Wellness in Midlife: Finding Strength, Flexibility, and Balance

(Formerly Celebrating Women — now The Midlife Millennial Edit with Mandee Montana)

Midlife can be one of the most transformative seasons of a woman’s life — a time when our bodies, energy, and priorities shift in powerful ways. It’s also the perfect time to redefine what wellness truly means.

In this inspiring episode of The Midlife Millennial Edit, I sit down with Desi Bartlett, fitness expert and author of Total Body Beautiful, to talk about how women can build lasting strength, flexibility, and balance — both physically and emotionally — through every chapter of life.

Rethinking Wellness After 40

Desi reminds us that wellness isn’t about chasing perfection — it’s about listening to your body and meeting it where it is.

Hormonal changes, stress, and shifting priorities can make it harder to maintain the same energy we had in our 20s and 30s. But with the right approach, midlife can actually become a season of strength and empowerment.

She encourages women to focus on three pillars:

1. Strength — not just for your muscles, but for your mindset.

2. Flexibility — in your workouts and your expectations.

3. Balance — creating harmony between your physical goals and emotional wellbeing.

Integrating Wellness into Everyday Life

One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is Desi’s approach to making movement simple and sustainable.

You don’t have to spend hours at the gym or follow a strict plan. Instead, focus on:

• Gentle strength training or yoga a few times a week

• Mindful movement like walking, stretching, or dancing

• Small rituals that support your mental health, such as meditation, journaling, or time outdoors

The goal isn’t just to look strong — it’s to feel strong, centered, and capable in your own body.

Embracing Self-Love and Confidence in Midlife

As women, we often give so much of ourselves to others that self-care can feel indulgent. Desi and I talk about the importance of reframing that belief.

True self-love means caring for your body with compassion — not criticism — and designing a wellness routine that fits your lifestyle and values.

When we approach wellness from a place of love instead of lack, everything changes. We gain clarity, confidence, and calm that radiates into every area of life.

Listen to the Full Episode

Tune in to hear the full conversation with Desi Bartlett on The Midlife Millennial Edit — available now wherever you listen to podcasts.

You’ll walk away with actionable steps to feel stronger, more balanced, and more connected to yourself at any age.

Listen to the episode here