The Weekly Riff with Louise Green

Appearance control, also known as control through diet culture, is one of the most socially celebrated behaviours we engage in, yet it quietly damages our relationship with food, movement, and self trust. In this Weekly Riff, Louise Green explores appearance control through a recovery lens and asks the uncomfortable question we rarely name. What happens when a behaviour is harmful, but fully endor...

In this episode Louise Green discusses how so many of us are living inside a fitness story that was never ours to begin with. From family labels like “she’s not the athletic one” to the cultural pressure to shrink, hustle, or earn our worthiness through exercise, Louise reveals how these inherited narratives quietly shape our confidence, our choices, and our long term relationship with movement. S...

In this episode, Louise Green breaks down one of the most important shifts we can make in fitness. For decades, the industry has trained us to believe that progress is measured through shrinking our bodies. But when you remove weight, measurements, and body size as the metric, you unlock a completely different world of success. Louise shares a powerful moment from a client who celebrated a “mental...

This conversation, Louise delves into her personal experiences with burnout and the complexities, emphasizing that it is not merely a personal flaw where you just aren't equipped for life, but a significant cultural and biological issue, particularly affecting women. Louise also references the book, “Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski . The...

In this conversation, Louise Green reads the poem by Emory Hall, I have been a Thousand Different Woman. She discusses the challenges of overcoming internal criticism and the impact it has on our ability to reach our highest potential in various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and health. She emphasizes the importance of addressing negative self-talk and fostering a more positive m...

In this conversation, Louise Green discusses the evolving perspectives on fitness, particularly the shift from steady-state aerobic exercises to resistance training as the preferred method for achieving fitness goals. She emphasizes the importance of progressive overload in training, which allows the body to adapt and grow stronger over time. Takeaways Women were traditionally advised to focus on...

In this episode, Louise Green discusses the pervasive issue of perfectionism in the fitness industry, particularly how it affects individuals in larger bodies. She explores the various ways perfectionism manifests, the pressure to perform, and the impact of internalized weight bias. Louise emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and community support in overcoming perfectionism, advocating fo...

In this episode, Louise Green reflects on her recent strength and power weekend, emphasizing the importance of community, inclusivity, and personal empowerment in fitness. She discusses the evolution of her coaching approach, the significance of creating supportive environments for all body types, and how strength training can build confidence and resilience. Louise challenges societal norms aroun...

In this conversation, Louise Green discusses the increasing importance of community in wellness and fitness, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. She emphasizes the need for representation and inclusivity within wellness spaces, highlighting the psychological benefits of belonging. Green shares personal experiences and insights on how to build meaningful connections in fitness communities, advoca...

Take a listen, and would love to hear your thoughts on this topic! In this episode, Louise Green discusses the ongoing struggle of separating fitness from diet culture, emphasizing the pervasive influence of weight bias and societal pressures on body image. She advocates for a shift in focus from weight-centric goals to the mental and physical benefits of movement, encouraging listeners to find em...

In this episode, Louise Green discusses the significant impact of menopause and perimenopause on women's health, particularly focusing on the role of exercise in managing symptoms and maintaining overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of understanding hormonal changes, the benefits of strength training, and the need for proactive health measures as women age. The conversation highl...

In this conversation, Louise Green discusses the importance of creating intentional space, time, and energy for personal growth and fitness. She emphasizes that without change, nothing changes, and highlights the need for preparation and commitment when starting new fitness programs. The discussion covers strategies for effective time management, the significance of autonomy in motivation, and the...

Summary In this episode, Louise Green discusses the concept of resistance, particularly in the context of fitness and personal growth. She explores how resistance manifests as fear, procrastination, and self-doubt, and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these feelings and reframing them. Louise also addresses the systemic oppression that can contribute to resistance, particularly for margi...

summary In this episode, Louise Green discusses the importance of body positivity, its origins, and the misconceptions surrounding it. She emphasizes that body positivity is rooted in human rights and dignity, regardless of body size. Louise critiques the notion that body positivity is toxic and highlights the psychological impacts of body shame. She offers practical strategies for fostering a pos...

Summary In this episode, Louise Green discusses the controversial 'Biggest Loser' documentary, reflecting on the treatment of contestants and the cultural implications of the show. She critiques the methods used in the show, emphasizing the failure of its approach to health and wellness, and highlights the historical context of fat people in entertainment. Louise calls for a shift in the...

summary In this conversation, Louise Green discusses the importance of investing in health and fitness programs, exploring the psychological barriers that prevent individuals from prioritizing their health. She highlights cultural conditioning that undervalues health investments, the concept of health debt, and the necessity of reframing health spending as a long-term investment. Green emphasizes...

In this conversation, Louise Green discusses the evolving relationship individuals have with their bodies, particularly as they age and experience changes such as menopause. She emphasizes that the body is not failing but rather communicating its needs. The discussion covers societal pressures regarding body image, the importance of grieving past selves, reframing perceived failures, and the signi...

S ummary In this episode, Louise Green discusses the relationship between ADHD and exercise, exploring how ADHD affects motivation, organization, and routine. She shares personal insights and strategies for building a sustainable fitness routine that works with ADHD rather than against it. The conversation emphasizes the unique benefits of exercise for ADHD brains, the challenges faced in establis...

summary In this episode of The Weekly Riff, Louise Green discusses the groundbreaking achievements of Ilona Maher, a two-time Olympian and rugby powerhouse, who is redefining visibility and power in sports. Mayer's journey highlights the importance of representation for larger-bodied women in athletics and challenges societal norms around body image and femininity. Green emphasizes that Mayer...

Summary In this conversation, Louise Green discusses the cultural implications of Barbie's representation, particularly in relation to weight stigma and health conditions. She highlights the importance of representation while critiquing the selective nature of it, especially concerning body size and health. Green provides a framework for managing internalized weight stigma and emphasizes the...

Summary In this conversation, Louise Green shares seven tips for size inclusive weight training, emphasizing the importance of respecting one's body, understanding personal fitness levels, and the non-linear nature of progress. She discusses the significance of rest, the drawbacks of using a scale as a progress tracker, and the emotional labor often faced by women. The conversation concludes...

In this episode, Louise Green discusses the importance of understanding your fitness personality type and how it influences motivation. She introduces six distinct fitness archetypes: the Soloist, Socializer, Adventurer, Joyful Mover, Routine Relisher, and Giver. Each archetype has unique characteristics and motivational drivers, emphasizing that fitness is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Louise...

Summary In this episode of The Weekly Riff, Louise Green discusses the failures of major brands in supporting size inclusivity in fitness culture. She highlights the emotional toll of shopping for plus-size clothing, the inconsistency of brand commitments, and the economic implications of size inclusivity. Green emphasizes the need for genuine inclusion in retail and calls for support of brands th...

In this episode, Louise Green discusses the importance of lifting heavy weights for everyone, emphasizing that heavy lifting is relative and beneficial for all body types, especially women over forty. She debunks myths surrounding women and weightlifting, highlights the science behind muscle fibers, and encourages listeners to embrace strength training as a means of empowerment and self-acceptance...

In this episode, Louise Green discusses the importance of silencing the inner mean girl and how self-talk shapes our lives, particularly in the context of fitness and mental health. She explores the detrimental effects of negative self-talk, the significance of self-compassion, and practical strategies to interrupt negative thought patterns. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness, kind...