Ruth Mac Fit Podcast

What do role-playing games, fantasy books, and lifting weights have in common? In this episode, Ruth is joined by personal trainer and self-proclaimed geek Aaron Davies for a conversation on confidence, identity, and sustainable fitness. They explore how geek culture, from Dungeons & Dragons to Warhammer, offers powerful lessons in behaviour change, mindset shifts, and embracing who you are (o...

Struggling to stay consistent with exercise in your 40s and beyond? You’re not alone. In this episode, coach Ruth MacIntyre breaks down the best types of movement for midlife women and how to make it work with your real life (even when you’re tired, busy, or starting from scratch). Whether you’re wondering if HIIT is worth it, why your workouts feel harder lately, or how to actually build strength...

In this episode, Ruth shares how she overcame overwhelm by organising her thoughts...not for productivity perfection, but to protect her peace. Inspired by Getting Things Done by David Allen, she explains the science behind mental clutter, how it affects your focus, and her go-to system (including Trello, whiteboards, and brain dumps) to reduce stress and feel more in control, especially in midlif...

In this episode of the Ruth MacFit Podcast, we're diving into how to approach holidays when you’ve got a fat loss goal, but don’t want to give up fun, flavour, or freedom. Whether you're weeks away from your holiday or packing your suitcase today, Ruth shares how to prepare your mindset, choose realistic goals, and navigate hotel buffets, wine lists, and beach snacks without falling into g...

In this episode of the Ruth Mac Fit Podcast, Ruth dives into one of the most common frustrations women face in midlife: “Why can’t I lose weight like I used to?” You’ll learn: Why fat loss technically hasn’t changed… but why your approach probably needs to What midlife changes, like hormones, lifestyle, and mental load actually mean for results Why motivation and willpower aren’t the problem How T...

What does life actually look like after you’ve reached your fat loss goal? If you’ve ever said, “I can’t wait for this diet to be over so I can get back to normal,” this episode is for you. In this practical (and encouraging!) chat, I break down what maintenance really looks like once you've lost the weight...without slipping back into old habits. We’ll explore why so many women rebound after...

Feel like you're always snacking or eating on autopilot? In this episode, we explore how mindful eating, especially in midlife, can reduce cravings, support fat loss, and improve your relationship with food. And it often starts with where you eat. You’ll learn:What mindful eating really means (without perfection)How your eating environment affects hunger and satisfactionWhat the research says...

Ever feel like you're doing everything right. You're eating better, moving more and still not feeling how you want to feel? In this episode of The Ruth MacFit Podcast, recorded during a spontaneous trip to Canada, I’m sharing the truth about why fat loss, energy, and confidence feel harder in midlife and how to stop feeling like you're failing. You’ll hear: My story: from chronic stres...

Feeling like you need to "sort it out" after Easter? If you're surrounded by chocolate or feeling the effects of too many mini eggs, this episode is your reminder that extreme dieting isn’t the answer. Ruth breaks down: The biggest post-Easter fat loss mistakes Why skipping breakfast and fasting might backfire What the research says about carbs, protein, and ultra-processed foods Why...

Overwhelmed and running on empty? In this episode of The Ruth MacFit Podcast, we’re talking about the real reason fat loss feels impossible in midlife and it’s not because you’re lazy or lack willpower. It’s stress. And more importantly, what chronic stress is doing to your body and your results. You’ll hear a relatable story of one woman navigating perimenopause, exhaustion, and snacking cycles,...

Ever found yourself reaching for snacks when you're not even hungry? You’re not alone and it’s not about willpower. In this episode of the Ruth MacFit Podcast, Ruth dives into emotional eating : what it is, why it happens, and what you can gently start doing to change the pattern. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve ruined everything” after stress-eating or picking at food without realising, this on...

In this episode of The Ruth MacFit Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Claire Farrell from FitPositive.ie , a fellow coach specialising in women's health, midlife wellness, and sustainable fat loss. We dive into: Claire’s story of hitting a low point in her early 40s and how she turned it around Why positive aging is more than a buzzword, it's a strategy How simple strength training and w...

In this episode of The Ruth Mac Fit Podcast, Ruth dives into what it really means to feel great in midlife and it’s not about being perfect, thinner, or ticking off to-do lists at lightning speed. We talk about: Why we say we care less what others think, but still fall into people-pleasing Hidden behaviours we do for approval How perfectionism, comparison and mental overload keep us stuck The trut...

In this episode, Ruth shares a powerful mindset shift that can help you stay consistent, even when life feels overwhelming. Whether you’re juggling work, parenting, perimenopause symptoms, or all of the above, waiting for things to calm down before taking action often leads to endless delays. Instead, Ruth encourages planning for chaos. She shares her personal routines, client stories, and strateg...

In this episode of The Ruth MacFit Podcast, I’m diving into one of the most common struggles for women over 40, comparing yourself to others and feeling like you’re falling behind. Whether it's in fat loss, fitness, or life in general, I’ll share why comparison is a normal part of being human, how it shows up (especially in midlife and perimenopause), and what you can do to stop it holding you...

In this episode of the Ruth Mac Fit Podcast , Ruth dives into a mindset that might be subtly sabotaging your progress: the Just in Case Mindset. Whether it's holding onto old clothes, clutter, or backup plans, this way of thinking often reflects a deeper fear, a lack of trust in ourselves. Ruth explores how this mindset shows up in different areas of life, from health and fitness to career cho...

If you’ve ever felt guilty for saying no, struggled with people-pleasing, or felt emotionally drained after dealing with certain people, this episode is for you. I share a recent personal experience that highlights that just because someone wants access to you, doesn't mean they're entitled to it. In this episode, I share: Why trusting your gut is the key to protecting your peace. How sett...

Are you confused about how much protein you really need? Wondering if those high-protein supermarket foods are worth it? Or feeling pressured to eat more protein just because it’s gone viral? In this episode, we’re breaking down the truth about protein, food marketing, and whether you actually need protein powders, cottage cheese pancakes, or macro-friendly meals to hit your goals. We’ll cover: ✅...

Have you ever avoided doing something because you didn’t feel ready? You’re not alone. In fact, when I asked my Instagram community, 100% of them said yes ! In today’s episode, I’m diving into why this fear exists (especially for those who have been fit before) and how to move past it. I’ll share my own experience of recovering from rheumatic fever and how fear of pain, ego, and comparison to my p...

Have you ever found yourself reaching for food when stressed, saying yes when you really mean no, or scrolling your phone instead of tackling your to-do list, even though you know better? In this episode, I break down why habit loops keep us stuck in behaviours we want to change and why willpower isn’t the answer. Instead of forcing yourself to stop, the real power lies in pausing and reflecting,...

In this episode of the Ruth MacFit Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Carrie Prideaux, formerly known as Sportie Carrie from the Chris Moyles Show on Radio 1, to chat about life changes, the power of yoga, and navigating midlife with strength and self-care. Carrie shares her journey from broadcasting to becoming a yoga instructor, the impact of breathwork and movement on stress management, an...

Are you tired of feeling like you're constantly starting over? Struggling to stay consistent and wondering why some people seem to succeed while you feel stuck? In this episode, Ruth breaks down the key mindset shifts and habits that her most successful clients have in common, so that you can apply them too. The workouts, nutrition targets etc are the easy bit. Committing to change & not letti...

In this episode, Ruth discusses the transformative power of belief, both from oneself and from others. She shares personal experiences and insights on how belief can catalyze change. keywords: belief, self-perception, personal growth, empowerment, coaching, strength training, mindset, change, labels, narrative identity

In this episode, Ruth explores the theme of fear and its impact on personal growth. She discusses how fear can hold us back from pursuing our desires and how it can be reframed as a challenge rather than a threat. Ruth shares her personal experiences with fear, emphasising the importance of taking small steps to overcome it and the value of celebrating progress. Key words: Keywords fear, personal...

In this episode, Ruth discusses how to approach fat loss from a mindset perspective, emphasising the importance of acceptance, moving away from the traditional diet mentality, and focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes. She highlights the detrimental effects of perfectionism and the benefits of planning and recognising non-scale victories. keywords fat loss, mindset, acceptance, dieting, perfec...