Gain insight on transitioning through Perimenopause towards Menopause with Ms. Renee Crichlow of REAC Fitness.

Renee has been helping women navigate Perimenopause & Menopause for the past 3 years (up to the time of recording in 2025).

Hear:

• What the difference between perimenopause and menopause is
• What do women experience?
• What specific exercise interventions are helpful
• What nutritional interventions are helpful

I’m joined by Terrence Haynes, who is a former Olympian, having represented Barbados in competitive swimming. He has gone on to share his knowledge by facilitating swimming coaching for adults and children at Seaside Aquatics aside from a number of other projects.

Topics:

• Terrence's introduction to the water
• How did he manage to navigate combining studies with high-level athletic preparation
• Every Bajan should know how to swim.
• What are the major physical benefits derived from water activity?

I’m joined by Dr. Sandra Vaughan as we discuss aspects of Active Aging.

• Difference between rehab and training
• “No pain, no gain” - You don’t have to be in pain
• Understanding discomfort thresholds
• Getting professional help in a timely fashion to resolve pain/ discomfort
• Dealing with arthritis
• Making a cultural change to encourage seniors to continue moving

Husani speaks about his journey of learning how to take care of his physical and mental health.Topics discussed:

• Do we believe that we are invincible?
• Can societal norms create pressure on men?
• Do we fear/ trust doctors?
• Is mental health still a taboo topic for men?
• How exercise helps to keep us grounded

Rest in Peace Husani 🕊️

I was joined by Danissa Grosvenor as we spoke about and the management of Glaucoma. Discussion points:

• What is glaucoma and what are the symptoms? (Inc. types of glaucoma)
• How is it diagnosed?
• How important is knowing your family history in your prevention management?
• Who is more at risk?
• How can glaucoma be managed and treated?
• Can exercise assist in glaucoma prevention/ management?

I’m joined by fitness instructor, Ms. Falicia Goodridge, as we speak on the topic "Barriers Preventing Children from being Active "Topics:

• Why it is important for children to be active?
• Why a child may not be motivated to exercise?
• Addressing issues such as Body shaming & bullying
• How competition negates motivation
• Time management and planning for children - creating structure
• With barriers such as the Pandemic and the recent ash fall from La Soufrière Volcano can parents motivate children to exercise?

I am joined by junior and senior lawn tennis coach, Andrew Thornton, as we discuss how Recreational Sports can be a fun way to promote movement.

Topics:

• Andrew's sporting endeavors
• Life as a junior and senior national lawn tennis coach and keeping athletes engaged
• What role does Andrew see sports playing in reducing and managing cases of persons with NCDs?
• An Introduction to Beach Tennis and what does Andrew foresee for its uptake & future?

I am joined by Mr. Henderson Turton to discuss sports and active lifestyles. Henderson is a former Barbados national Basketball player and is now a Taekwondo coach.

Topics:

• What role did sports play in his upbringing?
• How important was that foundation in staying active?
• What is Taekwondo and what tangible & intangible benefits does the sport offer to children and adults? (Very good Info Here)
• What takeaway would you like to leave with persons who may be struggling with other forms of activity? (e.g. gym training)

I am joined my Mrs. Mahalia Cummins as we discuss the topic of How Fitness helps when Performing on Stage.

Mahalia is the lead vocalist for the band @2milehill, host of @mahaliascorner, author of Bajanisms, dancer, songwriter... an overall artist!

Topics:

• How difficult is it to stay in sweet voice when on stage during energetic performances?
• How does Mahalia view fitness/ wellness as a singer & performer?
• How important is nutrition - in general and on the day of performance?
• How important is rest and relaxation?

BONUS: Mahalia was gracious enough to take ups through a breathing exercise

In this episode I speak with with Dr. Shane Drakes as we dig into the topic "of preparing for athletic events. Topics include:

• When does event prep generally begin?
• What phases are involved?
• What goes into keeping an athlete "on the field"
• Are this concepts similar for a person who is transitioning from sedentary to active ?