The Mental Side of Strength: How Midlife Women Can Build Resilience, Health, and Confidence – Patty Durell

In this empowering episode of Healing Horizons, host Saima sits down with Patty Durell, master-level trainer, physical therapist assistant, and founder of Rock Solid Fitness, to unpack the real meaning of strength for women in midlife. Patty challenges common myths about exercise, reveals how strength training transforms not just the body but the mind, and explains why “less is best” can be the most effective approach to fitness. She shares science-backed insights on building muscle, improving sleep, reducing stress, and regaining vitality — without spending hours in the gym. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance health, work, and life while aging with strength and grace, this episode is your blueprint.

About the Guest  

Patty Durell is a seasoned trainer and physical therapist assistant with nearly three decades of experience. As the founder of Rock Solid Fitness, she specializes in safe, efficient, and effective strength training programs that transform lives from the inside out. Patty’s mission is to help people — especially midlife women — reclaim their energy, confidence, and functional strength through sustainable, science-based methods.

Key Takeaways  

• Midlife is a pivotal chapter for women’s mental and physical health due to hormonal, emotional, and lifestyle changes — and it’s an opportunity to step into your “superpower.”

• Common myths — like needing to “get in shape first” or that strength training makes women bulky — are scientifically false.

• Proper resistance training boosts metabolism, improves sleep quality, and naturally elevates mood through neurotransmitter release.

• Strength training can reverse bone density loss, even without medication, when done consistently and correctly.

• “Less is best” — 25 minutes of maximum-effort strength training twice a week can yield profound results.

• Overtraining can harm sleep, immunity, and mood — efficiency matters more than volume.

• Self-talk directly influences motivation, consistency, and body image; cultivating compassionate internal dialogue is as important as physical training.

• Mental fitness and physical fitness go hand-in-hand to build resilience for life’s challenges.

Connect with the Guest  

Website: Rock Solid FitnessYouTube: Rock Solid Fitness FL

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatchDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

CHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST:Tune to all our 19 podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavikSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind

OUR SERVICESBusiness Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/corporatepodcasting/Individual Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/Podcasting/Share Your Story With World - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/shareyourstory

STAY TUNED AND FOLLOW US!Medium - https://medium.com/@contentbyavikYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymindbyavikInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedin Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthymindbyavikLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster/