In this episode of Shoulders Down, Leah sits down with Martha Munroe, author of Attuned Exercise, to explore what it means to build a healthier relationship with movement. Drawing from over two decades in the fitness industry and her background in positive psychology and embodiment, Martha shares a compassionate alternative to the shame, guilt, and perfectionism that so often define exercise routines.
Martha shares how her perspective on fitness evolved after recognizing the harm caused by weight-centric messaging and toxic fitness culture. Together, she and Leah unpack the difference between exercising from a place of self-criticism versus self-compassion, why motivation rooted in shame rarely lasts, and how reconnecting with your body can make movement feel supportive rather than punishing.
Whether you’re recovering from chronic dieting, healing your relationship with exercise, or simply looking for a more sustainable approach to movement, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective rooted in curiosity, body trust, and self-respect.
You’ll hear about:
- What attuned exercise is and how it differs from traditional fitness culture
- Why self-compassion is a more sustainable motivator than guilt, shame, or self-criticism
- How diet culture and beauty ideals shape our relationship with movement
- The role of embodiment and body trust in creating a healthier exercise practice
- Practical ways to reconnect with movement after burnout, perfectionism, or chronic dieting
Listen to the episode here or anywhere you get your podcasts
Mentioned in this episode:
- 🏄♀️ Finding Pleasure in Movement with Hannah Husband
- 🏃♀️ Extractive vs. Regenerative Movement: Reframing Your Relationship with Running with Karly Borden
- 💪 Diet-Culture Free, Weight Neutral Fitness with Kira Onysko
More From Martha:
- Website: https://www.attunedexercise.com/
- Instagram: @attunedexercise
- Attuned Exercise Blog
- Attuned Exercise Book & Workbook
More From Leah:
- 📚Download your free Intuitive Eating Starter Pack
- Apply to The Embodied Method, my 1:1 coaching program
- Join my self-paced course, The Return
- Subscribe to Leah’s Youtube Channel
- Subscribe to my personal Substack
- Follow me on Instagram for more intuitive eating content @leahkern.rd
- Visit my website to learn more about my coaching offerings
- Subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get a nugget of intuitive eating inspiration delivered straight from my heart to your inbox each week.
- Send me a voice message on Speakpipe
- Email me: Leah@leahkernrd.com
Last modified: August 21, 2026
