This week, inspired by Casey Johnston's 2025 book A Physical Education, Heather and Lisa talk about the diets they've tried and despised, body image, and what fitness means for them. Is there a workable way for women over 50 to conserve bone mass, build muscle tone, and feel fit and healthy? Heather thinks she may have found the answer and Lisa is ready to give it a try.

Here are links to some of the sources we used to frame this conversation:

A Physical Education by Casey Johnston

https://www.caseyjohnston.website/my-work/a-physical-education

Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe https://aasgaardco.com/store/books-posters-dvd/books/starting-strength-basic-barbell-training/

National Eating Disorders Association

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/body-image-and-eating-disorders/

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/weight-stigma/

Researchers from Penn State weigh in on weight-bearing exercise and bone health

https://pennstatehealthnews.org/2025/04/the-medical-minute-keep-your-bones-strong-during-menopause-and-beyond/

Researchers from UC Davis on the role weight-bearing exercise plays in preventing GLP1-related muscle loss

https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/health-wellness/glp-1-and-health-beyond-weight-loss-in-the-ozempic-era/2025/11

A study on why it can be difficult for autistic people to navigate hellos and goodbyes

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1026088531558