Wednesday, 14 October 2026 - 15 minutes
Getting older doesn't necessarily mean slowing down. In fact, midlife might be one of the most important times to start thinking about getting stronger.
Actor, writer and coach Andi Osho joined me on the latest episode of The MarshyCast to talk about navigating life's unexpected turns, the impact of menopause and perimenopause, and why physical strength can make such a difference to our wellbeing.
Life doesn't always follow the script
Andi has built a career across acting, writing and comedy, but one of the things we discussed was how life rarely works out exactly as you imagined.
Sometimes you land the role you've always dreamed of.
Other times, the opportunity doesn't come along, or things take a completely unexpected direction.
We talked about learning to accept those changes, knowing when to push forward and when it might be better to go with the flow.
It's a lesson that applies well beyond the entertainment industry.
Menopause affects more than one person
Our conversation also turned to perimenopause and menopause, and the changes women can experience during this stage of life.
Those changes aren't necessarily limited to physical symptoms.
Sleep, mood, concentration and emotional wellbeing can all be affected, and that can have an impact on relationships and everyday family life.
It's why understanding what's happening matters not only for women experiencing these changes, but also for partners and families.
We discussed the importance of talking openly about menopause and recognising that it can be a significant transition.
Why getting stronger matters in midlife
One of the key themes of our conversation was the importance of maintaining physical strength.
As we get older, looking after our muscles, bones and general fitness becomes increasingly important.
Regular strength-building activity can help support physical health, while exercise can also have benefits for mood, sleep and mental wellbeing.
For women going through perimenopause, those benefits can be particularly valuable, although exercise isn't a cure for every symptom.
Andi and I discussed how getting stronger doesn't necessarily mean spending hours lifting weights in a gym.
There are plenty of ways to build strength, from resistance exercises and bodyweight movements to activities you can do at home.
The important thing is finding something that works for you and your circumstances.
Beware the after-work cuppa!
Of course, knowing exercise is good for us and actually getting around to doing it are two very different things.
Andi had some wonderfully practical advice about choosing the right time.
If you're planning to exercise after work, perhaps don't go home and settle down with a cup of tea first.
Because we all know how that goes.
You sit down for five minutes, get comfortable, and suddenly the gym seems considerably less appealing than the sofa.
We talked about making exercise fit into your routine rather than trying to force yourself into a schedule that doesn't suit your life.
And that's perhaps the biggest takeaway from our conversation.
Getting stronger in midlife isn't about trying to become the person you were twenty years ago. It's about looking after the person you are now and the person you're becoming.
🎧 Hear my full conversation with Andi Osho now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.
Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh
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