Ep. 186 - Rucking Through Menopause with Colleen Flaherty

In this episode of Not Your Mother's Menopause Podcast, Dr. Fiona Lovely is joined by Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Founder of Rucking Women, Colleen Flaherty.  For years, Colleen has been a guiding force in women's health, teaching how to cultivate stronger, more mobile bodies for healthier pregnancies, positive body relationships, and optimal recoveries. Now, she brings her extensive expertise to the menopause conversation, focusing on a powerful, simple, and transformative fitness trend: rucking.

Discover why rucking—the straightforward act of walking with a weighted backpack or vest—is becoming a solid tactic for women in perimenopause and beyond. Colleen breaks down how this accessible practice is a game-changer for building crucial bone density, enhancing muscle strength, and boosting metabolic health without the strain of high-impact workouts. She and Dr. Lovely delve into why it’s time to move away from frantic cardio and embrace strength-based movements that honor our changing hormonal and energetic needs.

Learn practical, no-nonsense tips on how to start rucking with items you already have at home, how to safely progress, and why this practice is deeply rooted in our ancestral biology. Colleen also shares profound insights on the critical importance of grip and upper body strength for longevity, and how integrating simple habits like hanging from an overhead bar can combat frailty and promote spinal health.

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Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond fitness—it’s about reclaiming your strength, finding simplicity in movement, and connecting with a supportive community of women who are rocking their way through midlife and beyond. If you’re ready to feel capable, powerful, and deeply grounded in your body, this episode is your invitation to start.

 Find out more about Colleen here.  Please listen to her podcast The MotherRuckin' Show here.

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

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Dr. Fiona Lovely is a longevity, health and wellness expert with specialties in menopause medicine, functional neurology and functional medicine.  She is speaking to the topics of women's health around perimenopause and menopause.

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