What if movement in midlife is less about performance – and more about protecting the life you want to live? In this episode of The Choice Space Podcast, Dr Lee David speaks with Dr Juliet McGrattan – former GP, runner, coach and author of The Runner’s Guide to Menopause – about why movement becomes especially important during midlife and menopause, and how to approach it in a way that feels realistic and supportive. For many women, movement suddenly feels harder. Energy, motivation, recovery, aches and pains, changing bodies and busy lives can all affect how exercise feels. Others may feel unsure where to begin, particularly if movement has never felt enjoyable or part of their identity. Lee and Juliet explore the many ways movement can support health and wellbeing during midlife – from improving mood, managing stress and supporting social connection, to reducing future risk of conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and frailty. They discuss why strength, mobility and balance become increasingly important during menopause, and how small, sustainable changes can make a meaningful difference over time. The conversation also reflects on the pressures women often place on themselves around exercise. They discuss moving away from comparison, body shame and perfectionism, and instead finding ways of moving that feel flexible, enjoyable and personally meaningful – whether that means running, walking, strength work or simply starting where you are. This is a thoughtful conversation about meeting your body where it is, valuing movement for what it gives back, and building habits that support the life you want to keep living. Key moments 00:00 Why movement feels harder 04:16 Barriers to exercise in midlife 05:29 Why movement matters for health 09:14 Running as a gift to yourself 11:23 Making running feel enjoyable 13:07 Walking as a starting point 14:12 Listening to your body 16:59 What rest days really mean 19:12 Choice Pause – meeting your body where it is 21:05 Celebrating small wins 22:39 Staying motivated to move 29:14 Strength, mobility and ageing well 35:17 A small first step into movement About the guest Dr Juliet McGrattan is a former GP, award-winning author, international speaker and coach who helps women improve their health and wellbeing through movement. Once an inactive mum and GP, Juliet’s own journey into running led her to become a marathon runner and passionate advocate for women’s health through exercise. She now combines medical knowledge with a practical, accessible approach to movement, helping women feel stronger, healthier and more confident in active lives. Juliet is the resident health expert for 261 Fearless and Women’s Running magazine, co-founder of the UK charity 261 Club UK. SShe is the author of several books including: Sorted: The Active Woman's Guide to Health (2017), and The Runner’s Guide to Menopause: Your essential toolkit for strong, happy and healthy training was published in March 2026. You can connect with Juliet via her website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn About the host Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david), Facebook and LinkedIn. You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here: https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david
