E287: Fitness for Women Over 40 to Overcome Depression and Reclaim Strength with Anne Marie Chaker

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In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, hosts Marnie Dachis Marmet and Stephanie May Potter sit down with veteran journalist, author, and professional bodybuilder Anne Marie Chaker, whose book Lift: How Women Can Reclaim Their Physical Power and Transform Their Lives explores how women can reclaim their physical power and transform their lives. Anne Marie opens up about her journey through postpartum depression, loss, and addiction, and how strength training became the anchor that helped her rebuild her confidence, career, and health.

This inspiring conversation dives deep into body image, women’s strength, cultural ideals, and the mental resilience that comes with lifting heavy, both in the gym and in life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Anne Marie’s personal story of overcoming grief, depression, and addiction through strength training.

• Why women should embrace muscle and strength rather than chasing “thinness.”

• The cultural history of women’s body ideals, and why the skinny-muscular look is unrealistic.

• How lifting weights transforms confidence, productivity, and mental health.

• The importance of community, mindset, and rest days in building lasting strength.

• How to raise daughters with positive body image in today’s social media landscape.

Noteworthy Quotes from the Episode:

• “I stopped wanting to be less and started wanting to be more.” – Anne Marie Chaker

• “Strength training, eating well, those are the things that will power us. It is not to be feared.” – Anne Marie Chaker

• “You never know who you’re going to inspire. We women have to look out for each other.” – Anne Marie Chaker

• “Perfect is overrated. I’d so much rather be strong than super thin.” – Anne Marie Chaker

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:
[00:00] Anne Marie’s vulnerable story: postpartum depression, her father’s sudden passing,

 divorce, and struggles with alcohol.

[04:29] The turning point: meeting a hockey mom bodybuilder and discovering coaching.

[09:29] How weightlifting flipped the switch from “zero to eleven” in her life and career.

[19:00] Reconciling bodybuilding aesthetics with her empowering message.

[23:30] Why strength training is crucial for women in perimenopause and menopause.

[26:12] Historical and cultural roots of the “skinny ideal” and how it limits women.

[36:00] Handling judgment, confidence, and the mental strength gained from lifting.

[45:22] The importance of rest days and recovery for muscle growth and well-being.

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Follow Annie Marie Chaker:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-marie-chaker-62119317/
Website: https://annemariechaker.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annemariechaker/
Buy the book Lift: How Women Can Reclaim Their Physical Power and Transform Their Lives:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/709922/lift-by-anne-marie-chaker/

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