The Flipping 50 Show

Which is the best workout routine for you right now – total body or split routine in menopause? This episode unpacks a recent study by Brad Schoenfeld comparing results from total body or split routine in menopause.  The study did not actually address menopause. But if we know we are capable of making the same relative strength gains as males, then I’m considering this study as still relevant for us to consider in menopause.    How the study was done: Untrained males, no resistance training in the previous 6 months. Exercise consists of 16 sets per muscle group per week per both groups    Total Body Routine Trained each muscle group 4 per week (MTThF)  4 sets each: bench press cable triceps pushdown shoulder press seated row biceps curl squat  leg curl.   Split Routine Session A Mondays & Thursdays 8 sets each: bench press inclined bench press cable triceps pushdown triceps kickback shoulder press  front dumbbell raise.  Session B Tuesdays & Fridays 8 sets each: seated row lat pulldown biceps curl hammer curl squat  Leg curl.  Study Conclusion Training Volume for Strength Strength gains derived from frequency manipulation are driven by the increase in training volume. When constant, increased frequency does not seem to provide additional benefits. However, most studies suggest a resistance training frequency of 3 or fewer days per muscle group per week. A schedule of 4 days per week provides no additional strength gains relative to 2 days per week. Ideal or excessive training volume can be unique to each individual. Time The biggest challenge for most humans is Time. Disrupted or irregular schedules (MTTHF) can happen. Rest & Recovery Ideally 1-2 minutes rest between sets. Recommended 48 hours minimum to recover between use of same muscle groups.  Muscle mass and hypertrophy could be built by either, but fat loss may benefit more from total body routine - based on greater muscle protein stimulus and EPOC.    A Quick Overview on Total Body or Split Routine in Menopause Total Body Workouts Pros: More flexible with schedule. Easier to fit in and stay consistent with—especially helpful if life gets unpredictable. Higher metabolic boost. One study showed 8x more metabolic benefit from total body training than split routines. Efficient muscle protein synthesis. Stimulates multiple muscle groups at once, increasing post-exercise recovery benefits. Better for fat loss. However, recently Brad Schoenfeld showed that as long as volume is equal they can provide the same results.  Cons: Challenging to manage volume. Hard to include enough exercises for each muscle group within one session. Fatigue if overdone. Doing total body workouts too frequently (e.g., 4x/week) without proper rest can backfire. Not always optimal for specialization. Doesn’t allow focused work on one muscle group (e.g., building glutes or shoulders).   Split Routine: Pros: Allows for more focused volume per muscle group. Easier to do 2+ exercises per muscle group and more sets—important in post-menopause. Can be energizing per session. Training just the upper or lower body can feel lighter and more focused. Useful for variety and advanced training. Great for incorporating more complex splits and periodization. Cons: Harder to stay consistent. If you miss a day, it’s harder to make up and can throw off the weekly balance. Time-dependent. Requires more days per week and more planning—can be a challenge for busy midlife women. May lack full recovery. Without intentional spacing (e.g., Monday/Thursday vs. back-to-back days), results can suffer. Not ideal if energy is low. During menopause, fatigue can make it harder to consistently do split routines.   Total Volume if equal can both produce results in Total Body or Split Routine in Menopause   Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Autoimmune Disease in Menopause and Changing Treatment Status Quo Next Episode - Women's Wellness Adventure Travel After 50 More Like This - Cortisol and Exercise in Menopause   Resources:  Get your lean, clean Flipping 50 Protein Powders to maintain muscle and support metabolism. Book a Discovery Call with Debra to talk about your own menopause or becoming a coach.  

Why is autoimmune disease in menopause becoming more prevalent? And why are college-age patients a growing autoimmune demographic?  In your 60s, when the world is thinking of retirement, would you ever consider being a founder of a new business instead of spending days on the golf course or traveling?  Answers to the increase in autoimmune disease in menopause and more in this special episode I think you may find both alarming and fascinating; both a shot of reality and hope.    My Guest: Dr. Bonnie Feldman, 69, Co-founder and Chief Patient Officer of Rheumission, is an entrepreneur, health practitioner, researcher, financial analyst, digital health advisor and autoimmune patient and advocate.  Since 2010, Dr. Feldman integrates digital tech, virtual-first care, and lifestyle interventions with conventional care to improve outcomes for autoimmune patients. She spent the past decade raising awareness of the underserved and growing autoimmune market opportunity for private investment. Her experience as an autoimmune patient have fueled Bonnie’s passion for prevention, earlier diagnosis and improved care for all autoimmune patients.   Questions We Answer in This Episode: [00:04:50] Tell me about your own journey - why become a startup founder at an age (now 69) that most people are already in retirement? [00:09:16] What are autoimmune diseases? [00:13:18] What do people not understand about autoimmune disease? [00:18:21] Why do you say that autoimmune disease is a women's health crisis? [00:22:39] What is fundamentally wrong and needs to change in the way autoimmune patients are treated and diagnosed? What are doing to change this? [00:24:42] What is biologics? What are the negative side effects of biologics?  [00:33:04] What is the legacy you hope to leave (for your 10 grandchildren)?   Know if You May Have Autoimmune Disease in Menopause   What is Autoimmune Disease? Old Definition When the immune system attacks itself. 100 different kinds e.g. multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, all sort of colitis and Crohn's New Definition Now includes the inflammatory spectrum and autism spectrum   Autoimmune Disease Is a Women’s Health Crisis 80% of autoimmune patients are women, around 40 million people Hormones influence during puberty, pregnancy, menopause Late-onset autoimmune diagnoses are on the rise. The biggest growth is in young adult women who are college age.   Treatment for an Autoimmune Disease Patient Conventional Medicine The patient sees different kinds of specialized doctors that do not necessarily talk to each other (e.g. dermatologists, rheumatologists, etc.) Rheumission A Care Team is provided under one virtual roof with access to the patient digitally 24/7 if needed. This includes lifestyle medicine physician, an autoimmune psychologist, an autoimmune dietitian, an exercise program, and a care coordinator. Uses lifestyle medicine as the first lever of defense like diet, sleep, psychological, etc. Medicines are used in the lowest dose when needed.   Connect with Dr. Bonnie: Dr. Sharon’s Website - Rheumission Facebook - rheumission Instagram - @rheumissionhlth YouTube - @rheumission   Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Supplements I Take in Menopause Next Episode - What’s Best Total Body or Split Routine in Menopause More Like This - How to Have and Still Thrive with Autoimmunity in Menopause   Resources: GYROTONIC® Feldenkrais Gait Therapy Pelvic Floor Therapy Short & Easy Exercise videos in this 5 Day Flip Challenge. Don’t know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra.  

If you’ve wondered what supplements I take and why I take these supplements in menopause, this episode if you backstage pass inside my pantry! I'm talking through everything I'm using for energy, muscle, metabolism, and aging optimally — and why.  This isn’t about hormone therapy; this is about all the “extras” that make a powerful difference in daily vitality, sleep, and workouts. Know the WHY I take these supplements in menopause.   Magnesium  ~300 enzyme actions in body many of them related to metabolism  Stress depletes magnesium Responsible for all the enzyme actions in your body Bone (requires it or will leach calcium from bone)  Headaches / migraines  Quality sleep Irregular bowel movement Unmotivated to move Types: Citrate - irregular bowel movement Glycinate - muscle cramps, headaches (in the morning) L-Threonate - cognitive function When: at night with dinner, split doses for Glycinate Dosage: sprays and baths 200-400 mg, depends on condition and stress (exercise, emotional, etc)   Vitamin D3 Directly related to muscle, particularly fast twitch muscle & metabolism Dosage: 60-80 IU, depends on test results   Omega 3 Fatty Acids Reduce inflammation  Muscle (or reduced joint inflammation to eliminate obstacles for using muscle)  Healthy joints Dosage: 1000 mg, combination of EPA and DHA 2-3 times per day if exercising or high stress   Vitamin B-12 (or B complex)  Thyroid function  Stress depletes B12   Essential Amino Acids Maintain lean muscle mass (low protein intake when travelling) Dosage: capsule When: at night   Creatine Muscle Brain Bone Dosage: 5 mg per day Types: Monohydrate - affordable and with more research Hydrochloride (HCL) - better absorption and faster recovery   Why I Take These (Additional) Supplements in Menopause    Digestive Enzymes  10-20% of the stomach acid at 70, we had at 20 Lack the enzymes to breakdown food: we lack the nutritious food we think we’ve eaten  You might be low on Digestive Enzymes if you experience:  Lack the enzymes to break down food. Lack of nutritious food we think we’ve eaten. Chronic stress (and standing, computer surfing, scrolling while eating)   Betaine HCL  Higher stress levels = difficulty breaking down proteins into absorbable nutrients 10-20% less stomach acid at 70 than at 20 You might be low on Betaine HCL if you experience heart burn, acid reflux, burping, and bloating.   Maca Root  Energy and stamina without the crash Mental clarity and focus Hormonal balance Adrenal function for stress Perimenopause: improves fertility and menstrual regulation Menopause: reduce hot flashes and night sweats   Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Stress Isn’t All Bad? Use Stress to Thrive Next Episode - Autoimmune Disease in Menopause and Changing Treatment Status Quo More Like This - How Much Magnesium – The Missing Link to Total Health More Like This - Everything You Didn’t Know About Your Menopause Gut Health (and Need to)   Resources:  Get your lean, clean Flipping 50 Protein Powders to maintain muscle and support metabolism. Biohack your health with Body Health’s Perfect Amino Powder. Step into your power with SHEatine™ Powder Creatine Trifecta for Powerful Aging.

No, stress isn’t all bad.  “Stress” is generally seen as negative and harmful.  How can you use stress to thrive and live longer? In this episode, learn how to create good stress for bursts of happiness and live longer. Our guest will tell us more on The Stress Paradox and share the 5 key good stressors to use stress to thrive. Understand it here, stress isn’t all bad.   My Guest: Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist, MD, is an award-winning physician, healthcare leader, and visionary researcher renowned for a science-based approach to applying lifestyle as medicine. She has helped lead clinical trials, including the Emory Healthy Aging Study and the NIH funded Emory Healthy Brain Study. Dr. Bergquist has contributed to over 200 news segments, including Good Morning America, CNN, ABC News, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR. She hosts The Whole Health Cure podcast and her popular Ted-Ed video on how stress affects the body has been viewed over six million times.    Questions We Answer in This Episode: [00:07:51] How can new science challenge the traditional understanding of stress as harmful? [00:11:04] Why is stress important for our health? [00:12:55] How do stressors work to prevent or manage such conditions like common chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes? [00:15:43] Many people may feel overwhelmed by chronic stress. How can they begin incorporating mild to moderate "good" stress into their lives without feeling more burdened? [00:22:34] What are the five key stressors?. How should someone choose the right type and dosage of these stressors for their individual needs? [00:33:47] In your book, The Stress Paradox, you describe how hormetic stress can lower a person’s biological age. How does good stress play a role in this?   The Surprising Science Behind Why Stress Isn’t All Bad The Stress Paradox was released March 25 2025. Find it anywhere books are sold.   Your Body With Stress Our bodies are designed for brief intermittent stressors, followed by recovery. It's in recovery that we're reconfiguring our mind and body to handle future stress and better.   What is “Good Stress”? Goldilocks Zone: Mild to moderate everyday stressors. You’re just a little bit outside your comfort zone but not overwhelmed. Over time, you are building adaptations that are making you more resilient. You learn how to recover from repeat stressors, and can increase your human potential 60% to 90%.   Function of Cellular Stress Responses (The Four R’s) Resist oxidative and inflammatory damage Recycle damaged components through autophagy Recharge mitochondria Repair protein and DNA   The Five Key Stressors Plant toxins Exercise Heat and cold exposure Circadian fasting Psychological challenges Connect with Dr. Sharon: Dr Sharon’s Website Facebook - The Good Stress Doctor Instagram - @thegoodstressdoctor X -  @TheGoodStressDr TikTok - @thegoodstressdoctor   Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Save Your Knees and Shoulders Without Surgery Next Episode - Supplements I Take in Menopause More Like This - How to Use Stress as a Tool for Hormone Balance   Resources: Join the Hot, Not Bothered! Challenge to learn why timing matters and why what works for others is not working for you. Short & Easy Exercise videos in this 5 Day Flip Challenge. Don’t know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra.

Save your knees and shoulders from the little discomfort doing usual activities or some swelling and inflammation. If you aren’t sure whether you need physical therapy, you should get a referral, just need a massage or to lay off for a few days, this is your episode.  I’m no stranger to physical therapy, but I am a foreigner in seeking support for any issues I’ve got. Mine have all come from some acute trauma or injury. I knew it and the answer was obvious, maybe for you too — to save your knees and shoulders without surgery!   My Guest: Dr. David Middaugh is a specialist physical therapist who helps people avoid unnecessary surgery while getting back to being healthy, active, and mobile. He coaches people online and has a clinic where people are treated in person. His contrarian treatment approaches are focused on addressing the root cause of problems like arthritis and tendon tears so that people have the most control over their health. Questions We Answer in This Episode: [00:10:58] What makes you different from other physical therapists? [00:14:12] Is it actually possible to heal osteoarthritis without surgery? [00:20:28] What is unique about how you help people with knee pain? [00:37:30] What about people with shoulder pain?   What is Manual Physical Therapy? Hands-on body work to manipulate the soft tissues like your muscles, tendons, ligaments tend to be pretty good at moving the joints. Fixing the root problem of knee and shoulder pain issues through movement. Focused on fascia techniques and fascia related treatments.   What Really Works to Save Your Knees and Shoulders?   Knees What to work on? Glutes. If you have weakness in the glutes, that’s when the quads get over dominant. The Science: Quads have been overused causing knee arthritis or meniscus tear. What to do? Do your exercises primarily with your glutes. Your hamstrings and quads will still work – they just need to work secondary. Can you figure out how to make your glutes contract apart from your thigh muscles? It's more gaining mental control over your muscles. Stop walking. Turn on your glutes first.   Shoulders  What to work on? Upper traps (trapezius). If you have weak traps, there is more stress and tension holding the weight of the arm, shoulders and maybe chest.. The Science: Rotator Cuff tears are one of the biggest problems because of weak upper traps. What to do? Shrug every time you reach up to use your traps. This preserves your ball and socket joint. If you don’t shrug, the socket faces outwards and compresses tissues.   Connect with Dr. David: Get the Manual Therapy for a 50% discount for a one-time purchase OR the first payment on membership Link: http://flippingfifty.com/manualtherapy Code: FLIPPING50 Instagram - @elpasomanualpt YouTube - @epmanualphysicaltherapy   Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Clean Eating, Fasting and Eating Disorders in Menopause Next Episode - Stress Isn’t All Bad? Use Stress to Thrive More Like This - Overdoing Exercise in Menopause: The Struggle to Scale Back Resources: Join the Hot, Not Bothered! Challenge to learn why timing matters and why what works for others is not working for you. Short & Easy Exercise videos in this 5 Day Flip Challenge. Don’t know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra.

This episode may be for you even if you never identified with eating disorders in menopause or at any age. Eat clean? Read labels twice? Following “rules” about food yet find it backfiring on you?  One could shift from wanting to “eat clean” to turning into orthorexia, influenced by social media, intermittent fasting and use of Smart Scales. Do you think you have an eating disorder in menopause, or maybe a loved one? Tune in to this episode!   My Guest: Amy Goldsmith, RDN, LDN, is the founder of Kindred Nutrition & Kinetics, a private practice that provides evidence-based medical nutrition therapy in Sports Nutrition and Eating Disorders/Disordered Eating. With over 25 years of experience in Sports Nutrition and Eating Disorder expertise, Amy is an expert in understanding the human body's biochemistry and works collaboratively with each client's performance and clinical care team to help them reach their health and wellness goals.   Questions We Answer in This Episode: [00:13:50] What is orthorexia? [00:07:26] Menopause brings hormonal swings, how often do you see menopausal patients experience an eating disorder for the first time? Or is it mostly women who have a history of disordered eating? [00:09:25] Does the overload of “wellness experts” in social media create confusion and fear of foods we need, particularly for women in midlife? How do you help them find the real truth about what to eat? [00:35:53] How easy is it to slip from “I just want to eat healthy” into orthorexia? What are the red flags when healthy eating turns into an unhealthy obsession? [00:19:07] Where do you begin working with someone who is ready so that it is non-threatening and non-judgmental?   From Wellness to Obsession: Are You Facing Eating Disorders in Menopause?   What is Orthorexia? Obsession with “clean” or restricted eating. Can also be the illusion of control and safety from disordered eating behaviors. Red flags: compulsive food thoughts, social withdrawal, avoidance. Average recovery time: 7 years but change begins with addressing small, meaningful issues.   Things to look out for: Social Media Fuels body comparison, diet fads, and misinformed health behaviors. Intermittent Fasting Dangers of fasting: sarcopenia or muscle loss, disordered behavior. May be harmful, especially in active midlife women prioritizing muscle preservation. Smart Scale and Body Composition Fixation on scale weight despite fitness improvements like muscle gain and inch loss. Pro: tracking lean mass. Con: can trigger obsession or shame.   Key Takeaways Eating issues in midlife are common – due to stress, hormones, and unresolved issues from earlier life. Orthorexia is an obsessive focus on healthy or clean eating that can be dangerous and restrictive. Early intervention is key – it only takes two weeks of obsession to begin disordered patterns. Not all RDs are the same – find one trained in eating disorders for effective help.   Connect with Amy: Amy’s Website - Kindred Nutrition Facebook - Kindred Nutrition Instagram - @amygoldsmithrd    Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Cortisol and Exercise in Menopause Next Episode - Save Your Knees and Shoulders Without Surgery More Like This - How Emotional Eating Can Be the Hidden Reason for Weight Gain Resources: Join Flipping 50 Menopause Fitness Specialist® to become a coach! Join the Flipping50 Insiders Facebook Group and connect with Debra and the community. Flip the switch on your midlife metabolism with the Metabolism Makeover 2.0.

Discover the complex relationship between cortisol and exercise for women navigating menopause. Learn how cortisol regulation can impact your energy levels, metabolism, and even sleep patterns. Get insights on adrenal fatigue and how chronic stress can keep you feeling exhausted. The podcast offers practical solutions, from adjusting workout routines to embracing restorative practices. Plus, explore the role of adaptogens in achieving hormonal balance and maintaining vitality during this transitional phase.

How would you like a midlife women’s makeover?  What do you need to look good in order to feel good? Discover how a midlife women’s makeover can boost your confidence — from the outside when you actually put on makeup. My Guest: With over 30 years in the beauty industry, Jennifer Kyser is passionate about helping women--especially in midlife, look and feel radiant. Known for her work in TV, print, fashion, and an occasional movie, she blends expert techniques with heart, empowering women to embrace their beauty, reclaim their power, and shine from the inside out. Questions We Answer in This Episode: [00:01:04] What inspired you to a successful career in beauty for over 30 years? [00:08:53] What are some of the most common struggles you see women facing in midlife? [00:05:42] How has your background in beauty shaped your approach to helping women feel confident from the inside out? [00:20:56] The title of your summit is “Radiating Confidence. Reclaiming Your Power.” What does it mean? What experience are you hoping attendees walk away with after participating? [00:25:17] What inspired you to create a virtual summit specifically for midlife women now?    Make-Up’s Fashion to Function Make-up not only makes one beautiful, but also adds confidence, empowerment, and comfort. Confidence is the real glow-up. The goal is to feel radiant and empowered, not to look like someone else. With women over 50, less is more. Makeup for mature skin is about illumination, not coverage.   Connect with Jennifer: The Midlife Women's Makeover Summit - Radiate Confidence, Reclaim Your Power, Feel Amazing with Jennifer KyserJoin the summit on the 27th of May 2025! Facebook - Jennifer Kyser Instagram - @JenniferKyserMakeupArtist   Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - How to Bounce Back Boldly After You Blew Your Diet Next Episode - Cortisol and Exercise in Menopause More Like This - True Core Confidence: Revolutionizing Pelvic Floor Fitness After 40   Resources: Join Flipping 50 Menopause Fitness Specialist® to become a coach! Join the Flipping50 Insiders Facebook Group and connect with Debra and the community.

Where’s the next step after you blew your diet? If you've done that before you know, it’s a hard spot.  Are you feeling frustrated after blowing your diet again? It's time to Bounce Back Boldly and stop the shame spiral!  In this episode, we’ll uncover the science behind why we overeat and how you can regain control. Know the powerful strategies to turn things around. Let’s dive into how you can bounce back with confidence and ease—because it's never too late to Bounce Back Boldly!   My Guest: Connie Bennett is a former sugar and carbs-addicted journalist and author of the bestselling books, Sugar Shock! and Beyond Sugar Shock. Her new book, I Blew My Diet! Now What?, was inspired when Connie frenetically overloaded on carb garbage (carbage).  After hitting rock bottom and packed on 21 pounds, Connie put on her journalist hat and dove into the research to discover why people eat badly and what fast, easy, science-based tactics they can use to Bounce Back Boldly™ as she puts it. Connie is a certified health coach, life coach, and tapping practitioner, and founder of the Bounce Back Bootcamp.   Questions We Answer in This Episode: [00:04:58] How did you get into helping people who overeat or ate badly? [00:11:43] What are the Big Four Binge Triggers? [00:16:50] What are three other reasons people overload on junk foods? [00:22:01] What surprised you the most while you were researching and writing the book, I Blew My Diet! Now What? [00:30:55] What is the What-the-Hell Attitude? [00:34:08] What is GoalPowerPlus? [00:27:03] What is the Hum-Hug-Rock Relief Process? After you blew your diet, there is a next step. And another and another.  What Should You Do After You Blew Your Diet   The Big 4 Binger Triggers: Heartbreak Bingeing – After losing a loved one. Relationship-based Bingeing – Includes divorce, bickering, or even contentment bingeing. Trauma-driven Bingeing – From past or recent trauma. Caregiving Bingeing – Resulting from caregiver stress. Know all 21 reasons why people blow their diets in Connie’s I Blew My Diet Book.   What is the “What the Hell” Attitude?When you’re at that moment of temptation to binge eating.   Techniques to Stop Binge Eating: EFT Tapping or Emotional Freedom Technique TappingGoing into the acupuncture points acknowledging the craving and going back to “I totally love, accept and approve myself.” Hug-Hum-Rock Relief TechniqueA technique designed to soothe and reduce urges in triggering moments, using hugging, humming and rocking. Goal Power Plus vs. Will Power If you run out of will power, find the moral strength and the desire to shift focus to your goals. Get in touch and tune in to your goals that will bring you through and get strength. Goals like feeling better, more energy, and joy become motivators.   Connect with Connie: Connie’s I Blew My Diet BookLink: flippingfifty.com/blewmydietgifts  Instagram - @conniebennettauthor X - @smarthabitsgirl Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Exercise and Hot Flashes and Other Menopause Symptoms Next Episode - Solving Sleep Issues with CBD and Other Perimenopause Symptom Solutions More Like This - Detoxifying Your Body from the Damage of Diets in Menopause Resources: Don’t know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra.  Join the Flipping50 Insiders Facebook Group and connect with Debra and the community. Short & Easy Exercise videos in this 5 Day Flip Challenge.

Even if you don’t have hot flashes, stay with me on this because this episode is on exercise and hot flashes. We’re going to dissect the science and eradicate “science says” as a cry for validity by influencers.  Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. I’ll talk about the relationship between exercise and hot flashes along with other menopause symptoms like muscle loss or fat increase.   In previous podcast episodes and books, I’ve shared researcher comments about whether exercise could mitigate menopause symptoms. The answer, “Yes, provided it’s intense enough.”    The Science A 2024 study on 72 pre, peri and postmenopausal women, published in the Menopause Journal of The Menopause Society, looked at the impact of minutes spent in 3 exercise intensities and body composition on total menopause symptoms (TMS).  More symptoms were associated with higher body fat. Intense physical exercise improves % body composition and may reduce TMS, beneficial for perimenopausal women.  An article published by the American College of Sports Medicine, looked at protein turnover changes, muscle size, quality and strength during menopause. All seemed to decline.    What we don’t know [Dr Stuart Phillips’ response to Mary Claire Haver’s Instagram post regarding estrogen’s impact on muscle] is the cause for these changes.   Is there evidence for causation between decline of estrogen and decrease in muscle mass, which some women experience:  Insomnia  Poor mood, depression or anxiety Lack of motivation (serotonin receptors) A time crunch in midlife  Comfort or emotional eating  Repeatedly, women will say, “I haven’t changed a thing, but my results have changed.” That would be true if you didn't change what it was you were doing. If your hormones have changed, we have to change the exercise.   Another 2024 study in Menopause Journal showed both moderate intensity and resistance training exercise will decrease hot flash occurrence in some women, especially in women with depression.  High Intensity - more impact on body composition and positive impact on hot flashes Moderate Intensity - decreased hot flash occurrence   Exercise and Hot Flashes, Estrogen and Muscle Whether we’re talking about exercise and hot flashes or estrogen and muscle loss, so many variables could be at play, even if the science is a randomized double-blind study with a large enough subject pool. If hormones have changed, we have to change the exercise (including nutrition and sleep habits) or it’s not going to work.  If medications become important, then we have to look at micronutrients because they’re depleted by each prescription or OTC med. If you don’t absorb micronutrients you don’t have optimal muscle or strength building blocks.    Social Media The type of studies that influencers share matters. Whether they’ve shared a review of literature, a double-blind randomized control study, or a narrative or know what that means What is the interpretation that helps you make decisions on changes you may want to consider or that reinforces what you are doing? The only real thing an influencer is sharing unless they share the science with you is, “what works for me” and you’re left to guess… is that really what happens behind the scenes?    But before I share that, I think we know this:  Both are on a worthy mission… To improve the knowledge we have about muscle, bone and aging and the impact on them of daily and weekly habits  To acknowledge menopause has historically impacted women’s health.   What can you do with the information? Make the best choices on exercise prescription, dietary choices, lifestyle habits to offset what is impacted by hormonal changes Make the best choices with their time and energy for women with hormonal changes to get the optimal health habits. Provide clarity about the exercise prescription that is most advantageous and then customize it for women based on their fitness status, health history, and stage of menopause  Train an army of Menopause Fitness Specialist® in every fitness club, health center, university and behind every online program.    Become a Coach on Exercise and Hot Flashes for Women in Midlife If you are interested in becoming a Flipping 50 Menopause Fitness Specialist® and tired of guessing for yourself, your clients and watching a lot of bro science applied to women without ever considering…  We’ve never asked questions about pelvic floor health in intake forms in the fitness industry. We’ve never considered from ovulation to luteal phase, a change in nutrition and exercise might serve a woman in reducing injury and getting better results. We’ve never suggested a woman test her muscle mass at 25 and bone at 30 when she’s peaking to compare later.   Do you want to know how to create a comprehensive exercise prescription that supports, not worsens:  Insomnia Pre-diabetes and insulin resistance Low libido  Low bone mass  Body and (specifically) belly fat Exercise  Hot flashes/night sweats   More than 7 other key changes in exercise prescription that help a woman arrive at menopause, thrive through menopause, and enhance her longevity – reach out to me right now. We’re opening the enrollment for the Flipping50 Menopause Specialist®. This is an amazing opportunity to join the program. Not only get the knowledge you need, but the business growth coaching so you aren’t a wise broke trainer or coach like so many of your peers.  The number of trainers increased from 250,000 to 750,000 in the last decade. The number of health coaches has grown from zero to thousands in a few short years.  Yet, few of those are making a profit, let alone a living.  They’re building websites, apps, social media…  they are failing. But you don’t have to.  If you start from the beginning, skip the guessing with the copycat Chatgpt copy. You don’t have to have a MBA in marketing or sales but you need to have a formula and blueprint to follow to build a business that starts successfully and is sustainable.    References on Exercise and Hot Flashes:  Moore SR, Cabre HE, Smith-Ryan AE. Body composition, physical activity, and menopause symptoms: how do they relate? Menopause. 2024 Apr 1;31(4):336-341. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002334. Epub 2024 Mar 5. PMID: 38442308. Witkowski S, Evard R, Rickson JJ, White Q, Sievert LL. Physical activity and exercise for hot flashes: trigger or treatment? Menopause. 2023 Feb 1;30(2):218-224. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002107. Epub 2022 Nov 7. PMID: 36696647; PMCID: PMC9886316.   Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - How and Why to Consider Meditation in Menopause Next Episode - How to Bounce Back Boldly After You Blew Your Diet More Like This - Caffeine, Hot Flashes, and Fat Burning During Menopause   Resources:  Join Flipping 50 Menopause Fitness Specialist® to become a coach! Book a Discovery Call with Debra to talk about your own menopause or becoming a coach.