78. Perimenopause, Strength Training & Anti-Diet Culture with Jessie Mundell

What if the exhaustion, anxiety, poor recovery, sleep changes, and body shifts you’re experiencing aren’t just postpartum… but the beginning of perimenopause? In this powerful guest episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast, we sit down with Jessie Mundell — exercise specialist in pregnancy, postpartum, birth recovery, and perimenopause — to talk about what women actually need to know about training, fueling, and supporting their bodies as they age. Jessie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health & Physical Education and a Master’s in Kinesiology, and has spent the last 20 years educating women and fitness professionals on how to move through pregnancy, postpartum, and midlife with strength and confidence. Together, we dive into: •  Jessie’s journey into the pre/postnatal and perimenopause space  •  Why anti-diet culture is central to her philosophy  •  Common signs and symptoms of perimenopause women often dismiss  •  Why many women are told they’re “too young” for menopause conversations  •  The overlap between postpartum and perimenopause symptoms  •  The role of progesterone in perimenopause and menopause  •  How workouts and recovery need to shift in midlife  •  Why strength training becomes even more important as we age  •  The importance of fueling adequately and avoiding chronic under-eating  •  The “minimum effective dose” approach to fitness: doing less, but smarter  This episode is especially important for women and folks navigating motherhood later in life, wondering why their body suddenly feels different, or trying to figure out how to exercise in a way that actually supports their hormones and nervous system. Whether you’re postpartum, approaching perimenopause, or already experiencing symptoms, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, validated, and empowered to advocate for yourself. Connect with Jessie everywhere on the internet at Jessie Mundell.  Her Website (https://jessiemundell.com/) Her Instagram (  / jessiemundell  )   Tune in for more conversations on pregnancy fitness, postpartum recovery, women’s hormone health, strength training for women, and free resources for new moms designed to help you feel Vibrantly You® through every stage of womanhood. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  • Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcast (  / vibrantlyyoupodcast  ) • Meg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellness (  / vibrantmamawellness  ) • Caitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition (  / wholesomehuntressnutrition  )