Episodes
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Intermittent fasting can be very sexy. But does it help or sabotage emotional eating? Some emotional eating experts we’ve hosted have strong feelings about intermittent fasting and those who have emotional eating anchoring their relationship with food have a strong aversion to it.
In this episode we tap into, if intermittent fasting, how, and how not to potentially.
My Guest:
Laurie Lewis, Wellness Coach, shares how to maintain exceptional self-care while dealing with life's complicated and fast-paced circumstances.
By using Intermittent Fasting, Laurie encourages the chance to break free from diet models, connect with the body’s inner intelligence and experience improvements in every aspect of life.
With an eating window every day for seven years, now at 61 years old, Laurie’s biological age (at the cellular level) of 40 years old. From her menopausal struggles to vibrant health serves as an inspiration, embodying the potential for profound change through Intermittent Fasting.
Questions We Answer in This Episode:
What is your history of emotional eating? 00:04:50 What’s your definition of intermittent fasting? Do you think there are optimal windows? 00:10:30 How could having an (optimized) Eating Window improve every aspect of your life? 00:09:30 What are the challenges for women with disordered eating and emotional eating trying to use Intermittent Fasting? 00:21:30 Why do you think the focus on menopause and hormone replacement overlooks emotional eating, emphasizing physical fixes instead? 00:18:50 What is the root cause of most women’s challenges with their weight loss and health? 00:15:50 Do you find that many women treat Intermittent Fasting more like a diet, leading to a dramatic decrease in caloric intake and a lack of nutrient-dense foods and adequate protein? 00:27:40 What are your top 3 tips on how to start Intermittent Fasting TODAY? How does a woman know that she should or shouldn’t? 00:20:10Connect with Laurie:
https://FastForwardWellness.comOn Social:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FastForwardWellness/ Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fast_forward_wellness/Other Episodes You Might Like:
How Emotional Eating Can Be the Hidden Reason for Weight Gain:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/reason-for-weight-gain/ Midlife Changes with Intermittent Fasting Expert Gin Stephens:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/midlife-changes/ Low Energy Availability in Menopause? Eating Too Little to Feel Good or Age Well:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/low-energy-availability-in-menopause/Resources:
Hot Not Bothered Challenge:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/hot-not-bothered-challenge-2023/ STRONGER 12-week program:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/get-stronger/ -
My post menopause workout has been working. Let me say that first. I’m lean, as lean as I comfortably want to be, and my muscle remains high, I’m not losing it. If anything, I’ve gained more in the last 2 years as I bumped intensity and recovery in my routine. By that, I mean more volume in my workouts but also more recovery time between sessions. It’s about being smart with rest as much as it is with pushing through the actual workouts.
Recovery time between strength sessions by the way isn’t just a lazy couch potato time. It's an active recovery. I’m doing sprint intervals, agility drills, mobility work, and lots of walking or hiking. These kinds of activities help me stay conditioned, keep my metabolism going, and ensure that my body remains strong.
But in doing it, I’ve also had the opportunity to see my readiness score soar. Meaning, I’m ready for a high quality workout. I'm primed for high-quality sessions. That readiness translates into better results over time.
Some accidental discoveries have made me question if I was assuming what worked for me was the BEST for me.
So here I am, using the last 90 days of 2024 to testing and experimenting and sharing it all with you.
Questions We Answer In this Episode:
How it started. [12:25] What I’m trying. [13:35] Why I’m personally testing. [21:15] What are the results - any difference in muscle, fat, mindset, sleep etc. [22:35]I’ll update you on my progress via social media - most often in short stories on Instagram. For a longer video, I’ll summarize it on the podcast. So if you prefer audio you have it and if you want to see a little more demonstration of exercises to help illustrate the video, you’ll have it in the YouTube video which will be short. And we’ll do a cheat sheet for you.
My Post Menopause Workout: Total Body
Walking or 10 minutes of brief interval walk/run
Walking lunges, lunge matrix, spyders, light core engagement
3 sets each wall sit and single leg Squat
5 sets of leg press in a monster/drop set
5 super sets of chest,
5 sets bent over row with a dynamic balance exercise
5 sets of triceps
3 sets of biceps
4 sets of lat pull downs
5 sets of ham curls
3 sets of limited ROM leg extensions
Total of 38 sets
Notes:
You may bump from 5 to 6 sets or from 3 or 4 to 5 reaching 40 and changing it up. Some days, I might do less lower body and focus more on upper body work, but it’s always a total body workout. Never do squats without doing a hamstring-specific exercise. Most people, both men and women, tend to be quad-dominant, and only doing squats can make this imbalance worse. Fire up that rear kinetic chain - —this means incorporating movements like hip thrusts, deadlifts (within your safe range of motion), or ham curls to really target the hamstrings and glutes. Switching to only UPPER or LOWER during workouts is really hard.First, it ties me to the gym. which I’m not a huge fan of. I love my flexible schedule and need it.
So for the first two weeks here’s how I did the FLIP. In baby steps.
I took a gradual approach, starting with one total body workout, similar to the plan I’ve outlined. After that, I introduced one upper body-only workout and one lower body-only workout each week. This change bumped up my total workout time by about 1.5 hours per week, which allowed me to add more sets and volume to each session. Each of the upper and lower body workouts required additional time because to ensure I was doing enough sets for each muscle group, I had to expand the time spent on both.
So here’s what each day looked like.
My Post Menopause Workout: Split Routine
Leg Day looked like this: (not including warm up because that stayed relatively the same)
6 sets Leg press monster
5 sets hamstring curls
5 sets limited ROM leg extension
5 sets Side lunges
5 sets single leg squats
3 sets of seated calf raises
5 sets hip thrusts
Total of 34 sets
Upper Body Day looked like this:
2 sets of Chest Fly and push up
5 sets Chest Press superset with
5 sets Bent Over row
5 sets Lat pulldown with
5 sets biceps curls
5 sets of triceps supersets (a super set)
4 sets shoulder exercises (a super set)
3 sets Cable row alternate with
3 sets 1 minute hang
Total of 37 sets
During Month Two, I will switch things up considerably.
Instead of one total body day and a mix of upper and lower, I’ll be doing two leg days and two upper body days each week. I can tell you right now that this will be hard. This shift is going to be tough, and I already know it. The challenge won’t just be physical—it’s also about finding the time and energy. I have a busy schedule, so the commitment to consistently hit these sessions will be a challenge.
Balancing workouts with work and personal life is tricky. Being tied to having to go to the gym or even just getting a workout at home is hard. Since I work at home, I try to get out unless I’m shooting videos or tight on time.
The other challenge is timing. My days start early and sometimes can stretch into the evening, go late and I don’t do high intensity work late in the day. But, if you’re someone who prefers evening workouts or if that’s the only time you have, go for it! Make your schedule work for you. The only thing to keep in mind is that evening workouts can shoot your adrenaline up, which might make falling asleep a little bit harder.
Resources:
Discovery Call: https://www.flippingfifty.com/wellness-coaching-for-life/
Ultimate Assessment: https://www.flippingfifty.com/store/coaching-programs/private-coaching-90-min/
Other Episodes You Might Like:.
5 Menopause Workout Tips from Recent Exercise Studies: https://www.flippingfifty.com/menopause-workout-tips/
Your Perimenopause Workout vs Your Post Menopause Workout: https://www.flippingfifty.com/post-menopause-workout/
What They Don’t Teach Women About Strength Training and should: https://www.flippingfifty.com/teach-women-about-strength-training/
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Episodes manquant?
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If you or someone in your family deals with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or you’re simply in midlife dealing with changing hormones, this episode and the book we’re discussing, Heal your gut, save your brain, will be one you don’t want to miss.
My Guest:
Dr. Partha Nandi, M.D., F.A.C.P is the creator and host of the internationally syndicated medical lifestyle television show, Ask Dr. Nandi. He is the Chief Health Editor at WXYZ ABC Detroit, a practicing physician, renowned international speaker, appearing at TEDx, medical conferences like Digestive Disease Week and keynotes for organizations such as Medtronic, Phathom Pharmaceuticals, and Eli Lilly.
Dr. Nandi partners with global health organizations, including the Ministry of Health in Jamaica and India and WHO. He give inspiring talks to international conferences and symposia, meeting global health leaders.
His mission, “To Be Your Own Health Hero,” incourages individuals to take control of their health. His latest book, “Heal Your Gut, Save Your Brain”, explores the connection between gut and brain health.
Questions We Answer in This Episode:
What inspired you to write "Heal Your Gut, Save Your Brain"- [00:05:25] Explain the gut-brain axis and why it is so critical for overall health?- [00:09:26] How did your father’s stroke influence your research?- [00:06:38] What are the most surprising connections between the gut and brain? - [00:10:15] How does the gut influence conditions like depression and anxiety? - [00:12:41] What are some practical steps to improve gut and brain health? - [00:18:43] How do lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management play a role in maintaining a healthy gut-brain connection? - [00:22:10] Can you talk about your Five Pillars for Optimal Health? - [00:19:16] Can you share real-life gut health success stories? - [00:34:08] What are the key takeaways of your book, “Heal Your Gut, Save Your Brain”? - [00:42:01]Connect with Dr. Nandi:
https://www.AskDrNandi.com
On Social:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AskDrNandi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askdrnandi/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@askdrnandi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/askdrnandi/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/askdrnandi
Other Episodes You Might Like:
Your Brain Better | A No Negative Side-Effects Method:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/your-better-brain/
Get and Keep Your Brain Fit, Healthy, and Strong:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/leaky-brain/
Lose Weight, Gain Energy and Eliminate Pain with a Gut Cleanse: Dr Vincent M. Pedre:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/lose-weight-gain-energy-and-eliminate-pain-with-a-gut-cleanse-dr-vincent-m-pedre/
Events or Affiliate partnership we're promoting in this episode:
Resources:
https://www.healyourgutsaveyourbrain.com/
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Here are three strength training workouts designed specifically for women in menopause. These focus on maintaining muscle mass, boosting bone density, and supporting hormone balance. Each workout should be done 2–3 times a week, allowing at least one rest day between sessions.
Workout 1: Full Body Strength (45 min)
Warm-up (5-7 minutes):
March in place or light walking Arm circles, leg swings, and hip openersMain workout:
Squats (with or without weights) – 3 sets of 10-12 reps Push-ups (on knees or toes) – 3 sets of 8-10 reps Bent-over rows (with dumbbells or a resistance band) – 3 sets of 10-12 reps Step-ups (use a sturdy chair or bench, alternate legs) – 3 sets of 10 reps per leg Plank hold – 3 sets of 20-30 seconds Bicep curls (dumbbells or resistance bands) – 3 sets of 10-12 reps Deadlifts (with dumbbells, focus on glutes and hamstrings) – 3 sets of 10-12 repsCool down: (5 minutes of stretching)
Focus on hamstrings, quads, chest, and back.Workout 2: Upper Body Strength (40 min)
Warm-up (5-7 minutes):
Light arm swings, shoulder shrugs, and walking lungesMain workout:
Dumbbell chest press – 3 sets of 8-10 reps Lat pull-down (or assisted pull-ups if available) – 3 sets of 8-10 reps Dumbbell shoulder press – 3 sets of 8-10 reps Tricep dips (use a bench or sturdy surface) – 3 sets of 10 reps Hammer curls – 3 sets of 10-12 reps Renegade rows (dumbbells in a plank position) – 3 sets of 8-10 reps per side Lateral raises – 3 sets of 10-12 repsCool down: (5 minutes of stretching)
Stretch shoulders, chest, and arms. No Lower bodyWorkout 3: Lower Body & Core Focus (45 min)
Warm-up (5-7 minutes):
Light squats, hip circles, and side lungesMain workout:
Glute bridges – 3 sets of 12-15 reps Lunges (stationary or walking) – 3 sets of 8-10 reps per leg Leg press (if at the gym) or goblet squats (at home) – 3 sets of 10-12 reps Side leg raises (with or without ankle weights) – 3 sets of 12 reps per side Plank with leg lift – 3 sets of 10-12 reps per leg Russian twists – 3 sets of 20 twists Bird-dog – 3 sets of 10-12 reps per sideCool down: (5 minutes of stretching)
Focus on hamstrings, glutes, and core stretches.Notes from Chat Gpt for 3 Menopause Strength Workouts
“These workouts are designed to help women in menopause maintain lean muscle, improve bone health, and boost metabolism. Encourage the women to lift heavier weights as they feel stronger while maintaining proper form. Always leave room for rest and recovery to support hormone balance.”
For menopause metabolism, a total body workout is generally better. Here's why:
Boosts overall metabolism: Total body workouts engage multiple large muscle groups, which means more calorie burn both during and after the workout. This is great for combating the slower metabolism that often accompanies menopause. Time-efficient: A total body routine lets you hit all the major muscle groups in one session, perfect for those with busy schedules. Hormonal balance: Engaging the whole body in one session can help with better regulation of hormones like cortisol and insulin, which are crucial during menopause. More frequent stimulus: With total body workouts, you're stimulating your muscles more frequently, which helps preserve muscle mass key for maintaining a healthy metabolism.Split routines can be effective too, but total body sessions may offer more metabolic bang for your buck during menopause.
Resources:
5 Day Flip: https://www.flippingfifty.com/5-day-challenge-new/ Discovery Call: https://www.flippingfifty.com/wellness-coaching-for-life/ Ultimate Assessment: https://www.flippingfifty.com/store/coaching-programs/private-coaching-90-min/Other Episodes You Might Like:.
Fit or Fat? Training and Measuring Fitness in Menopause: https://www.flippingfifty.com/measuring-fitness-in-menopause/ Too Much or Not Enough Variety in Exercise in Menopause: https://www.flippingfifty.com/variety-in-exercise-in-menopause/ 5 Exercise Changes in Menopause to Overcome a Plateau: https://www.flippingfifty.com/5-exercise-changes-in-menopause-to-overcome-a-plateau/ -
How’s better sex in menopause sound? For many it sounds like a distant and foreign trip.
Sex is one of the most popular topics on the show. Many women tell me their partners are glad they’re attending. Sex is such a hot topic (see what I did there?) that low libido was a topic answered one of the first three episodes of the Flipping 50 TV show.
Did you know there are two types of desire? And did you know that sex never has to stop?
My Guest:
Dr. Kelly Casperson is a urologist, public speaker, sex educator, and top international podcaster
whose mission is empowering women to live their best lives. Dr. Kelly identified the need for
better resources and developed a sex education class for women that covers topics like sexual
health, intimacy, mind work, and the science of desire. She combines education, humor, and
candor in her podcast "You Are Not Broken" where she dismantles the myths women have
learned and normalizes healthy, enjoyable sex worth desiring, in addition to essential education
on midlife health and hormones.
Questions We Answer in This Episode:
What is the science of desire? [00:18:05] What are the common myths women believe about their sexuality? [00:07:25] Is there a dramatic or distinct fall off of sexual interest for women related to menopause or when does that occur? [00:13:15] What are the reasons women stop being intimate in midlife? [00:12:45] What are the two different types of desire? [00:18:05] What is the most important thing to know about desire mismatch in a couple? [00:19:25] How to find a doctor or talk to your doctor about sexual health issues and hormones [00:28:25] Does a woman recognize an “issue” with sexual health? [00:26:35]Connect with Dr. Kelly:
https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com
On Social:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youarentbroken Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellycaspersonmd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kellycaspersonmdOther Episodes You Might Like:
Sex Dysfunction in the City Just Like That: https://www.flippingfifty.com/sex-dysfunction/ Intimacy and Incontinence with The Girlfriend Doctor: https://www.flippingfifty.com/the-girlfriend-doctor/ Juicy New Menopause, Libido, & Intimacy Solutions: https://www.flippingfifty.com/juicy-new-menopause-libido-intimacy-solutions/Resources:
Stronger: https://www.flippingfifty.com/get-stronger/ 5 Day Flip: https://www.flippingfifty.com/5-day-challenge-new/ 90 Day Planner: https://www.flippingfifty.com/store/books-videos/90-day-planner-tracking-the-flip/ -
The Doctor is in the house and she’s an over 50 fitness athlete. She’s juggled all the balls you may have from a caregiver and midlife crisis like me. But she’s returned to her prior passion for fitness competitions. Or has she? I’ll ask that question - is it the competition or the training or the being on top of your game?
This over 50 fitness athlete is prepping not just for a November competition but serving patients and clients and hosting a summit. How does she fit it in?
This is a perfect episode to share with you just before the holidays. We cover quite a bit of tips and tricks for dealing with getting fit and sticking to your own goals during the holidays while still enjoying them.
My Guest:
Dr. Venus, The Fit Foodie M.D., is a board-certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician trained at Yale, Univ. of Miami, and UC-Irvine. With a thriving California medical practice, she's been a national-level fitness athlete and respected trainer serving clients from single moms to pro athletes, and even an action film star. A repeat guest on "The Doctors" TV series, Dr. Venus has also appeared on NBC's "Today" and "American Gladiators," and contributed to outlets like iHerb.com and Oxygen Magazine.
Questions We Answer in This Episode:
How did you handle your mid-life crisis? [00:07:10] Have you experienced this competitive edge? [00:23:20] What's your personal secret to staying young? [00:11:50] Having been a fitness competitor for so long, what does being fit mean to you? [00:39:20] What role does stress play for you in your training now and your midlife body? [00:40:20] What part of training do you love the most? [00:41:00]Connect with Dr. Venus for Fitness Mastery Summit (Nov. 7-10, 2024)
https://www.flippingfifty.com/fitnessmastery
On Social:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/doctorvenus
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/docvenus/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@drvenusoncall
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorvenus
Other Episodes You Might Like:
7 Simple Interval Training Workouts for the Holidays https://www.flippingfifty.com/interval-training/ 10 Ways Fitness Pros Stay Motivated To Exercise, Holidays or Not https://www.flippingfifty.com/10-ways-fitness-pros-stay-motivated-to-exercise-holidays-or-not/ Avoid Falling Off the Bandwagon this Holiday (and Getting Run Over By It) https://www.flippingfifty.com/avoid-falling-off-bandwagon-holiday-getting-run/Resources:
Infrared Sauna: https://www.flippingfifty.com/sauna C60 Purple Power: https://www.flippingfifty.com/c60 -
In this episode with returning guest and fan fave, Cynthia Thurlow we discuss updates on intermittent fasting. If you’re craving a behind the scenes, more than science-geek relay of the power of autophagy episode you shall have it.
I’m looking forward to sharing this one with you.
My Guest:
Cynthia Thurlow is a globally recognized expert in nutrition & intermittent fasting, highly sought after speaker, and the CEO and founder of Everyday Wellness Project. She’s been a nurse practitioner for 20+ years, is a 2x TEDx speaker: her 2nd talk on intermittent fasting has been viewed over 7 million times. She has been featured on ABC, FOX5, KTLA, CW and in Medium and Entrepreneur. Cynthia was recently listed in Yahoo Finance as one of the “21 founders changing the way we do business.” She’s also the host of Everyday Wellness Podcast, which was listed as “20 podcasts that will help you grow in 2020” by Entrepreneur magazine, and in Business Insider “21 podcasts to expand your mind in 2021.”
Questions We Answer in This Episode:
What’s new we need to know about intermittent fasting? [00:06:15] How are your views on intermittent fasting evolving? [00:07:10] What impact has life events as well as your menopause stage had on your habits? [00:09:00] What supplements do you view as keys to success for women? [00:30:29] What’s motivating your physical and lifestyle habits most? [00:10:10] How has fueled exercise changed your ability to gain lean, lose fat, or gain strength? [00:08:20]Connect with Cynthia:
https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/On Social:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CHTWellness/Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_/YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@CynthiaThurlowOther Episodes You Might Like:
Intermittent Fasting for Women | Health & Wellness | When Yes When No: https://www.flippingfifty.com/intermittent-fasting-for-women/ Midlife Changes with Intermittent Fasting Expert Gin Stephens: https://www.flippingfifty.com/midlife-changes/ Why your food struggles can be a blessing in disguise: https://www.flippingfifty.com/ee/Resources:
Mitopure: https://www.flippingfifty.com/mitopure **5 Day Flip: https://www.flippingfifty.com/** -
My Guest:
Emily Sadri is a Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, and the founder of Aurelia Health, a modern telemedicine practice for women over 35. Aurelia Health provides comprehensive hormone replacement therapy and weight loss support with long visits and un-rushed care.
Emily is passionate about making complex hormonal topics accessible and believes that great health starts with happy hormones and a balanced stress response.
Questions We Answer in This Episode:
Why do you think there still so much confusion about hormone replacement therapy and if it's "good" or "bad"[00:18:56] You suggest there are downsides to hormone testing… and I’m curious about why you’d say so? [00:22:50] I’m also shocked to find some believe testing is unnecessary with estrogen and progesterone replacement therapy, that seems like a big fat game of trial and error and any woman on HRT knows that getting your cocktail right already is a course-correcting journey as it is - say more about these people who are shooting darts in the dark.. Who does that? [00:24:29] First of all, what is balanced? How do you know when all of the major hormones are "balanced"? [00:27:52] Do you think every woman benefits from testosterone replacement therapy? [00:34:26] What additional factors do you focus on with your patients to help them be successful with HRT? [00:35:08]Few women were optimizing hormones early in perimenopause a decade ago. But the health outlook for those that do stands to be significantly better than for those women who experience drops then boost it again.
Are you doing HRT in perimenopause? Or Did you?
Connect with Emily and The Perimenopause Revolution Summit
https://www.flippingfifty.com/revolutionOn Social:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/emilysadri_np/Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/emilysadri.np.ohioOther Episodes You Might Like:
Can I Still Start Hormones 10 Years After Menopause? Doctors Respond: https://www.flippingfifty.com/start-hormones-10-years-after-menopause/ What Women Need to Know about Hormone Replacement Therapy: https://www.flippingfifty.com/what-to-know-about-hrt/ Hormone Testing Started It: What My GI Doctor Suggested I Do Next: https://www.flippingfifty.com/hormone-testing-started/Resources:
5 Day Flip: https://www.flippingfifty.com/ -
In this episode you’ll hear me respond to one of our Flipping 50 members asking a question about being sore in menopause, for no reason. If you’re sore, stiff, or even have a little niggle or “catch,” this is for you.
If you’ve passed this kind of thing off for arthritis or getting old, stick around. If not you, a girlfriend or sister needs to hear this.
Paulette asked:
“I'm looking for suggestions about what helps with muscle stiffness and soreness unrelated to injury.
I have noticed in my transition to menopause that I have much more muscle stiffness and less flexibility, despite being quite active and doing yoga several times a week. It's mostly my legs and hips...and low back...well, probably every muscle...lol.
I wake up stiff and it generally improves within a few minutes of movement, but I notice it throughout the day when I bend down, or try to get down on the floor or up from there.
I'm sure this is a common complaint among 50 plus women...what helps with this?”
Reasons for Being Sore in MenopauseSome women experience this and it can be due to a lot of things… The changes in estrogen during menopause can lead to various symptoms. Specifically, estrogen deficiency can cause a snowball of symptoms.
Some of the habits we thought were good, are actually not, or not going to match the status of our hormones and their influence on muscles, bones, connective tissues, gut health, sleep, sex and every cell in our body.
Over time, women are finally getting more savvy. As we find more women less willing to accept weight gain, belly fat, frequent injuries, stiffness, or in this podcast, soreness as normal processes of aging… and instead as clues we need a pivot from prior habits or beliefs, we’ll all start making aging better instead of dreaded!
Reduce or eliminate:
Dairy Gluten / Wheat Eggs Soy Peanuts Corn Nuts (including almonds and almond flour or almond milk)Oxalate consumption can also be a problem. The body makes oxalate acid that can contribute to muscle pain or soreness as well as gut issues. (Listen to the podcast for a food high in oxalate and the flips)
If you have any other leaky gut signs (gas bloating, constipation, diarrhea). But.. you don’t have to have these gut signs, by the way, to have a problem with the gut or these oxalates. They’re sneaky little things.
Lack of Gut Issue Doesn’t Mean You Won’t Be Sore in MenopauseHere are some suggestions for increasing your anti-inflammatory response.
Add or increase:
Salmon Omega 3 supplements Magnesium Vitamin D Antioxidant rich brightly colored veggies Matcha tea (a clean, tested for mold and heavy metals ceremonial grade is super high in antioxidants having one of the highest ORAC values)Habits:
Epsom salt baths Longer warm up and cool down Infrared Sauna Pay a little more attention to your mobility workAs a side note:
Genetics play a part in whether you tend to get sore or not. There are two specific genes identified with this. Certainly with conditioning, you’ll experience less soreness. But a unique workout, involving small muscles you don’t use often will cause more muscle soreness than something that focuses on glutes or quadriceps that are used to a lot of activity.
Other Episodes You Might Like:
6 Secrets to Less Stiffness and Muscle Soreness After 50:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/6-secrets-to-less-stiffness-and-muscle-soreness-after-50/
Current Status: Fatigued and Want to be Fit!:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/fatigued-and-want-to-be-fit/
4 Step Process to Resolve Fatigue Naturally:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/fatiguedoc/
Resources:
Lisa Barr: www.BarrCenter.com
Teri Cochrane: www.tericochrane.com
My Sauna: https://www.flippingfifty.com/sauna
References:
Wright, V. J., Schwartzman, J. D., Itinoche, R., & Wittstein, J. (2024). The musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause. Climacteric, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2024.2380363
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In this episode, it’s all about how I choose podcast guests.
First before we get started, I appreciate your thoughts. I work hard on keeping an open mind and listening to suggestions. Though I can’t take action on all of them, we are here because of you. There’s this dance between the expert, experienced, the educated individual in me giving advice even creating programs in a way that may go in opposition of what you want.
That is because I’m applying 40 years of science studies, combining the physiology of fitness with physiology of menopause, and with the science of human behavior and change. We’ve created things that will make some of you contest the way we deliver them.
I wanted to share how we come to accept or reject for now guests who apply for the show or who are pitched by PR firms. How we reach out to find professionals who can not only share science but share stories, theirs and clients or patients they’ve worked with.
Someone recently was upset hearing a guest used Ivermectin to overcome C-19.
Others have suggested that Ozempic or semaglutide, drugs were black and white.
Another listener and social media follower said though she’d followed for years, she thought I’d lost it (meaning marbles) when I hosted someone discussing energy frequencies.
I have experts who want to come on and talk about Keto and intermittent fasting. I have professional opinions about both based on my 40 years of experience working with midlife women and our community of more than 300K women.
But I won’t just turn them away. I’ll ask if they’re open to a conversation about when and how and why it might not be appropriate for everyone all the time. If they’re willing to agree to disagree and to help a listener hear both sides of the story and decide for themselves what and when and why, I still may bring them on.
I also reserve the right to not publish recordings that are poor sound quality, or a discussion that was terribly awkward when a guest didn’t answer questions I asked but followed some hidden agenda.
How I Choose Podcast Guests and Topics for You
In response to the Ivermectin question:
Actually, many of the function physicians I work with use this personally if they've caught it soon enough.
I don't know that we have to agree with 100% of what any expert or human does or says. But I do think personally we have to keep listening and taking in another set of thoughts.
Otherwise, we'd still be believing that the retracted study data suggesting that HRT, specifically bHRT was a threat vs a life-preserving option for women.
All said with respect. I wish I had the luxury of not listening to someone because I didn't agree with every thought: it would relieve a lot tension! But I've had to be willing to adjust my thinking and see science interpreted from all sides.
Certainly, hope this isn't irritating and lands as intended for you as the means of my own filter for women.
I've hosted Intermittent Fasting experts knowing fed exercise is more optimal for women in midlife and beyond for 8 years.. and guess what... they've come around, and two big proponents are now agreeing with the science suggesting that we have to choose priorities and timing of everything.
That wouldn't have happened without someone challenging their thoughts and listening to the conversation.
I must host those I agree with, those I don't, and be transparent about that.
Not long ago, hormone replacement therapy was very misunderstood. Recently, someone I know well consulted with her physician and was told, going on would be more risky than not because it’s been too long since menopause.
Other doctors are adamant that this is not the case. I’ll continue to bring them on. You DO have choices. One physician only has the experience they have and the degree to which they’re comfortable making changes in thoughts, information and actions …. Is the medical care you’ll receive from them.
I’d love to hear your response to this episode.
Resources:
5 Day Flip:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/5-day-challenge-new/
Discovery Call:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/wellness-coaching-for-life/
Ultimate Assessment:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/store/coaching-programs/private-coaching-90-min/
Other Episodes You Might Like:.
Can I Still Start Hormones 10 Years After Menopause? Doctors Respond:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/start-hormones-10-years-after-menopause/
One Thing I Would Change After 40 Years Working with Women in Menopause:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/working-with-women-in-menopause/
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Whether you or your daughter, or someone you know, the perimenopause brain can be a “thing.
If you’ve been tuning in to Flipping 50 long enough, you’re familiar with symptoms of menopause. In this episode, I explore the connections of symptoms to brain health. With my guest, we’ll share how bHRT or Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy could benefit not just your brain, but also your cardiometabolic health.
Tune in to discover what we can do to improve your perimenopause brain power and cardiometabolic health.
My Guest:
Dr. Mariza Snyder is a functional doctor, perimenopause and menopause expert and the author of eight books. Her recent book, The Essential Oils Menopause Solution, focuses on solutions for women in perimenopause and menopause and the #1 National Bestselling book, The Essential Oils Hormone Solution, focuses on optimizing women’s health. Dr. Mariza is also the host of the top-rated Energized Podcast, (with over 12 million downloads) designed to empower women to claim agency over their health.
Questions We Answer in This Episode:
You’re in a unique niche I think we’ll see more and more of - the blending of perimenopause and postpartum or young children which is a whole other animal than comparing women who are otherwise asymptomatic until mid or late 50s… and wow! I can’t imagine.. Having been a mom to an infant or toddler I can’t imagine what women who have severe or stacked symptoms during perimenopause and young children too, might face. [00:03:59] What has been your perimenopause journey and how has your journey inspired you to support women in midlife? [00:07:56] What are some of the biggest symptoms that you find show up for women in midlife you’re serving and how are so many of them related to their brain? [00:10:13] How can BHRT be beneficial for brain and cardiometabolic health? [00:15:16] What are other habits you like to recommend a woman use to improve her resilience, strength and cardiometabolic health? [00:27:37] First, let’s define cardiometabolic health and how that plays out for women more used to hearing and using metabolism. Metabolic flexibility, cardio as so many women know is related to heart, but a vocabulary lesson is in order here. Let’s just assume it's the first day of midlife women’s health class and we want to define all of these terms so we don’t do any assuming. [00:18:32] What are the most powerful levers for boosting our perimenopause brain energy and capacity? [0030:32]Connect with Dr. Mariza:
Thriving in Perimenopause and Menopause Summit:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/perimenopausesummit
On Social:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmarizasnyder/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/drmariza/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/drmarizasnyder Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmariza Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drmariza/Other Episodes You Might Like:
Restore Hormones to Factory Settings? More Science for bHRT:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/restore-hormones/ Your Brain Better | A No Negative Side-Effects Method:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/your-better-brain/ -
You’re just a workout, even a warm up set, away from strength training benefits in menopause. In this episode you will learn or get a refresher on just how soon you can expect to get those immediate results we all crave.
Unlike Amazon you can’t get them dropped on your doorstep in a few hours, but you will be pleasantly surprised (or reminded) by the fact that some changes happen in seconds.
Within Minutes these are Happening:
Increased Heart Rate - which means increased blood flow to brain and because of that a decreased level of pain and increased sense of alertness and creativity and problem solving
Release of Anabolic Hormones - testosterone and growth hormone
blood sugar reduction - it's used for the fuel for the exercise, even 10-15 air squats works so of course, if you're lifting with a load or tempo that causes more muscle stress
Release of Neurotransmitters - this occurs more with intense exercise and may take a few minutes but by the end of your workout, dopamine, and
Improved Neuroplasticity - if you're trying to learn a new language or absorb new information you might want to push play while you're working out.
How to amplify these while you workout?
Want more "feel good" hormones ? Play music you love, workout with a friend (and yes, even an exercise video if you feel like the instructor "gets you" and is more than a drill sergeant could do this)
Want to take advantage of learning or inspire a little creativity?
If you're already working on a project, absorb a little content about it before the workout and don't necessarily dwell on it while you workout. Your brain may actually answer questions you ask while you're taking a break from it. But also, listen to that Spanish lesson or informative podcasts while you exercise.
Within days or weeks these strength training benefits occurReduce Hot Flashes - in the 24 hours after a moderate or higher intensity workout. The same is not true of low or leisurely activity. A 2012 study in the medical journal Menopause.
Continued Neural Connection - studies show a large part of initial gains - up to 8-12 weeks of training - are still due to that stronger neural connection. During this time, heavier may not be better, especially for women in midlife with history of injury or tendency toward injury.
Blood Sugar Control Improves - reducing insulin resistance issues that negatively impact visceral belly fat, so you will be on the path to reducing total fat as well as directly impacting visceral fat
Strength Increases - due primarily to the neural connection as your brain learns or also strengthens the signaling between brain and muscle while you're learning a new movement pattern or waking up an old one. This isn't yet due to size (or hypertrophy) so the first few weeks you may not see noticeable change but you will already be picking up a heavier weight.
Fiber Size Increases - after those first weeks and as that neural connection continues, muscle fiber size increases, and you'll likely see more tone as evidence.
Changes in Fiber Type - less noted but the anaerobic exercise improves your type two or fast twitch fibers. So important for aging because these are lost without intentional stimulation. These changes will continue and enable more powerful speed and agility work that further enhances your aging process.
Tendons And Ligaments Improve - a big bonus for midlife women who have lost estrogen and are thus more prone to injury. You'll be improving resilience in those for every day activities as well as preparing to do heavier work that will be a greater stimulus for bone and metabolism boosts.
Over Months and (lasting) Years....these strength training benefits occurReversed Aging Effects of 179 Genes Associated with Aging - hello game-changer. If you start October 1 by April 1 (no kidding) you'll be younger.
Increased Bone Density - with the right progressive protocol (we don't jump in at the end and we can't stay at the beginning if you're able to do more) significant changes take 9 months to a year for the bone remodeling process. But if you're having an annual DEXA (and I highly recommend you do), you'll have noticeable change with strength training as you also fix any gut issues.
Reduced Risk of Both Sarcopenia and Osteoporosis in Late Life - muscle and bone loss historically have been issues related to metabolic disease and structural issues related to falls, fractures, bedrest, weakness and injury directly related to falls or consequent falls. Resistance training is proven to decrease this risk. But ? Pilates and yoga may be on the continuum... they are on the left... not the right.
Psst. Sarcopenia and osteoporosis BOTH begin in your 30s. Muscle peaks at 25, bone at about 30. Losses of each begin around 30 and 35, respectively. Think about what you were doing. Were you consuming adequate protein? Doing high impact and high intensity resistance training? Were you prioritizing sleep? Or were you on weight loss diets one after the other, skipping meals or skimping on calories, or making poor choices? You may have been doing the best you knew then, or may have been ignoring best in search of short cuts to skinnier obsessions so many women have. You can support a young woman from making the same mistake. Her bones could be better thanks to you.
Other Episodes You Might Like:
What They Don’t Teach Women About Strength Training and should: https://www.flippingfifty.com/teach-women-about-strength-training/
How Does Strength Training Increase Your Metabolism?: https://www.flippingfifty.com/increase-your-metabolism/
Importance of Strength Training for the Midlife Woman: https://www.flippingfifty.com/strength-training-for-the-midlife-woman/
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5983157/#:~:text=Resistance exercise studies (8%20to,neural%20adaptations%20begin%20to%20plateau https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1866181/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10306117/#:~:text=Results,effects on muscle mass outcomes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30558493/#:~:text=Following a systematic search of,response; hypertrophy; resistance training. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2022.950949/full https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27163520 -
Just to be clear, this podcast is less about managing menopause in the physical sense of the term and more about what you might be telling yourself about it. If you are stuck in the messy middle, or you’re itching for a change, and perhaps just don’t know what that is, this is for you.
If you think life right now is hard or you are overwhelmed, I think this episode will be one you’ll find rather awesome in the real sense of the word.
We’ll dive into the mindset shifts and emotional resilience to navigate this phase, helping you embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.
“After surviving a triple devastation in losing the love of her life, her job, and her health all at once, Dr. Marjah Simon-Meinefeld began a 10+ year journey studying, reading and listening to everything she could on deliberately creating a new life.”
My Guest:
Marjah Simon is the visionary behind Author Writer’s Academy, where successful entrepreneurs, entertainers, and executives become authors effortlessly. With a rich background in law, military service, modeling, and business, Marjah is a seasoned attorney and international speaker.
Marjah's impressive portfolio includes not only 5 of her own books but creating 100+ published authors, making her a prolific coach, writer, and a dedicated mentor to aspiring writers. Join her at Author Writer’s Academy to share your amazing story with the world.
Questions We Answer in This Episode:
Say more about “deliberately creating a new life” for women managing menopause changes [00:09:40] Do you think hitting bottom is required to get to the top? [00:12:50] Discipline and drive would seem to be common denominators in your background and history, talk about intentional health decisions and actions daily [00:08:50]Connect with Marjah:
www.awa4Life.com
https://marjah360.com
On Social:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marjah.simon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWritersAcademyFB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marjahauthorcreator/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorwritersacademy/ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@marjahsimon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjahauthorcreatorOther Episodes You Might Like:
Ironman Dexter Yeats About Being 72, Unstoppable, and Unique: https://www.flippingfifty.com/ironman-dexter-yeats-72-unstoppable-unique/ Think You’re Too Old? Ageism Dismantled with Ashton Applewhite: https://www.flippingfifty.com/ageism-dismantled/ Starting Over Better Than Ever Over 50 https://www.flippingfifty.com/starting-over/Resources:
Marjah’s Amazon book ‘Next Life Next’ https://a.co/d/7IVEnaA
Stronger 12-week program: https://www.flippingfifty.com/getstronger
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Chances are if you tuned into this based on the title you’re not exactly where you want to be right now. Fat loss after 40 could be a challenge in spite of your best effort. Gaining lean muscle could feel like it’s slipping through your fingers.
To those regular listeners who are here no matter what, I thank you too, even if you’re not necessarily dealing with failed results, maybe you’re loving life right now! Someone you know may be and you can help them understand it is my hope from this episode.
Spoiler alert, I’m going to tell you the two most common endocrine-related reasons right up front. And, there’s more to the story. Because just knowing isn’t enough. One, most of us when we do know what to do have to overcome habit gravity and decades of dogma about the messages you’ve been given.
But for you listener, it’s possible that you have limiting beliefs acquired simply by living and being subject to the environment you were.
You may be listening and have always worked hard and believe hard and more is the answer.
Or… You may be under the impression, “girls don’t run” or lift, or fear injury from exercise.
Ironic, that we can have grown up in the same era but have such diverse beliefs but I’ve found working with women over 40 for 4 decades, there is definitely a wide continuum of belief about exercise success.
That… if you’re willing or open… can change. We all harbor some limiting beliefs. Once we recognize them we can still hold onto them.
Why Gaining Lean and Fat Loss After 40 are More ChallengingToo little anabolic hormone influence
Too much catabolic hormone influence
(by exercise, nutrition and lifestyle habits)
Questions We Answer in this Episode:
What are the biggest obstacles to fat loss after 40? [00:14:30] Why do we hear this and struggle to implement it? [00:17:20] How do you know which you might be doing? [00:25:40] How do you deal with prior injury and fear of reinjury? [00:29:40] What makes you more prone to struggle with fat loss after 40? [00:21:20]These alone are not the problem...
Anabolic hormones include:
Estrogen Testosterone Growth Hormone Insulin (to a small extent)Catabolic hormones include:
Cortisol InsulinLet’s look at the physiology of menopause.
Hormonal Shifts: Estrogen, testosterone, and growth hormone decrease related to your age and lifestyle habits than menopause alone. Collectively though those three hormones can make or break your progress. Insulin’s Role: While insulin helps regulate blood sugar, too much can lead to fat storage, especially if muscles and the liver can’t absorb it efficiently. Liver Health: A liver overloaded with toxins or processed foods may struggle to support metabolism and hormone function. Muscle: If you have little muscle and don’t move regularly, your body has limited capacity to store glycogen (which insulin uses to lower blood sugar) and is instead stored as fat. Cortisol and Stress: This stress hormone can break down muscle and increase fat storage. Prolonged exercise elevates cortisol, while short, intense workouts raise it temporarily but allow it to drop post-workout. Exercise Balance: Overdoing endurance activities might increase fat storage. Finding balance in your workouts is key. Strength Training: Essential for maintaining muscle mass and bone density, strength training should complement other activities like Pilates or yoga.Other Episodes You Might Like:
What They Don’t Teach Women About Strength Training and should: https://www.flippingfifty.com/teach-women-about-strength-training/ Muscle is an endocrine organ – Muscle is HRT for Women 40+: https://www.flippingfifty.com/hrt-for-women/ 21 Reasons Weight Training Should Be Mandatory Exercise After 50: https://www.flippingfifty.com/weight-training-should-be-mandatory/Resources:
STRONGER: https://www.flippingfifty.com/getstronger -
What is Glutathione and How Can it Support Menopause?
What is glutathione? Not to be confused with glutamine, it may be something you are less aware of and it certainly doesn’t make it into conversations where creatine and amino acids are. So is glutathione one of the cool kids you need to hang out with?
In 2019, glutathione became a regular in my refrigerator. I was in need of detoxing from mold exposure and using everything in my arsenal including charcoal, sauna, only pure filtered water, reducing food sensitivities in order to allow my body to heal. If you don’t quite know how to answer, what is glutathione, my guest today will clear it all up!
My Guest:
Dr. Gina Nick is a world-renowned Naturopathic Physician, Researcher, and Formulator based in Newport Beach, California. With a dedication to holistic wellness, she’s known for her expertise in treating autoimmune diseases, addiction recovery, anxiety, and more.
After graduating from medical school, she became the Director of Research for a leading supplement company. She also held the roles of Executive Healthcare Consultant and President Emeritus of the California Naturopathic Doctors Association. She is the Founder and Director of Healthbridge. Her practice was awarded “Top Medical Practice 2017,” a testament to her commitment to excellence. She’s licensed in both California and Hawaii and is excited to share her journey with you…
Questions We Answer in This Episode:
What is glutathione?[00:05:15] Why is sugar a problem?[00:24:00] How can Glutathione help women going through menopause or dealing with muscle, bone and brain health?[00:13:34] Glutathione was first on my radar during mold exposure in 2019… what’s its role in helping detox?[00:07:18] How does glutathione support inflammation?[00:13:05]Connect with Dr. Gina:
https://www.bestdailyever.comOn Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestdailyever and https://www.instagram.com/drginanick Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestdailyever and https://www.facebook.com/drginahealing Twitter: https://twitter.com/bestdailyever and https://twitter.com/drginanickOther Episodes You Might Like:
Detoxifying Your Body from the Damage of Diets in Menopause:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/damage-of-diets/
Is Mold the Reason for Your Weight Gain?
https://www.flippingfifty.com/your-weight-gain/
How chronic inflammation can interfere with your best life after 50!
https://www.flippingfifty.com/chronic-inflammation/
Resources:
Best Daily Ever Pixie Sticks: https://www.flippingfifty.com/pixiesticks Sauna: https://www.flippingfifty.com/sauna -
Training for adventure retreats, aka, bucket list experiences is so much more motivating and fun than routing strength training for bone density or lose belly fat. Some might focus on fitness goals, while others are drawn to living life to the fullest through challenging adventures. So who are you?
You don’t have to pick a side to decide if this episode is for you or not. Many, if not all, will experience heat in summer, some humidity, some altitude. This may happen during climate change where you live or when you travel..
In this episode, I will give you what it takes to prepare for adventure retreats, highlighting the importance of training for demanding experiences.
Key to success is trusting a coach with experience in similar adventures and coaching. Understanding the key elements of training and how to start. I’ll share with you some insider points for preparing retreat attendees for altitude in June in Colorado and in September at the Grand Canyon.
They bring unique challenges. Similar to the 8 Iron distance triathlons I’ve done, going from flatland to altitude or to sea level with heat and humidity from a cold dry climate. It’s all about understanding the stress you’ll be under, how to prepare for it muscularly, biomechanically, and biologically.
Questions We Answer in this Episode:
How to train for altitude at flat [00:13:30] How to train for heat or humidity in cool or dry climates [00:13:50] How to fuel for high intensity [00:23:30] What is high intensity [00:28:30]Other Episodes You Might Like:
TRAVELING ALONE AFTER 50 OR WITH FRIENDS? Safe vs Not Safe: https://www.flippingfifty.com/traveling-alone-after-50/ 78 Year Old Endurance Athlete Training for Triathlons: https://www.flippingfifty.com/endurance-athlete/ Take a Walk with a 57-year old Book Author | Just 1400 Miles: https://www.flippingfifty.com/take-a-walk/Resources:
Stronger: https://www.flippingfifty.com/getstronger Flipping 50 2025 Retreats: https://www.flippingfifty.com/product-category/coaching-programs/ -
The Real Reason for Migraines and Constipation in Menopause
Do you experience migraines and constipation in menopause? Did they begin with more frequency during perimenopause? Why does this happen? Are these common or is it just me?
Migraine and constipation can be symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. These may get in the way of our daily lives and even affect our mood and behavior. Today, ladies, let’s talk about why these happen, how we can prevent these issues and what to do when they hit. We’re going to talk about what is going on with our bodies during this time and discuss what are the effective ways to get relief. Tune in to get some helpful insights on how to avoid or cure migraines and constipation. Together, let’s heal and control our well-being during this phase of life!
My Guest:
Diane Ducarme is a master in migraine investigation, combining Eastern Medicine, Western science, and technology to uncover the root causes of migraines. With an MBA from Harvard, fluency in 7 languages, and dual studies in TCM, she focuses on the power of functional foods, adding rather than eliminating. Diane hosts the "Migraine Heroes" podcast and leads Nectar Health in pioneering migraine relief and wellness.
Questions We Answer in This Episode:
How do migraines, vertigo and dizziness evolve in perimenopause and menopause?[00:13:20] Why are women more constipated in perimenopause and menopause?[00:15:54] Does constipation relate to migraines in perimenopause and menopause?[00:28:01] What are the traps to not fall into when tackling constipation?[00:32:27] Can some migraine solutions exacerbate constipation?[00:22:39] What are quick fixes to address constipation and migraines in this stage of life?[00:16:37]Connect with Diane:
Website: https://www.mynectarhealth.com/ App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6446701680On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mynectarhealth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/migraineheroes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mynectarhealth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mynectarhealthOther Episodes You Might Like:
Identify the Reason for Your Headaches and Migraines: https://www.flippingfifty.com/headaches-and-migraines/ Midlife Gut Solutions from Bloat to Colitis and Crohn’s: https://www.flippingfifty.com/gut-solutions/Resources:
Taking the free online test: https://nectarhealth.typeform.com/migraine-test -
Things I Wish More Women Over 40 Knew About Exercise
This is what I wish more women over 40 knew about exercise and that it starts when women are teenagers. So, I’ll start there.
I’ve worked with women for 40 years in private sessions, partner sessions, group sessions, with both husbands and wives, and with 17-year-old volleyball players and 14-year-old golfers, with pregnant women, those who recently had breast implants and those who wanted to lose weight and were already a size two and those who needed to and were a size 20. I’ve done thousands of fitness tests and consultations and trained trainers and fitness instructors to do the same.
I have seen a big slice of what women, including fitness instructors and trainers, think about themselves, their bodies and exercise. I’ve seen exercise be a way to burn off cookies and earn dinner or not. I’ve seen exercise be addictive and despised.
What I wish more girls over 10 knew about exercise is that the women to aspire to be like were more like those represented at the Paris Olympics than the runways in New York. That fast and strong and fit and unapologetic about winning or wanting to is not something that stays with their younger years.
Things I Wish More Women Over 20 Knew About Exercise The confidence you want comes easier strong vs skinny. The window for most easily laying down bone density is still open: use it The secret to looking and feeling good and healthier babies someday is in the weight room. Get a smart scale and understand the value of knowing skeletal muscle, body fat percent together with weight. A 20-something woman who can do a pull up is more likely to be a 50-something woman who is aging like a badass.Things I Wish More Women Over 30 Knew About Exercise
Strength will help balance your hormones if you change your workouts with your monthly cycle Get a baseline bone density scan at least and a hormone level. Right now, you’re making your next 60 years better or worse Oh, and there is still time to get that pull up that your menopause self will thank you for.Things I Wish More Women Over 40 Knew About Exercise
There’s a chance of losing 27% of your muscle from early to late stages of perimenopause but isn’t inevitable if you’re resistance training and maintaining protein. Measure your success by your handgrip, your skeletal muscle mass, body composition and waist measurement, not simply by the scale. Walking and weight training together may be two of the most powerful components for supporting your hormone balance (and avoiding muscle loss, fat and specifically belly fat gains).Things I Wish More Women Over 50 Knew About Exercise
Strength and muscle losses can accelerate significantly during the menopause transition. That’s the last two years of perimenopause and first two post menopause. Prioritize strength training and recovery time and habits to help it. Bone density losses also accelerate from between 1-3% prior to 3-5 % during the 2-4 years that are the MT. Things I Wish More Women Over 60 Knew About Exercise Aging causes an accelerated loss of muscle and strength at 60 and a slowing of metabolism, if you don’t offset it with strength training (and protein). You don’t need to reduce intensity; you need to increase it. You may need more recovery time (between exercises, between sets, between high intensity life and workouts, and between workouts. If you haven’t added power, agility, dynamic balance, mobility training regularly to an existing strength training program, now is the time to start. You lose fast twitch muscle twice as fast with age as you do slow. So only moving slow in exercise is actually accelerating aging and increasing risk for falls compared to using fast twitch regularly. Resistance training is indeed everything that resists gravity but using external loads that require few repetitions with heavier weights to reach or get close to muscular fatigue is still most tied to bone density, metabolism, and strength. Overdoing exercise frequency will cause couch compensation that causes you to lose a critically important “total energy expenditure.” Underdoing exercise frequency or intensity costs you the boost in strength and metabolism and potentially bone density and total energy expenditure that you want for body composition, and reduction of health risks. You’re not too old for bHRT if you want to consider it. (Click here to know more about bHRT) Falls over 60 can be devastating. But most often they occur in women who don’t lift weights, don’t train power, agility/reaction skills. (50% of women over 60 who fall don’t walk again) You will tolerate volume better than your perimenopause self. So adding another HIIT day or another set of resistance exercise could be very beneficial and you’ll tolerate it.Things I wish more women over 70 knew about exercise
It’s not just muscle and bone or balance and avoiding falls, you also help your brain fire better and improve sleep. Just because you “don’t need to lose weight” doesn’t mean you don’t need to exercise. Blood sugar levels, mood, memory, will also improve. Your ability to stay in your home and drive a car and remain as independent as you like are directly related to your muscle strength.Things I wish more women over 80 knew about exercise
There’s still time. The research has been clear for more than 40 years, that even 90-somethings beginning to strength train, gain strength and benefit. You can start now even if you’ve never done it before. Risk of injury is still greater in those who don’t strength train compared to those who do. If women over 40 knew about exercise what I do, they’d know that until very recently there has been very little research done featuring them as subjects. They’d know it’s not great skincare, or staying out of the sun, or great sleep is the secret to looking and feeling younger and carrying confidence into every decade.Other Episodes You Might Like:
What They Don’t Teach Women About Strength Training and should: https://www.flippingfifty.com/teach-women-about-strength-training/ 21 Reasons Weight Training Should Be Mandatory Exercise After 50: https://www.flippingfifty.com/weight-training-should-be-mandatory/ 20 Reasons Strength Training Should Be Mandatory for Everyone Over 29: https://www.flippingfifty.com/strength-training/Resources:
Stronger: https://www.flippingfifty.com/getstronger -
Busting Menopause Myths
Estrogen causes breast cancer, gaining weight and belly fat which are inevitable… Today we are busting menopause myths just like this.
In this episode, I interview a pair of authors offering refreshing insight to midlife and beyond women who are often sheltered from all the health options available to them and misinformed, or incompletely informed.
Stay tuned to the end, if fat burning is something you want to know more about … and I know.. Trick question right? Kristin and Maria present the concept of fat burning and becoming fat adapted in a way that makes it easy to understand why what you’ve been trying to do may not be working for you .. at all.
So join us in this episode for the menopause myth busting intel in this book and what’s inside which goes far beyond the valuable practical tips you’ll get from it, and why it’s about time you had this book.
Busting Menopause Myths from HRT to SupplementsMy Guests:
Kristin Johnson, JD, BCHN FNTP is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner through the Nutritional Therapy Association, and is a “recovering corporate attorney.”
Maria Claps, FDN-P is a certified health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner.
Together, Kristin and Maria have developed a deep specialty in perimenopause and menopause health through clinical mentorships with multiple medical doctors and naturopaths specializing in hormone replacement therapy.
They completed advanced training in functional testing modalities which they use in their clinical practice educating and helping midlife women. They created a professional training program for other midlife women’s health practitioners.
Questions We Answer in This Episode:
What prompted you to write the book? [00:03:51] Let’s talk about the Priority … [00:04:26] What did you mean by Menopause Gold Rush? [00:09:45] You write about informed consent, what does that mean? [00:23:13] What is oxidative priority in regards to burning fat in menopause? [00:35:15]Was this episode on busting menopause myths helpful to you? If so, would you please share it with a friend or three?
Connect with Maria and Kristin:
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Menopause-Myth-Mastering-Uncomfortable/dp/0760388261/ref=rvi_d_sccl_1/139-8017262-8747407?content-id=amzn1.sym.f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&geniuslink=true&pd_rd_i=0760388261&pd_rd_r=fe302897-7298-465e-b45d-5c4166ffbbea&pd_rd_w=Nvra4&pd_rd_wg=NoZNj&pf_rd_p=f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_r=K2X5K9NCYC8WDAVX92PS&psc=1&tag=namespacebran417-20
https://wiseandwell.me/
On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wise_and_well_/Other Episodes You Might Like:
A Hormone Therapy Roadmap: What, When & Why: https://www.flippingfifty.com/hormone-therapy-roadmap/ What Women Need to Know about Hormone Replacement Therapy: https://www.flippingfifty.com/what-to-know-about-hrt/ 4 Menopause Myths that Persist: https://www.flippingfifty.com/4-menopause-myths/Resources:
Stronger: https://www.flippingfifty.com/getstronger 5 Day Flip: https://www.flippingfifty.com -
Measuring fitness in menopause is complicated. I’m going to take a stab at this and let you know that if you’re not measuring beyond your weight, body composition, inches, and muscle mass at regularly scheduled intervals, you’re doing a disservice.
We get all up in the business of burning calories (wrong goal), having it “feel hard” (sometimes the wrong goal), and forget to measure strength (did you see Olympians test grip strength??? Impressive!) and how well your training is actually helping your HEART.
Let’s go there.
Yes, you want to gain lean muscle. It immediately improves your body composition and takes stress from your heart and joints. It also boosts your metabolism, energy, and blood sugar balance, decreasing insulin resistance and your metabolic health improves.
But your heart fitness IS important.
Mistakes in Measuring Fitness in Menopause and Beyond.
You don’t want or need to know your pace or that you did a mile while you’re doing it. Why? It gives you a false impression of “good” “bad” and means zero. When you’re going uphill, you’re going to go slower. When you’re doing an interval workout you also won’t go as fast as when you’re simply walking a steady state (because to do an interval right you should be recovering completely and that means going slower than your steady pace).
Only if you personally are doing the exact same trail or route you’ve done and you’re trying to go as fast as you can, would that be important.
Not knowing what your heart rate being higher or lower than normal exertion heart rates mean you may interpret it incorrectly as “good” or “bad.”
Measuring Fitness in Menopause During Heart Rate Zone Training
Unless you’ve been tested … on the treadmill or bike by an experienced trainer who can monitor your stages and interpret results… the zones shown are based on “average.”
For adults over 40, age-related predictions underestimate where you should be. You’re then going to get a red flag when potentially you shouldn’t.
On an interval day, you’re not “working too hard” simply because your breathlessness exceeds some arbitrary heart rate not based on you. If it doesn’t feel like a fit, get tested. (more below)
But on a recovery day, you absolutely could be working too hard even if you “feel fine.”
All signs should be assessed, not just one.
How do I know this?
Less from 40 years of exercise physiology education (and 25 as an educator/master trainer of other trainers)…
And more from time training as a triathlete.
From day 1 that I decided I wanted to be (I was 20 working at a health club in the south my summers in college) to the point I actually did begin training (I thank 4-0 for making me take action), I was working with a science-geek coach who daylighted/moonlighted as an engineer at a university and a USAT coach to some pros as well as age-group weirdos like me who went to the country club pool… to swim laps, got up at 3am at USAG (golf) events with my son to run miles in the dark before his tee-time. You get the idea.
Had I not experienced the ability to test both in clinical settings (I did years of VO2 max testing on students every semester after having done it myself in undergrad and grad school) and more accessible predicted and associative zone testing that can be done using Heart Rate monitors and treadmill protocols to arrive at personal zones, I would have severely UNDER or OVER trained. My post here is to help you avoid doing that. And avoid what you THINK is ideal based on the “peer pressure” from social media that may be less supportive than it is distractive.
Measuring Fitness in Menopause (what we think)
Always working as hard as possible when exercising Completely relying on “feels like” for recovery status between sessions Getting heart rate high in a long endurance workout The more intervals the better Doing weightlifting and cardio intervals alternately It feels hard It makes me lose weightMeasuring Fitness in Menopause and beyond (What is Really Good)
Knowing how hard to push for 4 mins vs 30 seconds Knowing how to do a recovery day and keep heart rate low Not allowing heart rate to creep up during a recovery workout Using high intensity intervals on specific days Reaching muscle fatigue with a muscle-specific workout (followed by 48 hrs min recovery) Reaching breathlessness in interval training when you’re fresh for optimal speed, resistance or power (depending on the mode) Understanding bike, rowing, and swim heart rates will differ from on your feet but breathlessness doesn’t lieThe bottom line is this…
A good fitness program improves:
strength absolute skeletal muscle body composition (decreases body fat) energy levels throughout the day speed heart rate response at the same effort level (lower heart rate at same effort over time) heart rate recovery rate after exerciseSo, if you aren’t TESTING, before you start and periodically, let’s get that started right now, shall we?
[in our member’s area there is a self-test protocol that we’ll help you interpret if you share results]
Doing a more comprehensive test (like the one using stages of speed and or incline or both) to record heart rate response is the way to determine heart rate zones.
The following options won’t do that. But they will give you a way to gather information on how you’re doing now, compared to averages or not.
A Few Facts on Measuring Fitness in Menopause:
Heart rate on a bike will be about 10 beats lower than corresponding “work” on your feet (treadmill). So, if you test on a bike, you need to know “bike heart rates” vs “treadmill heart rates.”
Want to Test So You Can Measure Fitness in Menopause and Beyond ?
VO2 testing is uncomfortable. The last time I did it was December 2018. You don’t have to go to a university, but chances are if they have an exercise physiology lab or an extensive athletic program, you can test there. Other fitness and health pros also offer this, most often on a bike. But if that feels like too much or too expensive, you can establish a way to learn if your fitness is working.
If you have no access to protocol [our member’s area or an experienced coach who can do this] start here:
Keep it simple.
What is your resting heart rate? First thing in the morning. (average of 3 days)
What is your heart rate before this test?
Do a mile walk test. (For a more elaborate test that was originally published in 1987, see the Rockport Walking Test, see the resource below). Do it on a flat course that you can repeat exactly. Even though we all have the ability now to do a mile and know, it needs to be repeatable. Same start, same course. A track would be ideal. A treadmill is not.
When it’s a test you should be pushing it to find out what your fastest walk pace is. Without your feet leaving the ground (this is running), what is your mile walk time?
What’s your final heart rate?
Then how soon does your heart rate come back to the rate you were pre-test? Record that time.
Measuring Fitness in Menopause
Whether you do this simple test or you use the ROCKPORT test you begin to understand all of the components that measure true fitness. Skinny is not fit. Fat is not unfit. There are health complications with each for both now and later.
What you want, no matter your weight, is strong, and getting so will improve your heart too.
Now you have data at least to measure whether your fitness is improving.
And yes, there is a way to compare yourself to others, however, right now that’s not the point. The point is YOU. Is you now fitter than you last year? Is you in six months – let’s make a date to do this again by putting it on your calendar – more fit than now?
Look, life happens. A virus may happen, as I write, we just saw that again globally at the Olympics. Your smooth sailing life will have babies and funerals and interruptions. But from time to time check in and consider how it’s going for you.
And how refreshing to actually stop looking at weight and fat for just a second and look at your heart.
References:
https://www.verywellfit.com/rockport-fitness-walking-test-calculator-3952696
Kim K, Lee HY, Lee DY, Nam CW. Changes in cardiopulmonary function in normal adults after the Rockport 1 mile walking test: a preliminary study. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27(8):2559-61. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.2559
Note: the Rockport test suggests you can use a treadmill. I prefer the outdoors. The treadmill is doing a degree of the work for you moving that belt. However, if it’s the only safe option, do the pre and post test in the same way. Try not to hold on (this should be true always! And definitely don’t hold on and lean back!)
Other Episodes You Might Like:
What are Heart Rate Zones and How are They Helpful Over 50?https://www.flippingfifty.com/heart-rate-zones/ Muscle and Body Composition in Menopause: https://www.flippingfifty.com/muscle-and-body-composition-in-menopause/ 9 Ways to Measure Fat & Body Composition | Best & Worst: https://www.flippingfifty.com/measure-fat/Resources:
Want to comment? If you’re not in a program or our membership, join the Flipping50Insiders Facebook group where we’ll hear you! Stronger: https://www.flippingfifty.com/getstronger - Montre plus
