The Healthy Living Blog

Forget toning. It’s time to start training for muscle—and here’s why it matters more now than ever.

There’s a narrative women have been sold for decades:
✨ “Get leaner, not bulkier.”
✨ “Tighten and tone.”
✨ “Stay small.”

But once we enter peri-menopause and post-menopause, those goals stop serving us.

In fact, trying to shrink ourselves—by eating less, doing more cardio, and avoiding strength training—can make everything we’re trying to fix even worse.

Let’s get one thing straight:
Muscle isn’t a vanity goal. It’s your metabolic engine, your strength, your stability, and your future independence.
And if you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, building it should be one of your top priorities.

🧠 What’s happening to your muscle in menopause?

According to Dr. Stacy Sims, once estrogen starts declining, several critical shifts occur:

1. Your body becomes less anabolic
This means it’s harder to build and maintain lean muscle—even if you're training the way you used to. Estrogen helps stimulate ...

Over the years, I’ve worked with many clients who initially sought my help to lose weight. Surprisingly, though, the main reason most of them stick with their exercise routines isn't for weight loss but for the incredible mood and mental health benefits.

The Science Behind Exercise and Mental Health

While cardio is often praised for lifting spirits, strength training is equally, if not more, powerful in boosting your mood and mental well-being. Research shows that strength training can help with:

• Reduced Anxiety: Regular strength training helps lower anxiety levels, promoting a sense of calm.
• Lower Depression: Strength training has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression.
• Sharper Thinking: Engaging in strength workouts can enhance cognitive function.
• Better Memory: Strength training supports improved memory retention.
• Increased Energy: It helps combat chronic fatigue, leading to more sustained energy throughout the day.
• Improved Sleep: Regular strength training contribute
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