Holding It Together in Midlife: Body, Hormones & Connection with Cara Metz | YKMS

Episode Overview

What begins as a chat about fitness quickly turns into something deeper. In this episode, we sit down with Cara Metz, founder of Cara Fitness, to explore not just the shifting demands of midlife bodies, but also the invisible weight of grief, the power of real community, and what it takes to stay connected to yourself when life feels hard.

Cara opens up about losing her beloved cat Missy, recovering from spinal surgery, and navigating perimenopause in a culture that still doesn't talk about it enough. She also shares her personal journey with body image, diet culture, and how she finally gave herself permission to rest (even though she’s still not very good at it!).

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body - or from yourself - this conversation is a reminder that healing is possible, and connection changes everything.

Key Discussion Points

• What Cara had to unlearn about food, fitness, and rest in her 40s
• Cara’s spinal surgery recovery and the mental strength it required
• Why real community made all the difference through her hardest times
• How body image issues linger even after growth - and how she reframes them
• The role of vulnerability and being “makeup-free” in her online presence
• Why meditation, breathwork and self-talk have changed her inner world

Listener Takeaways

• You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful - being real is enough
• Strength isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, mental, and communal
• Midlife is not a crisis, it’s a recalibration
• Rest might not come naturally, but it’s essential (and brave)
• Body image isn’t a one-time fix - it’s a daily practice in self-compassion
• Connection, especially online, can be life-saving

Connect with Cara Metz:

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carametz_/ 

Via her Cara Fitness App: https:/

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Disclaimer:

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.