What does it take to survive a life-threatening illness?
Tom Swales SURVIVED Invasive Streptococcus A when four other people who were admitted on the same day didn’t! He survived only because he was FIT AS A FIDDLE.
Are you waiting for a reason to rethink your health and fitness? If you want my advice, don’t wait for a life-threatening illness to make time for fitness.
If you’re a woman over 40 navigating the emotional and physical challenges of menopause, this could be the perfect time to re-evaluate and prioritise your Health and Fitness. This recommendation stands true whether you are male or female!
Get Your FREE GIFT
Download your Moving Through Menopause Guide: HERE
In this episode
This powerful episode of Moving Through Menopause is a must-watch. Fellow physiotherapist Tom Swales shares his life-changing story of recovery from a near-fatal encounter with Invasive Strep. A, and the crucial role health and fitness played in his survival.
We get practical, and you can join me as I discover Tom’s favourite exercises for feeling fitter, managing pain, reclaiming energy, and living the second half of your life in great health.
This episode is packed with science-backed insights and practical tools to help you shift from surviving to thriving. Get ready for an engaging session filled with expert advice, real-life experiences, and life-changing fitness tips to help you live a fuller, pain-free life through and beyond menopause.
Watch on YouTube Today
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:30 Tom’s Journey Through Strep A
03:01 The Importance of Health and Fitness
05:13 Understanding Pain and Movement
15:29 Exercises for Balance and Stability
21:07 Strength Training and Functional Movement
26:29 Ground Exercises and Holistic Health
28:29 Conclusion and Where to Find out More
Tom’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. He came face-to-face with the reality that physical fitness isn’t just about looking good—it’s your body’s insurance policy. His prior conditioning didn’t just help him survive; it accelerated his recovery. The message is clear: don’t wait for a health scare to start moving. The time is now.
Movement is Medicine
Movement does more than tone muscles—it resets your nervous system, boosts cellular repair, and enhances every aspect of your wellbeing. We talked about how exercise impacts your body on a biological and even atomic level. It’s not just about staying flexible or strong; it’s about training your body to be resilient, responsive, and vibrant.
Nutrition plays a key role in this too. What you feed your body becomes the building blocks of your tissues, hormones, and nervous system. Skimp on good fuel, and you’re weakening your foundations.
Why Menopause Demands a Smarter Approach to Fitness
The hormonal shifts of Menopause have far-reaching ramifications, and now more than ever before, we must work with our bodies, not against them. Tom and I agree that movement, sleep, nutrition, and stress management form the foundation of midlife health. HRT may be part of the solution, but it’s NEVER the whole solution.
Midlife Movement: Think Foundations First!
Before you start reaching for the heavy weights that we are told we should be lifting, check your form. As a Pilates teacher, I know without exception that strength starts from the centre. Tom recommends building from the ground up—planks, glute bridges, and other foundational mat exercises prepare your body to handle life’s physical demands with ease.
It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what’s right for your body, right now.
Tom’s Movement Toolbox: Try These Today
Tom shared simple, powerful ways to build a brain-body connection and support long-term function:
- Balance on One Leg – Close your eyes and test your balance. It’s a great way to check in with your nervous system.
- Breathe Deep – Diaphragmatic breathing activates your deep core muscles and builds a stronger postural foundation.
- Train Your Eyes – Quick eye movements and head turns stimulate your vestibular system, improving coordination and balance.
- Get on the Floor – Crawling, hip rolls, and transitions reset your movement patterns and reconnect you with natural strength.
Health is a Practice—Not a Prescription
Movement, sleep, stress, and nutrition are the real building blocks of health. Medication has its place, but it’s often treating symptoms of a system that’s underpowered and overworked.
So let’s flip the script: instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” start asking, “What does my body need right now to feel strong, calm, and energised?”
Take the First Step—It’s Not Too Late
This episode is your invitation to reset. Whether you’re in the thick of menopause or preparing for the years ahead, movement is your gateway to freedom, vitality, and independence. “Don’t just survive—thrive.”
If you need help getting started?
Book your FREE consultation with Physiotherapist Phillipa
Book NOW
Make Movement a Daily Habit
Join Phillipa LIVE online for Pilates and Yoga classes:
Book your FIRST FREE with the coupon code FIRSTFREE at Checkout
Book Your Spot
Thanks to my guest:
Tom Swales on Instagram
Tom Swales on YouTube
Disclaimer: Please note that any information we provide in this podcast does not constitute medical guidance. You should consult your medical practitioner before making any changes that impact your health.
