This week’s episode is about that: the quiet, uncomfortable moment when we catch ourselves turning on other women. Not because we’re awful, but because we were trained to. Trained to compete. To compare. To shrink when someone else shines.

I’m not here to shame that feeling- I’m here to name it, unpack it, and burn it down.Because every time we free ourselves from that internalised crap, we make more room for all of us to rise.

So yeah, maybe it’s time we stop hating her, and start asking what she’s showing us about ourselves.

This episode is your reminder to stop waiting for permission or applause. To look at yourself, really look, and clap for your damn self.

Does it give you the ice just thinking about it?? Then you need to listen because you deserve to be celebrated, even (and especially) by you.

that “then” never really comes, does it? Life just keeps serving up more washing, more emails, more to-dos. And before you know it, your training, the thing that makes you feel strong, alive, like yourself, has been pushed to the bottom of the pile again.

This week’s piece is a gentle (but firm) nudge: your training is not an afterthought. You don’t have to earn it. You don’t have to tick everything else off first. You are allowed to take up space and time for you. And you absolutely should.

We don’t have to embrace our flaws - We have to challenge the narrative that taught us they were flaws in the first place.

This is your reminder folks that cellulite, body fat, hair, wrinkles, stretch marks, hip dips, big bums, powerful thighs.. (I could go on) these are not flaws. They are perfectly normal and natural parts of you - A human being.

The narrative that we are smooth, hairless, slim, wrinkle and dimple free is BS and that’s what we have to challenge.Self-acceptance is not about “embracing your flaws” It’s about allowing yourself to be fully and authentically who you are and challenging the lie that told you, you were flawed in the first place.

Remember this lie exists so that you will continually buy into things to “fix” yourself. You do not need to be fixed, you are not broken.

One of the most successful tools I ever used on my journey to self-acceptance was body image meditations and I’d love to share this practice with you.

You’ll need a journal and a safe space to lie still and listen, I hope it helps.

Remember my piece on tempo training - all about slowing down your lifts when you can’t just keep piling weight on the bar?

Well, here’s the bit I didn’t put in the article. Tempo didn’t just change my training, it changed the way I move through life. Because the truth is, I’ve been rushing everything for years. And those slow, painful reps taught me something I didn’t even know I needed.

This week’s Voice Note is me unpacking that - the messy, human side of tempo, what it’s taught me outside the gym, and why slowing down might just be the strongest thing we can do.

See you in the slow lane,Lyndsey.

If you missed the original article- read it here:

Love my vibe and want to work with me? I’m looking for 2 women who are available on a Thursday at 9.30am and want to get strong AF. If that’s you - fill in the form on my website and i’ll be in touch!

Guess what - strength training is boring. Squat, deadlift, push, pull… then do it all again next week. Sometimes it all feels pure dull.

But maybe that’s the point. Maybe boredom isn’t something to escape from, but the exact place where strength actually gets built.

This week’s Voice Note is me rambling (in the best way) about why repetition matters, why boredom might be the forge, and why those unglamorous reps are secretly where the magic is.

I want to know what you think!

L x

Want to train with me? Check out my Strength Squad Program - 3 sessions per week that you can do in your own time, with video and coach guidance and direct communication and feedback from me! All for just £38 PM

I’m competing in a week and I just had the worst session of my life. Old me would have thrown in the towel and pulled out of the comp, but the glown up version of me has something else to say. Whether you are a weightlifter or not - these musing will hopefully give you some insight on how to keep going, especially when things are tough.

Share your thoughts pals!

L x

Want to lift with me? Check out my Rising Barbellezz Program for Olympic Weightlifters:

The response I got to this weeks post on substack on imposter syndrome being a lie was overwhelming, so many of you reached out to say it resonated with you and so I wanted to share a wee voice note with you, what do you think?

Missed the post - check it out here:

Bonus Episode: Celebrating Bisexuality Visibility Week – Lyndsey's Story

In this special bonus episode of Strength Actually, Lyndsey opens up about her personal journey as a bisexual woman in a straight-passing marriage. She shares the challenges of navigating bi erasure, finding her place in both straight and queer spaces, and why visibility is so crucial. Lyndsey also offers heartfelt tips on how friends, family, and allies can show up and support the bisexual community, not just during Bisexuality Visibility Week, but every day. This is an honest, empowering conversation about love, identity, and the importance of being seen.

🌈 Episode Highlights:

1. Reflecting on the Past Year: Dive into the cozy corner of your mind and stroll down memory lane. Celebrate the wins, embrace the lessons, and share in the warmth of the journey.

2. Letting Go of the "New Year, New Me" Pressure: Forget the resolutions! Lyndsey is all about self-compassion and setting intentions that truly resonate with your authentic self. It's about loving the real you.

3. Finding Balance After Festivities: If you partied hard on New Year's Eve, no worries! Join Lyndsey for some laid-back advice on finding that perfect balance. Slow walks, cozy nooks, and zero pressure—it's your day.

✨ Join us for a heartwarming, smile-inducing, and wisdom-packed episode that feels like a chat with your best friend.

Remember, you're not alone on this journey. We're here for you.

To make sure you still get your SA fix during our season 1 break, Lyndsey has recorded this very special episode to help you navigate what can often be a challenging time of year.

This holiday season, join our fearless feminist and big sister guide in a special bonus episode designed to wrap you in warmth and comfort. 🎙️✨

🌈 Navigating Contrived Joy: Feeling the pressure to be constantly joyous? Let's redefine joy on your terms and find comfort in the quieter moments.

💔 Dealing with Complex Relationships: Family dynamics during the holidays can be tricky. Learn the art of setting boundaries and embracing chosen family for support.

🌌 Navigating Grief and Loss: If the season stirs up feelings of loss, you're not alone. Explore ways to honor your feelings and create new traditions in remembrance.

💪 Self-Care Tips: Your lifeline during the holidays. Discover the power of prioritizing what brings you peace, from cold water swims to heavy weightlifting.

This isn't your typical holiday podcast. It's a cozy chat with your big sister guide, offering a comforting cuppa of advice and understanding. Tune in for a dose of genuine warmth and guidance to navigate the holidays on your terms. 🎄💖✨

Strength, Actually - Where Your Strength Is Celebrated, Not Conformed. 💪🎧

This week we will be unpacking all things women's health and pelvic floor strength with Rosie Davie, women's health physio extraordinaire!

We talk about pelvic floors when you haven't had kids, menopause, and perimenopause, and fears around pelvic floor health in childbirth!

Rosie is a fountain of knowledge on these subjects and we are SO lucky that Rosie said YES to gifting her time and expertise to answer your questions. Enjoy!

We'll be back in January for season 2!

If you have a question for future episodes you can ask anonymously here: https://forms.gle/BuCQFJEEYm2GxUzr8

If you'd love to find out more about what we do at Strong Like a Mutha check out our website and follow us on Instagram and Facebook

If you have a question for future episodes you can ask anonymously here: https://forms.gle/BuCQFJEEYm2GxUzr8

If you'd love to find out more about what we do at Strong Like a Mutha check out our website and follow us on Instagram and Facebook

If you have a question for future episodes you can ask anonymously here: https://forms.gle/BuCQFJEEYm2GxUzr8

If you'd love to find out more about what we do at Strong Like a Mutha check out our website and follow us on Instagram and Facebook

If you have a question you'd love answered leave it here: https://forms.gle/SmW9Di5agGPPzeky8

If you loved this episode please rate, subscribe and share! And if you'd like to work with us at SLAM check out our website for joining info.

If you have a question you'd love answered leave it here: https://forms.gle/SmW9Di5agGPPzeky8

For support with Menopause check out our blog or course on Mastering the Menopause

If you loved this episode please rate, subscribe and share! And if you'd like to work with us at SLAM check out our website for joining info.

If you have a questions for me leave it here https://forms.gle/qgH3sqiSpxK6g2LM8

Referral Notes:

For help with Diastasis Rectus check out

https://www.instagram.com/physiodetective/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/lisa.marie.ryan/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/brianna.battles/?hl=en

Want to work with me? check out my website

or reach out to me enquiries@stronglikeamutha.co.uk