Want to become your fittest self in your 40s onwards? This 45 minute guide will give you all of the tools you need.

And no, you don’t need a posh kit, expensive gym membership or even any experience to get started.

In this episode of Is It Hot In Here?, Dr. Naomi Potter is joined by midlife fitness expert Caroline Idiens (AKA ⁨Caroline's Circuits). The two discuss who women can build strength, boost energy, and stay active through perimenopause and menopause. Caroline opens up about her own fitness evolution, how resistance training changed her body and mindset in her 50s, and why short, consistent workouts can be more effective than long gym sessions.

Together, they dive into topics like menopause weight gain, joint pain, low motivation, the power of walking, the truth about protein and hormones, and the often-overlooked connection between movement and mental health. Caroline also shares her tips on how to get started with strength training — even if you’ve never picked up a dumbbell in your life.

Follow the podcast on Instagram at @podcast_naomipotter

Follow Caroline Idiens below:

Caroline's Instagram: ‪@carolinescircuits

Caroline's website: https://carolinescircuits.com/

Caroline's book Fit At 50: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fit-50-Stronger-Fitter-Happier/dp/0241715288

Caroline's YouTube: ⁨@carolinescircuits⁩

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

For more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

00:00 – Intro: meet Caroline Idiens (@carolinescircuits)

01:32 – Why Caroline started strength training in midlife

03:08 – What is resistance training? (and why it matters after 40)

05:10 – Caroline’s workout routine: structure, duration & frequency

07:45 – Walking, hormones & mental health: a powerful combo

09:30 – How strength training boosts mood, confidence & energy

11:48 – Will lifting weights make you bulky? (spoiler: no)

13:22 – Glutes, core & stability: the muscles that matter most

15:00 – Joint pain, menopause & how to modify exercise safely

17:10 – Everyday strength: why midlife fitness isn’t just about looks

19:25 – Menopause & nutrition: the role of protein, sugar & balance

21:40 – Midlife weight gain & belly fat: what's really going on?

24:05 – Sleep & stress in menopause: how exercise can help

26:10 – Caroline’s bedtime routine & supplement stack

28:25 – Struggling with motivation? here’s where to start

30:10 – Building habits that stick: the power of small steps

32:18 – Exercise & anxiety: breaking the spiral

34:00 – Caroline’s go-to modifications for sensitive joints

36:12 – Top supplements Caroline recommends for midlife wellness

38:10 – Avoiding injury after 40: smart training tips

40:15 – Can fitness help with skin, hair & hormone balance?

42:00 – Final advice: keep it simple, stay consistent

#carolinescircuits #menopause #menopauseworkout