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Dr. Maria Luque is a health scientist, fitness expert, and menopause coach – she works with Halle Berry through the platform Respin – and the author of a brand new book called New Moves in Menopause. (I’ve read it; it’s great) She’s also a member of the Hotflash inc expert panel, so you know she is kind, isn’t into scaring you and is well-rounded.
We talked about a lot in this episode — but mostly about the stuff that doesn’t get enough airtime: why so many women lose touch with joy and what they actually like. The exhausting pressure to “fix” yourself. What really happens when social media floods you with fear-based menopause content. And why a 10-minute workout you actually do will always beat the 60-minute one you keep skipping.
A few moments I know you’ll want to hear:
The Valley of Neutrality — Maria’s reframe for body image that finally feels achievable (hint: it’s not “love your body every day”)
Stop chasing the squirrel — her take on why we keep falling for the next wellness promise, and how to get off the wheel
Grey rock your body image monster — yes, really. This one will stick with you
The truth about heavy lifting — the science is not what Instagram is telling you
Her own hormone therapy journey — what she’s on, what she dropped (progesterone and vivid nightmares), and why tweaking is the whole point
“If someone is giving you a map that constantly changes, you need to make your own map. You already know.” — Dr. Maria Luque
Highlights
02:20 – The slow erosion of identity through life’s demands
03:10 – What “I want my 20-year-old body” really means
06:25 – Why community is the biggest tool you have
08:08 – Letting go of the lifelong self-improvement project
10:10 – Grey rocking the body image monster
12:12 – How the fitness industry makes body image worse
13:15 – Having a child as a turning point for body kindness
15:00 – The Valley of Neutrality — and why it’s the goal
16:28 – GLP-1s, peptides, and people selling you a magic map
17:15 – Maria’s take on supplements and products she won’t promote
19:38 – How fear-based menopause content crosses a line
26:41 – Integrity as a core value, full stop
27:08 – Consistency over perfection: why 10 minutes beats 60
30:16 – The truth about heavy lifting (and who actually needs it)
32:23 – Meeting women where they are with equipment they have
34:07 – Maria’s own hormone therapy journey — what’s worked and what didn’t
Get Dr. Maria Luque‘s 📖 New Moves in Menopause: www.newmovesinmenopause.com
Connect with Hotflash inc TikTok: @hotflashinc.menopause Instagram: @hotflashinc X: @hotflashinc YouTube: @hotflashinc Facebook: @hotflashinc LinkedIn: Ann Marie McQueen
Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment, supplements, or lifestyle.
AMx
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