The Strength Movement Podcast

Kimberley Szeredi / The_strength.movement

Welcome to the pod! My names Kim Szeredi, IG @the_strength.movement and I'm here to help you understand your body and brain at a deeper level so that you can constantly feel confident in your training and nutrition, without second guessing yourself! From eating disorder to female strength coach and powerlifter, having done a sports science degree and many nutrition psychology studies, I am here to share my knowledge and growth in this space of inspired humans. Any feedback and support is always appreciated, thanks guys for tuning in! - Kim

  1. 5d ago

    #41 - You're never too old too start; Magaret (75) set 2 lifting world records

    Meet Margaret Pukallus, who at 75 is setting powerlifting records and encouraging older adults to discover what strength training can make possible. Margaret started going to the gym at 42, spent 15 years running, and found powerlifting at 65. Ten years later, she’s stronger, more confident, and passionate about helping others stay active as they age. Margaret shares how she found her place in powerlifting, why she believes it’s never too late to start, and how getting stronger has supported her independence—from carrying groceries and luggage to changing a tire. We also talk about finding a good coach, building confidence in the gym, eating well, bone density, and the value of doing something just for yourself. 00:00 Margaret’s recent competition and world records00:27 Starting at the gym at 42 and discovering running01:26 Losing her running mojo and finding powerlifting02:22 Her first competition and falling in love with the sport03:16 The support she’s found in the powerlifting community04:53 Finding the kind of movement that suits you05:21 Challenging fears about injury and strength training06:17 How powerlifting has changed her strength and self-image07:26 Letting go of the pressure to be smaller08:33 Margaret’s approach to food and nutrition09:33 Why regular meals and planning matter11:23 Family, fitness, and staying active13:13 Why she recommends getting a coach16:30 Confidence, records, and making time for herself18:45 The first deadlift that hooked her20:32 Feeling welcomed and respected in the sport23:31 Using social media to encourage older adults to move24:01 Falls, bone density, and why strength matters26:10 Margaret’s bone density results27:03 Heavy lifting and building strength28:17 Everyday independence: changing tires, moving house, carrying groceries30:51 Strength and the freedom to travel32:14 Community, connection, and finding a supportive group34:16 Finding a trainer who’s right for you38:17 Biohacking, longevity, and focusing on the basics40:01 Advice for younger people finding their way in the gym42:05 A message for anyone who thinks they’re too old to start43:00 Where to find Margaret43:57 Making time for yourself and Margaret’s final advice Find Margaret on Instagram at @Margaretpukallus_powerlifting. Her message is simple: get out there, move your body, and do something for yourself.

  2. Sep 17

    #40 / the new #1 ; Using your skills to live outside the box / Internal reflections since my 10 day silent meditation retreat

    Starting Again Without the Pressure to Have a Plan I’m bringing back the Strength Movement Podcast with a candid reflection on hesitation, self-trust, meditation, ADHD, and building momentum without rigid expectations. Sharing how my 10-day Vipassana meditation has continued to change my relationship with caffeine, sleep, body image, emotions, work, and the connections I want in my life. The chats; Why I paused the podcast after starting Wellness Meets Performance with Laura, and why I’m returning without committing to a fixed publishing schedule.How Vipassana meditation helped me reduce caffeine, improve sleep, become more present, and stop chasing constant stimulation.The connection between internal regulation, emotional safety, body image, and reduced food and body-image noise.Why I’m moving beyond the traditional personal-training box by applying my skills in teaching, mentorship, facilitation, workplace culture, and youth fitness.My upcoming fitness education campus, workplace body-image initiatives, and a teen strength program for girls aged 15 to 18.How self-trust and support from other people have made intimidating tasks, such as podcasting, networking, and emailing my list, easier to begin.The value of non-transactional networking, including my experience with BX Networking and its focus on helping others rather than simply selling.What Vipassana taught me about observing emotions and sensations without immediately reacting or trying to fix them.Why feelings are temporary signals, and how creating space around them can reduce suffering and support sustainable momentum.My evolving approach to friendships, social circles, and choosing relationships that align with how I want to show up. Timestamps: 00:00 - I return to the Strength Movement Podcast01:52 - Starting again without a fixed publishing schedule03:16 - The lateral-thinking approach behind my podcast03:45 - The impact of a 10-day Vipassana retreat06:03 - Why caffeine and energy drinks no longer appeal to me07:30 - Charging my phone outside the bedroom to support better sleep08:24 - Internal regulation and changes in my body image10:10 - Applying my personal-training skills beyond the fitness industry10:42 - My new projects in fitness education, workplace culture, and teen training12:47 - Becoming a founder with a diverse set of skills14:19 - Teaching and simplifying complex concepts to build autonomy15:38 - Why multiple projects can make avoided tasks feel smaller16:57 - Self-trust, alignment, and acting without guaranteed payoff18:26 - Doing the things I’ve been putting off18:56 - The power of non-transactional networking20:17 - Meditation, hip-hop cyphers, journaling, and reading20:46 - Becoming a curious person with diverse skills21:37 - Holding imposter syndrome without giving it meaning22:26 - Observing emotions instead of reacting to them23:25 - Why emotional change has to be experienced in the body24:02 - Releasing the pressure to solve everything immediately25:22 - Creating sustainable momentum by accepting what is25:58 - Choosing more intentional connections26:56 - What listeners can expect from future episodesKey takeawayI don’t need a perfect plan to begin. By creating enough internal safety to sit with uncertainty, discomfort, and emotion, I can take the first step and build forward momentum more sustainably. If you feel you have some aligned insights and want to speak with me on an episode give me a message on instagram Looking forward to chatting more! Kim xo

  3. Jul 29

    I did a 100 Hour Ultra Meditatathon. Vipassana; 10 days of learning how to meditate

    How a 10-Day Vipassana Meditation Changed My Life I just completed a 10-day silent Vipassana meditation retreat in Tasmania. With no prior meditation experience I didn't realise there was a technique to it that helps you develop more self-awareness and emotional resilience like this, so keen to share my experience If this is something you want to try, dive into the deep end and go for it Topics of the poddy My unexpected journey into Vipassana and my background with meditation and ADHD The structure of the 10-day silent retreat and daily schedule The core principles of Vipassana: sensation awareness, equanimity, and seeing things as they truly are How the technique cultivates radical responsibility and response rather than reactive behaviour The emotional and mental challenges I faced during the retreat, especially days 2-7 The profound physical sensations and sense of peace I experienced during meditation The impact of complete silence and no technology on mental clarity and connection The significance of community, bonding, and gratitude on the final day Practical lessons on incorporating early mornings and meditation into daily life The history of Vipassana's origins and its spread to the Western world My personal reflections on how the retreat has shifted my outlook on happiness, self-care, and personal growth Vipassana Meditation History of Vipassana LinkedIn Twitter Timestamps: 00:00 - My introduction to the 10-day silent meditation retreat 00:30 - Overview of Vipassana and its core philosophy 01:58 - How Vipassana heightens sensitivity to body sensations 02:36 - The technique of observing sensations without reaction 03:06 - Connecting Vipassana to self-care and emotional resilience 04:02 - My experience as a go-go person and new mindset without medication 05:00 - The daily schedule in the retreat and focus on breath awareness 06:27 - The practice of observing sensations and craving aversion 07:28 - The end of retreat, loving-kindness (meta), and reconnecting externally 08:05 - The silence, external inputs, and the experience of no external influence 09:35 - The setting: remote mountain location and group dynamics 11:00 - Daily routine, meditation timetable, and discourses 12:26 - Dietary aspects and the importance of fasting and silence 13:22 - The teacher, S.N. Goenka, and Vipassana's historical roots 14:48 - How Vipassana has changed my perception of life and habits 15:47 - The challenging days of emotional processing and breakthrough moments 17:17 - My surprise at how transformative the experience was 18:17 - Addressing misconceptions, cult-like perceptions, and the universal nature of Vipassana 20:11 - Personal revelations about peace, cessation of energy drinks, and mental clarity 22:32 - Connecting with nature and experiencing the environment quietly 24:56 - Reflection on the early mornings, technology detox, and lifestyle shifts 27:15 - The idea of serving and deepening the practice through service 28:43 - The beauty of Tasmania and future meditation intentions 29:11 - Connection and bonding with fellow practitioners post-retreat 31:36 - The philosophy of happiness from within and non-attachment 32:34 - The importance of ownership over reactions and habits 33:08 - Cultivating equanimity and viewing sensations objectively 34:35 - Reinforcing self-care, self-love, and the teachings' alignment with my personal growth 37:28 - The notion of enlightenment and ongoing practice 38:26 - The humor and wisdom of teacher Goenka in discourses 39:21 - My strong recommendation for everyone to try Vipassana 40:17 - Closing thoughts and encouragement to explore meditation for self-discovery Resources & Links:N. Goenka](https://www.dhamma.org/en/about/gohk) - Teacher of Vipassana

About

Welcome to the pod! My names Kim Szeredi, IG @the_strength.movement and I'm here to help you understand your body and brain at a deeper level so that you can constantly feel confident in your training and nutrition, without second guessing yourself! From eating disorder to female strength coach and powerlifter, having done a sports science degree and many nutrition psychology studies, I am here to share my knowledge and growth in this space of inspired humans. Any feedback and support is always appreciated, thanks guys for tuning in! - Kim