Hey Heal Squad! We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Denise Kirtley, and this one is packed with real talk about what it actually takes to maintain strength, build muscle, and feel your best in midlife and beyond.

Denise gets candid about her journey from emotional eating and burnout to becoming a bodybuilding competitor—and what it felt like after she stepped off the stage. She opens up about learning that your leanest body isn’t always your happiest body, how to find your “healthy weight,” and why building a sustainable, strong life matters more than hitting a number on the scale.

We dive into her daily health non-negotiables, how she breaks down the fear around lifting heavy, and why acceptance is just as important as ambition. PLUS, Denise shares the powerful mindset shift that helped her push through self-doubt and start living with intention.

If you’ve ever struggled with consistency, negative body image, or just need motivation to start again—this episode will meet you exactly where you are. 💛

HEALERS & HEAL LINERS: 

Strong is the new sustainable. It’s not about staying “stage lean.” Denise discovered real health comes from strength, consistency, and how you feel

Motivation fades, habits last. Daily non-negotiables like walking, protein, and sleep help Denise stay on track, even when motivation disappears.

A healthy weight isn’t always your leanest weight. Denise got honest about finding a weight where she could feel strong, balanced, and mentally well, not just lean for the sake of it.

Lifting heavy builds more than muscle. Denise gained self-trust, resilience, and power in the gym. What started as physical strength became emotional strength too.

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DENISE KIRTLEY RESOURCES:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiftyfitnessjourney/?hl=en

Website: https://rebellionbody.com/ 

Get coaching: https://rebellionbody.com/pages/coaching 

Challenge: https://my.playbookapp.io/denise-kirtley/programs/pull-up-program/23454 

ABOUT MARIA MENOUNOS:

Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV personality, actress, 2x NYT best-selling author, former pro-wrestler and brain tumor survivor, Maria Menounos’ passion is to see others heal and to get better in all areas of life.

ABOUT HEAL SQUAD x MARIA MENOUNOS:

A daily digital talk-show that brings you the world's leading healers, experts, and celebrities to share groundbreaking secrets and tips to getting better in all areas of life.

DISCLAIMER:

This Podcast and all related content ( published or distributed by or on behalf of Maria Menounos or http://Mariamenounos.com and http://healsquad.com ) is for informational purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Company’s Podcast are their own; not those of Maria Menounos or the Company. Accordingly, Maria Menounos and the Company cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. This podcast is presented for exploratory purposes only. Published content is not intended to be used for preventing, diagnosing, or treating a specific illness. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment.