Sue Markovitch is a specialized personal trainer for women over 40, expert in trauma-informed fitness, and the author of I Know What to Do, I Just Don’t Do It and Up Is Mandatory. She is renowned for applying spiritual principles to health and fitness and creating safe spaces for women to recover self-worth and achieve sustainable health. In this episode of The Health Fix Podcast, Dr. Jannine Krause interviews Sue Markovitch on creating a fitness lifestyle that works for you.

 

Key Takeaways:

1. Rethinking Fitness: Feeling Good vs. Looking Good Sue challenges the traditional fitness narrative with her empowering perspective:

• “What if fitness was more about feeling good about yourself instead of feeling good about how you look?”* This reframing emphasizes self-acceptance and internal well-being over external validation.

2. The Damage of a Lifetime of Dieting The fitness and diet industry has perpetuated cycles of trauma for many women, leaving them feeling unsafe and inadequate. Breaking free starts with acknowledging these experiences and creating supportive environments for change.

3. The Role of Strength Training Strength training is incredibly empowering for women over 40. It builds both physical resilience and emotional confidence. However, consistency often eludes women, highlighting the need for deeper, personal work to uncover and address barriers.

4. Identifying the Deeper Work For women who know what to do but struggle to follow through, the key lies in exploring the inner obstacles that hold them back. Sue guides listeners to:

• Pay attention to the internal dialogue when attempting change.
• Recognize the "blinders" society has imposed regarding fitness expectations.
• Address self-sabotaging behaviors stemming from trauma or low self-worth.

5. Myths and Lies of the Fitness Industry Sue and Dr. Jannine Krause critique the common motivational tactics in fitness that often lead to guilt and burnout. True motivation comes from understanding one’s unique needs and working with a compassionate, knowledgeable coach.

 

Highlights from the Conversation:

• Self-Worth Recovery: Sue’s trauma-informed approach creates a safe, judgment-free space for women to reconnect with their self-worth.
• Re-education on Fitness: Sue is on a mission to debunk harmful fitness myths and teach her clients what truly works for sustainable health.
• The Voice in Your Head: Understanding and addressing negative self-talk is critical to making lasting changes.
• The Importance of Individualized Coaching: Having a coach who truly sees and understands your unique journey is invaluable for success.

 

Resources from the Show:

• Visit Sue’s Website: suemarkovitch.com
• Books by Sue Markovitch:
• I Know What to Do, I Just Don’t Do It
• Up Is Mandatory

 

Final Thought: Fitness is not about perfection or punishment. It’s about reclaiming your power, finding joy in movement, and embracing your worth—exactly as you are.