Fannying About - a She Lifts Stronger Podcast

Lara Jezeph

Fannying About is a podcast by She Lifts Stronger — honest conversations about women’s health, pelvic floor and finding your way back to yourself through pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood. Hosted by Lara, a personal trainer and postpartum corrective exercise specialist, this podcast is for women who feel unheard, confused, or disconnected from their bodies. Expect solo episodes and expert guests covering pelvic floor health, prolapse, core rehab, birth experiences, mental health, and the realities of motherhood that don’t get talked about enough.

  1. Apr 22

    How to Stay Motivated to Exercise as a Busy Mum (Realistic & Doable)

    If you’ve ever felt too tired, too busy, or just not motivated to exercise, this episode is for you.In this honest and practical conversation, Lara and Mags break down what really helps mums stay consistent with movement, without unrealistic routines or pressure.We talk about:- Finding your “why” (and why it needs to be positive)- How to start small and build momentum (even 5 minutes counts)- Making exercise a non-negotiable in a busy life- Including your kiddies and setting a healthy example- Letting go of perfection and focusing on consistency- Navigating social media and fitness advice as a mum- Common myths around postpartum exercise and lifting- Why personalised programs matter for women- The importance of breathing, posture, and core health- How to actually enjoy movement againThis episode is all about real-life fitness for real mums, simple, achievable, and sustainable.If you’re ready to stop waiting for motivation and start building habits that fit your life, you’re in the right place.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:19 Understanding Motivation for Exercise05:29 The Importance of Consistency and Routine09:11 Overcoming Barriers to Exercise12:41 The Role of Children in Fitness15:59 Navigating Information Overload in Fitness19:53 The Importance of Individualised ProgramsThanks for tuning in. Please help us reach more mums by sharing this episode and giving us a thumbs up if you like it.Tune in and follow 'Fannying About' where ever you get your podcasts.For more information on the hosts:Lara Jezeph - She Lifts Stronger - https://larajezeph.com/Mags Garvey - Strong form the inside out - https://www.instagram.com/strongfromtheinsideout

    24 min

  2. Mar 28

    Your Organs Aren’t Falling Out Your Vagina

    If you’ve been told to stop lifting because of prolapse, this video will change how you think about it. I’m sharing my personal experience with prolapse, what I misunderstood about pressure, and how learning to manage my core and pelvic floor properly helped me become mostly symptom-free. We’ll talk about: What prolapse actually is (and what it isn’t)Why your organs are NOT “falling out”How pressure impacts symptomsThe role of hypermobilityWhy strength training can actually helpAnd why there’s no single “fix”.This is for anyone who wants to feel strong, confident and capable in their body again. Lara x BOOK Strong Start - https://larajezeph.thrivecart.com/strong-start/ Courses I have completed and could benefit you on your pelvic floor journey: MamasteFit Dr Sarah Duvall - PCES Anthony Lo Physio Detective - POP Caroline Packard - Connect Pelvic Floor Fitness Lauren OHayon - Restore Your Core Jen Dugard - Safe Return To Exercise

    21 min

  3. Feb 26

    A Crying Rant After a Barbell Squat, Clean & Press

    This episode is raw, emotional, and real. After a barbell squat, clean, and press session, I noticed visible doming in my core and it triggered rage, fear, grief, and exhaustion I know many postpartum women carry silently. I’m a personal trainer. I’m certified in safe return to exercise and postpartum corrective exercise. And I’m also living with pelvic organ prolapse, a right-sided levator avulsion, hypermobility, and postpartum changes, almost seven years on. In this episode, I talk honestly about: • The frustration of doing “everything right” and still feeling setbacks.• Why doming happens during lifting (pressure has to go somewhere).• How prolapse, avulsion, and hypermobility change how the body tolerates load.• Why visible doming is a warning sign, not a failure• Pressure management strategies that actually help• Breath, rib-to-pelvis stacking, and dynamic core control• Why strength may need to be redefined postpartum• Grief, anger, and learning to live in a “maintenance body” This episode is not medical advice and it’s not about giving up strength. It’s about training smarter, reclaiming power, and letting go of the lie that women should “bounce back.” Much of the pressure-management framework discussed here aligns with teachings from Dr. Sarah Duvall, whose work helped me reframe doming as coordination, not catastrophe. If you’re postpartum and: • Experiencing pelvic floor heaviness• Seeing abdominal doming• Struggling with lifting or running• Living with prolapse or hypermobility• Feeling angry, scared, or alone in your body This episode is for you. You are not broken.Your body has history.And you are allowed to grieve and still feel strong. Timestamps: 00:00 – Filming This in My Car: A Frustrating Training Day 01:52 – Living With Prolapse, Avulsion & Hypermobility 03:06 – Being the Trainer Who Still Struggles 03:22 – Squat Clean & Press: When Doming Showed Up 05:30 – Fear, Googling, and Finding Better Answers 05:50 – Why No One Talks About Perimenopause & Pelvic Floor 06:30 – You Are Not Broken: Postpartum Neglect Is Real 07:40 – Why Doming Happens: Pressure Has to Go Somewhere 08:00 – The Core Canister Explained 09:20 – Doming as a Warning Sign, Not Failure 09:55 – Breathing on Effort to Reduce Pressure 10:45 – Ribcage Stacking & Light Bracing 11:30 – Dynamic Core Control vs Over-Bracing 12:15 – Glutes as Stabilisers for Pelvic Floor & Back 12:55 – Power Without Max Load: Jumps & Med Ball Work 13:40 – Monitoring Feedback, Not Ego 14:20 – Grieving Old Strength & Redefining Strong 15:30 – Small Wins (Sparkles) Matter 16:15 – Postpartum Bodies Are Not Failing 16:30 – Final Thoughts: Strength Is Yours to Reclaim Lara x Listen to Podcast here on Apple or Spotify.Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fannying-about/id1665329811Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0k5qghShNdpfiLq4xWN5B4?si=8f63980c6701490bIf you want to join the online community 'She Lifts Stronger' - https://www.skool.com/raggy-dolls-9402A supportive hub for mums to build strength - pelvic floor-aware training, education, challenges and community.

    14 min

  4. Feb 10

    Is there Such Things as ‘Safe’ Pelvic Floor Exercises?

    Do you find yourself wondering which exercises are “safe” for your pelvic floor? There is no universal safe or unsafe list. What really matters is how you load, how you move, how you breathe, and how your body responds. In this episode, we break down: Why “safe vs unsafe” lists create fear, not strength How symptoms are your body’s feedback, not a sign of failure Techniques from MamasteFit and Core Exercise Solutions (CES) that keep your training pelvic-floor aware How to manage load, breath, and pressure safely. Timestamps 00:01 – Intro: No Safe or Unsafe Exercise List 02:11 – Problem with “Safe vs Unsafe” Lists 04:17 – What Makes an Exercise Pelvic-Floor Supportive: Load 06:41 – Internal Load & Recovery 08:34 – Technique & Strategy: Breath, Ribs, Core 10:58 – Timing & Readiness: Pregnancy, Postpartum, Life Stress 13:22 – Symptoms as Your Guide 15:46 – How to Self-Check: The Three Questions 17:37 – Example Exercises: Kettlebell Swings & Managing Load 19:55 – What Pelvic-Floor Safe Training Looks Like: Progressive, Symptom-Aware, Strength-Focused 22:18 – Confidence Building vs Fear-Based Training 24:25 – Mic Drop Closing & CTA: She Lifts Stronger Community 💡 If you’re ready to stop training in fear and start lifting with confidence, join my free online community: She Lifts Stronger, where we dive into technique, support each other, ask real questions, and have fun lifting. Join She Lifts Stronger here: https://www.skool.com/raggy-dolls-9402 Subscribe for more pelvic-floor friendly training tips, strength strategies, and movement guidance.

    23 min

  5. Feb 4

    EP 18: I’ve Cracked the Riddle of Mum Life

    Ever find yourself snapping at your kids for no reason and wondering what’s “wrong” with you? You’re not alone. In this episode, I share the moment I finally understood the real secret to surviving mum life: looking after my own nervous system. From exhaustion, overstimulation, and being caught in my own head, to finding calm, patience, and presence. I explore how small moments of self-care can ripple through the whole family. We even touch on the science of mirror neurons and why feeling calm matters more than you realise. No perfection required. Just you, supported. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: The Riddle of Mum Life 02:24 – Confession: Snapping at the Kids 04:42 – Lightbulb Moment: Understanding “Look After Yourself” 07:03 – What Self-Care Really Means: Eating, Rest, and Quiet 09:25 – Surviving Motherhood: Using Tools Like TV and Play 11:49 – Mirror Neurons: How Kids Reflect Our Nervous System 13:51 – Closing Reflection: You Don’t Need to Be Perfect Useful Links: Join the free community She Lifts Stronger

    14 min

  6. Jan 27

    EP 17: Why Cardio Isn’t Toning Women (And What Actually Does)

    Endless walking. Endless cardio. Eating less and less and still feeling soft, tired, sore, and weak. In this episode, I break down the truth about cardio, fat loss, and “toning” for women and why doing more cardio often works against the body women actually want. So many women are chasing fat loss while: Feeling wobbly and fragile Having low energy and joint pain Losing strength instead of gaining confidence That’s not a willpower problem. It’s a training problem. For centuries, women were taught to be small, quiet, contained, under-fed, and physically weak. Strength was seen as dangerous. Taking up space was rebellion. That mindset didn’t disappear… it just got rebranded as modern fitness culture. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why endless cardio can stall fat loss and drain your energy What “toned” actually means (and why it requires muscle) How under-eating + over-cardio leaves women soft and weak Why lifting heavy is one of the most self-respecting things a woman can do You don’t need to shrink yourself.You don’t need more cardio.You need strength. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode for the full breakdown.💥 Strong women were always threatening, be one anyway. Timestamps: 00:01 – Why Women Feel Worse Doing Cardio01:10 – You’re Not the Problem01:40 – The History of Women Being Taught to Shrink02:24 – The Modern Cardio Trap03:45 – The Biggest Fitness Lies Sold to Women04:51 – What “Toned” Bodies Actually Do06:10 – Why Walking and Running Aren’t Enough07:15 – What Happens When Women Under-Eat and Over-Cardio08:40 – Shrinking Without Strength09:10 – Lift Heavy Weights (What “Heavy” Really Means)10:20 – Why Rest Between Sets Matters11:50 – Will Lifting Heavy Make Women Bulky?13:55 – Bone Density, Aging, and Why Load Matters15:10 – What Lifting Heavy Actually Gives Women16:10 – How to Start Strength Training17:00 – The Lifts Every Woman Should Prioritise17:45 – Protein, Fuelling, and Ending Food Fear18:30 – Walking for Health, Not Punishment19:00 – Final Mic Drop: You Need to Be Stronger19:30 – Join the SheLiftsStronger Community

    17 min

  7. 12/08/2025

    Grief, Growth & Getting Real Again

    After a long break since May, Lara returns to the podcast with complete honesty about why she stepped away and what’s been unfolding behind the scenes. She opens up about losing her joy in podcasting, the pressure to filter herself, her whirlwind solo trip to the UK, navigating profound grief after her father’s passing, and shifting her business into supporting postpartum women. This raw, open episode is Lara recommitting to showing up without the mask, with vulnerability, humour, and real-life messiness. If you’ve ever felt alone in motherhood, grief, burnout, or rediscovering your voice, this one will resonate deeply. Timestamps 00:01 — Returning After a Long Pause 01:00 — Feeling the Pressure to Filter Herself 02:26 — Committing to Radical Honesty 03:10 — Remembering the Podcast’s Original Purpose 03:55 — Whirlwind Solo Trip to the UK 06:30 — Emotional Crash After Returning Home 07:11 — Her Father’s Alzheimer’s Journey 08:30 — Watching the Cremation Online 10:50 — Grieving the Relationship That Never Was 12:00 — A New Direction in Her Business 13:30 — Launching SheLiftsStronger Community 15:50 — Creating a Safe Space for Women 16:45 — Closing Thoughts and Appreciation Useful links: Join the community - She Lifts Stronger

    16 min

  8. 05/30/2025

    The Missing Postpartum Conversation.

    We’re diving into a conversation that’s long overdue. In this episode, Sarena interviews me about pelvic floor health—what it really is, why it’s so misunderstood, and how it impacts women after childbirth (and well beyond). I share my personal journey navigating pelvic floor dysfunction as a personal trainer and mum, the emotional and physical toll it can take, and the major gaps in postpartum education and support. We also talk about breathwork, body awareness, and what truly needs to change in how we care for women after birth. Whether you're postpartum, planning for a baby, or supporting other women on their journey, this episode is packed with insight, truth bombs, and practical tools. 👉 Stick around to the end for ways to get real support that actually makes a difference. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles 04:42 Understanding Pelvic Floor Issues 09:34 The Importance of Education and Awareness 15:48 Causes of Pelvic Floor Issues 22:11 The Impact of Childbirth on Pelvic Floor 27:10 Empowerment Through Knowledge 30:55 Reflections on Birth Experiences 30:55 Personal Trainer's Journey with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction 31:33 The Importance of Sharing Experiences 32:21 Training the Trainers: Educating on Postpartum Care 34:03 Understanding Pressure Management in Postpartum Fitness 34:51 Empowering Women in Postpartum Recovery 36:26 Finding Passion in Helping Others 37:08 Exploring Effective Support Services 39:42 Understanding Pessaries and Their Use 41:41 Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare 43:30 The Importance of Regular Checkups 45:49 Breath Work and Pelvic Floor Health Useful Links: JOIN the private FB community - Strong as a Mother DOWNLOAD 5-Day Core Comeback Guide for free - ACCESS Attend a workshop or class - MORE INFO

    52 min
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About

Fannying About is a podcast by She Lifts Stronger — honest conversations about women’s health, pelvic floor and finding your way back to yourself through pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood. Hosted by Lara, a personal trainer and postpartum corrective exercise specialist, this podcast is for women who feel unheard, confused, or disconnected from their bodies. Expect solo episodes and expert guests covering pelvic floor health, prolapse, core rehab, birth experiences, mental health, and the realities of motherhood that don’t get talked about enough.

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