Dr. Tony Boutagy, PhD in Exercise and Sports Science, joins me for a myth-busting conversation about the surge of influencer claims surrounding peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women’s strength training.

Tony brings clarity, scientific context, and decades of applied expertise to help cut through misinformation and fear-driven content targeted at women in midlife.

He breaks down:

• Debunking the claim that Zone 2 cardio isn’t as effective for women as it is for men

• Debunking the claim that women shouldn’t ever train fasted

• Debunking the claim that women have a short “anabolic window” for post-workout nutrition

• Debunking the claim that women should only strength train in sets of 3–5 reps

• How influencers misuse rodent data to make unsupported claims about women’s training

• Why the claim that there’s “no research on women” is false

• How entire brands get built around misleading or exaggerated ideas

• How self-selection bias influences women’s training preferences

• Whether training should change for women seeking improved bone health

• And much more

CHAPTERS

01:02 Debunking Myths: Zone Two Cardio for Women

06:18 Sponsorship Message: Macros First

07:30 Fasted Training: Myths and Realities

18:56 Debunking Myths: Anabolic Window for Women

26:37 Training Recommendations: Heavy Lifting for Women

30:01 Effective Rep Ranges for Different Exercises

30:50 Practical Implications of Coaching

31:24 Science vs. Online Advice

33:31 Evaluating Credibility in Health Advice

34:42 The Role of Conferences in Scientific Claims

36:46 Challenges in Public Perception of Science

46:44 Misconceptions in Female Training

50:58 Training for Bone Health in Aging

56:04 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

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