to return to training after illness without rushing or setbacksWhat actually supports immune health during winter, without miracle fixesThis episode is for anyone who values consistency, struggles with knowing when to rest, or worries that missing a workout means losing progress. Itās about making decisions that support long-term health, not proving willpower.Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruthmacfitWebsite and coaching options: www.ruthmacfit.com
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Episode 77: Brain Health in Midlife: Why You Donāt Need Keto, Sardine Resets or Extreme Diets to Protect Your Future
In this episode, I unpack the growing trend of extreme brain-health advice aimed at women in midlife in particular the keto resets āsardine dietā and why these messages can feel so urgent, confusing and fear-based.Youāll hear an evidence-based perspective on what truly supports long-term brain health, why extreme nutrition advice lands so strongly at this stage of life, and how to feel more confident in your choices without resorting to restriction or dramatic fixes.This conversation is designed to help you step away from panic-driven health messaging and reconnect with sustainable habits that support both your wellbeing now and your long-term health. If you ever feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice or like youāre ānot doing enoughā, this episode is for you.I mention a fantastic book by author and psychologist Kimberley Wilson called How to Build a Healthy Brain and it really is worth a read if you want to delve deeper in protecting your brain health. If you enjoy the episode, please follow, review or share with a friend. You can connect with me on Instagram @ruthmacfit or explore coaching at ruthmacfit.com.
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Episode 76 - How to Enjoy December and Stay on Track - Without Dieting or Guilt
In this episode, Ruth dives into why December feels so much harder when it comes to consistency with health, fat loss and wellbeing and how you can enjoy Christmas more, not less, by making intentional choices rather than slipping into the familiar āfuck it, itās Decemberā mindset.Youāll learn:⨠Why December can derail progress (and why itās NOT a willpower problem)⨠How sleep, routines, nostalgia, scarcity and dopamine make festive food feel irresistible⨠Why the goal of December isnāt perfection - itās protecting your energy and confidence⨠Strategies to help you feel calm and in control all month:Decide before you get thereSupport ātomorrow youāChoose realistic non-negotiablesThe No Crap Cake Condition⢠- less often but more enjoyable⨠How to handle social pressure around food and alcohol without feeling awkward⨠Why reflecting beats starting again in JanuaryThis episode is for every woman who wants to enjoy the festive season and feel strong, capable and proud of herself on 1st January with no guilt, no punishment, no reset required.Finish Strong December Challenge inside the Ruth Mac Fit appš Black Friday Offer - 20% off first two months + bonus check-in in mid-Decemberš Join here: www.ruthmacfit.com and use the codeBF2025 at check out.š Message Ruth on Instagram for guidance on which level suits you or just to chat: @ruthmacfit
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Episode 75: When Your Brain Wonāt Switch Off: How to Stop Overthinking, Reset, and Get Back in Control
Ever feel like your brain just wonāt stop? Like you wake up already thinking of a hundred things to do...work, family, life admin and your headās spinning before the kettleās even boiled?In this episode, Ruth MacIntyre dives into that āstuck in go modeā feeling... when you canāt slow down, even though youāre running on empty.She shares her own recent story of bubbling brain while building the No Crap Cake Method website, the science behind decision fatigue, and why pausing isnāt failure - itās often the very thing that gets you moving forward again.š Inside this episode:Whatās happening in your brain when you canāt switch offThe science of decision fatigue and attention residueHow stress hormones affect focus, mood, and even fat lossSimple ways to calm a racing mind and reset your nervous systemHow small pauses can actually boost productivity and consistencyPractical tools: brain dumps, breathing resets, mindful movement, and moreIf youāve ever thought, āI donāt have time to rest,ā this episode will help you see why you donāt have time not to.Listen to the end for a quick 2-minute breathing reset you can use any time your brain feels too busy.Instagram ā @ruthmacfitLearn more ā ruthmacfit.com
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Episode 74: How to Set Goals That Actually Stick - Progress-Based Goals for Women 40+
In this episode, Ruth dives into why traditional goal-setting often fails - especially for women 40+ and how progress-based goals can help you finally stay consistent.If youāve ever started strong, lost momentum, and felt frustrated that life keeps getting in the way, this oneās for you. Youāll learn:⨠Why outcome-focused goals donāt work long term⨠How to set progress-based goals that fit real life (even when youāre busy)⨠The 3-step approach: Direction, Definition & Review⨠The science behind motivation, self-efficacy, and habit building⨠Real examples from Ruthās own life and coaching inside The No Crap Cake MethodYouāll leave this episode knowing exactly how to set realistic, flexible goals that build confidence, keep you motivated, and actually last.š Follow Ruth on Instagram: https://instagram.com/ruthmacfit
For Women 40+ Who Want to Feel Stronger, Fitter & Great in Midlife
Join Ruth for conversations on fat loss, strength, menopause, fitness and lifestyle. This podcast is for women 40+ who want to feel strong, energised, and confident without extreme diets or all-or-nothing thinking. Expect practical tips, expert insights, and strategies to help you stay fit for life.
š§ Subscribe now and know that you can feel great in midlife!