A Midlife Fitness Expert on Rebuilding Strength Without Starting Over

Three years ago, Heike Yates had to stop running. After qualifying for Boston in her first marathon and finishing the JFK 50 Miler, an arthritic knee said no, and she spent a year grieving the identity that went with it. In this conversation, she shares what it took to let go, what she built from the change, and why she thinks midlife is the perfect time to rebuild, not from scratch, but from right where you are.We talk about:Why process goals beat outcome goals for staying motivated in midlifeHow to tell when you are stuck in grief for an old version of yourselfThe SPARK Framework, a strategic way to take action on your fitness goalsResetting your goals every ten years without discarding what you learnedShifting the conversation from belly fat and thigh gaps to strengthWhy "I want to feel like myself again" does not mean your 25-year-old selfHeike Yates is a Midlife Fitness Expert, author, and creator of the SPARK Framework. She helps midlife women stop dimming their light and rebuild strength, energy, and confidence without guilt, extremes, or starting over. With 35+ years in fitness, nutrition, and mindset coaching, she supports women stuck in the cycle of trying and quitting with an approach built for real life, not ideal days. She hosts the Pursue Your Spark Podcast and is the author of Pursue Your Spark.Nominee: Heike nominated Cat Coluccio, New Zealand-based host of The Rocking Midlife Podcast, business coach, author, and fellow saxophonist.Resources Mentioned:Pursue Your Spark: Your Guide to Escaping Midlife Traps, Reclaiming Confidence, and Living Fully by Heike Yates (paperback, e-book, audiobook): https://amzn.to/4mD5xL7Website: https://heikeyates.com/The Pursue Your Spark Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pursue-your-spark-midlife-fitness-nutrition-mindset/id1231586317Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heikeyates/ | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pursueyoursparkLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heike-yates/ | YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQIeOesGLGAOD5RhI2KYjcAJoin the Tryb: jointhetryb.com, code UPLIFTER20 for 20% off your first orderConnect with Aransas and The Uplifters: theuplifterspodcast.com | @aransas_savas | @the_uplifters_podcast Subscribe to the Monday Substack newsletter at theuplifterspodcast.com Join us Fridays for Co-Working Cocoons on Zoom: intention-setting, deep work, and a closing dance party. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe