SE6: EP11 Defying All Odds: The Muscle and Mindset Journey from Wheelchair to Weightlifting Champion

In this episode, I am joined by Kim Rahir, a former journalist turned health coach, a survivor of MS turned European Champion in Master Weightlifting - and on a mission to help middle-aged women embrace muscle and strength as the one-stop-shop solution for a host of health problems often from our thirties onwards.

Her approach is to turn scientific knowledge about human health into actionable toolkits for everyday life.

Kim Rahir shares her inspiring journey of managing her Multiple Sclerosis (MS) through strength training and its tremendous benefits to her life.

After her MS diagnosis over ten years ago, she turned her situation around and even became the European champion in Masters weightlifting for her age group.

Kim emphasizes the importance of resistance and strength training in managing many health and well-being issues of midlife women, including maintaining bone density, managing blood sugar, and enhancing physical strength and mental health.

Additionally, she discusses how small, manageable steps in strength training can significantly transform the lives of many women, especially those in their midlife years, to become stronger and healthier.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation

00:37 Kim's Journey with MS

03:35 Facing the Fear of MS

04:37 The Power of Living in the Moment

05:04 The Role of Exercise in Managing MS

09:40 Kim's Introduction to Weightlifting

13:48 The Impact of Strength Training on Health

17:51 Overcoming Resistance and Empowerment

20:48 Understanding Resistance to Physical Activity

21:25 The Evolutionary Reason Behind Our Sedentary Lifestyle

22:38 The Consequences of a Sedentary Lifestyle

23:16 The Importance of Reactivating Unused Muscles

24:26 The Challenges of Starting an Exercise Routine

25:31 The Initial Steps to Starting an Exercise Routine

27:05 The Importance of Starting Slowly and Building Strength

27:45 The Challenges of Exercising in Midlife

28:07 The Importance of Adapting Exercise to Our Age and Lifestyle

32:53 The Importance of Acknowledging Where You Are At

37:03 The Power of Small Steps and Consistency

40:32 How to Get in Touch and Start Your Fitness Journey

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Kim Rahir

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