“What happens if I stop strength training?” That’s the audience question hosts Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher address in this new episode of Strength Changes Everything.

Join them to hear about the benefits and negative consequences of doing and stopping strength training, as well as a 2017 study that looked at how a group of people were affected by halting their 6-month strength training.

You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how strength training works and what will happen to your body and mind if you decide to suddenly stop doing it.

• Hosts Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher address a question from a listener: “What happens if I stop strength training?”.
• Dr. Fisher explains that our body will react to the demands that are imposed on it and that, when it comes to muscles, there’s a sort of “use it or lose it” dynamic.
• You can make a muscle-skill analogy: stopping practice will lead to you seeing a deficiency in that skill. The same applies to your muscles.
• The consequences of stopping strength training will depend on several factors, such as someone’s age and training history, their genetics, and how long it took to make those initial muscle adaptations.
• Ceasing strength training completely today could lead to loss of strength and muscle mass, loss of type-2 muscle fibers, loss of cardiorespiratory fitness, an increase in body fat, and body fat percentage.
• Metabolic changes, changes in sleep patterns, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease are additional issues that may arise as a result of an abrupt halt in strength training. 
• Dr. Fisher expects most people who are past their 40s or 50s to start to see the implications and effects of detraining within a 3 or 4-week period.
• Dr. Fisher shares a 2017 German study that looked at the impact of detraining, after having done strength training for several weeks, on a group of elderly people.
• After six months of strength training, those who stopped did lose strength and muscle size, but were still stronger and had more muscle mass than they did at their baseline level.
• The group of elderly people who decided to keep training on their own, after the six months of the initial supervised strength training, lost almost as much strength as the group that had chosen not to train at all.
• For Amy, the 2017 German study makes a case for “If you don’t have a great reason to stop, why should you stop?”.
• Amy lists the benefits of strength training, including improvement of your metabolic health, decreased inflammation, decreased disease risk, improved mood, and improved hormonal state.
• A quote to keep in mind: “You can have all the problems in the world, but if you don’t have your health, you have one problem.”
• Amy and Dr. Fisher explore the mental and cognitive aspects of strength training – and what may happen if you stop it.
• Dr. Fisher points out that people who go to the gym and engage in strength training on a regular basis have a sense of accomplishment in the task, rather than in the outcome itself.
• Amy invites us to be mindful of our brain: it’s always looking for excuses to sabotage the healthy habits that we intend, especially if they’re newer!
• Did you know that being weak is more detrimental to our health than being overweight? Dr. Fisher and Amy explore the “Fat but Fit” paradigm further.
• Dr. Fisher and Amy talk about the scenario in which someone picks up strength training for a month but then stops.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions!

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Dr. Jürgen Giessing

Dr. James Steele

Previous episode - Why Most People Fail in the Gym (and How Supervision With a Personal Trainer Can Help)

Previous episode - The 6 Essential Elements of an Effective Strength Training Program with Matt Brzycki

This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

Join hosts Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher for a quiz-style episode to see whether you’re smarter than the average gym goer! 14 questions based on recently-published scientific research will show you how much you know when it comes to your “gym science.”

Tune in to learn more about the recommended protein intake per meal, carbohydrate, the animal- vs plant-based discussion, and the effectiveness of low- and high-load training.

Plus, you’ll finally get to know whether you should opt for multiple-set or single-set resistance training and will hear some gym myths getting debunked live!

• In today’s episode, hosts Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher use a quiz-style format.
• The inspiration for today’s topic comes from the recently published paper Knowledge of Gym Goers on Myths and Truths in Resistance Training.
• The first question of the 14-question quiz addresses whether it’s true or false that protein supplementation augments hypertrophy – a simple increase in muscle size (no additional strength nor health benefits).
• Dr. Fisher touches upon the fact that more gym goers are becoming aware of the importance of protein within our diet.
• As we get older, our ability to absorb protein decreases. 
• 40g of protein per meal, as well as one protein-rich snack, is a good rule of thumb you can follow.
• In the second question of the quiz, Dr. Fisher and Amy focus on whether timing of protein intake influences hypertrophy.
• “Dosage and total volume during the day” and not “timing of protein intake” are the keywords when it comes to hypertrophy. 
• The third question revolves around whether animal protein affects hypertrophy more than plant protein.
• Dr. Fisher explains that, if you’re taking enough amino acids, it doesn’t matter whether you’re vegan, you’re vegetarian or a meat-eater…
• The next question looks at the potential impact creating has on strength.
• Do carbohydrates increase performance in resistance training? That’s what question #5 focuses on.
• According to scientific evidence, carbohydrate supplementation or carbohydrates don’t increase acute performance in resistance training workout.
• Amy and Dr. Fisher talk about the difference between perceived and actual performance.
• The role of magnesium in potentially preventing cramps is what the following question addresses.
• Next, the quiz takes a closer look at the potential impact resistance training has on reducing flexibility.
• When it comes to hypertrophy, is low-load resistance training as effective as high-load resistance training? That’s what question #8 is all about.
• While low-load resistance training is as effective as high-load one, you want to keep in mind the effort level that you train to. 
• The following quiz question looks at the effectiveness of low- and high-load training in the context of maximal strength.
• Dr. Fisher unpacks the concept of Asynchronous Muscle Fiber Recruitment – your brain’s ability to recruit all the relevant muscle fibers in one go (in one muscle action).
• The 10th question brings up something every gym goer has asked themselves at least once: what’s more effective, multiple-set or single-set resistance training?
• Is resistance training to muscle failure necessary for hypertrophy? That’s the scope of question #11.
• Muscle failure refers to the point where you cannot complete another set without changing your posture, your pace, and so on.
• Ever felt as if you were tired and one to end a workout? That’s called volitional fatigue.
• The next question is “Is resistance training over full range of motion superior to resistance training in a partial range of motion for hypertrophy?”
• Question #13 made Dr. Fisher feel amused and appalled all in one – it looks at who, between men and women, benefits more from resistance training.
• In case you’re wondering, no, men don’t benefit more from resistance training than women do..!
• The final quiz question is for all those who have always wondered whether free-weight resistance training is more effective than machine-based resistance training.
• If you got six (or more) answers correct, you are smarter than your average gym goer.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions!

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Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

Knowledge of Gym Goers on Myths and Truths in Resistance Training (Scientific Reports paper)

Previous episode - How to Lose Fat Without Muscle Loss: Science-Backed Solutions with Dr. Wayne Westcott

Previous episode - How to Strength Train Smarter By Controlling Your Range of Motion

This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher discuss the critical role of strength training before and after surgery—and why it can make all the difference in your recovery.

They cover how pre-surgery strength sets the stage for success, what to do (and what not to do) after an injury, and how training one side of your body can benefit the other. Tune in to learn why rest isn’t always the best advice, how to train smart during recovery, and what most people miss when preparing for surgery.

• Dr. Fisher starts by explaining the link between strength and surgery recovery.
• He shares how strong you go into surgery matters just as much as the surgery itself. If your legs are weak before that hip replacement, recovery will take longer. But if you go in strong, you'll have a smoother comeback.
• Dr. Fisher reveals why “just rest” after an injury isn’t always helpful and how resting completely might actually slow your healing.
• Amy and Dr. Fisher cover how training your good side can protect the injured one. There are tons of research that highlight how working your healthy arm or leg helps your injured side stay stronger while it heals. 
• How to stay strong even when half your body’s out of commission. You don’t need both sides to train. Work the one that’s not injured, and the other side will benefit too.
• Understand that your body knows how to balance itself up. Dr. Fisher explains that the body always wants to stay balanced. Even if you stop training one side, it will still send positive signals to the other. 
• Amy on why we should stop obsessing over little body imbalances. Perfect symmetry is a myth. There is a very high likelihood that your bones, muscles, and posture are not perfectly aligned or symmetric, and that’s okay. 
• Dr. Fisher explains why two sides can be equally strong but still feel different. Even if both arms lift the same, one might tire faster, be stronger, or be more technical. 
• Amy highlights how training before surgery gives you an edge. As long as your doctor clears it, training safely with a personal trainer can set you up for a faster, stronger recovery.
• Understand that post-surgery rest is temporary, not forever. For Dr. Fisher, you might need a week off after an injury or surgery. But after that, your goal should be to get back to training carefully as part of your healing journey.
• Dr. Fisher covers the best way to ease back into training after surgery.
• Amy and Dr. Fisher talk about the benefits of working with a personal trainer post surgery. Having someone guide you keeps your workouts safe, focused, and way less overwhelming.
• Amy reminds us that being injured doesn’t mean being stuck. You don’t have to sit on the sidelines. There’s still so much you can do if it’s done right.
• Amy and Dr. Fisher agree that strength training isn’t all-or-nothing. You don’t have to be at 100% to train. Working at 40% with intention is still as powerful.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions!

Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com

This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

Hosts Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher discuss all things stretching and muscle soreness with Dr. Dave Behm, author of The Science and Physiology of Flexibility and Stretching.

They cover the most common affliction, when it makes sense to stretch, and for how long you should stretch.

You’ll also hear expert insights on the correlation between stretching and strength, the different stretching approaches, and how they impact your sports performance, as well as a couple of fun facts you probably haven’t heard about…but that are backed by research!

• Today’s episode looks at all things muscle tightness, stiffness, and soreness, as well as the key role of stretching. 
• Hosts Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher are joined by muscle physiology researcher and The Science and Physiology of Flexibility and Stretching author Dr. Dave Behm.
• Dr. Behm explains that, unlike what many may believe, it’s not just elderly people who should stretch – but everyone, since we start to lose flexibility by the age of five.
• In the Western world, low back pain is the most common affliction.
• The main cause for your lower back muscles becoming too stiff? Sitting for long periods of time…
• Dr. Behm provides a breakdown of the impact that being seated for too long has on your body (including the different areas it affects).
• Amy introduces muscle knots into the conversation, and Dr. Behm addresses the difference between muscle knots and general tightness.
• Dr. Behm touches upon the role of collagen, while Dr. Fisher shares his surprise that the hip flexors and pectoral muscles are not the most common pain Dr. Behm mentioned.
• Did you know that, at times, neck pain or headaches can be caused by your hamstrings being too stiff? That’s where the “meridian chain” comes into play.
• Research on so-called “global effects” or “non-local effects” show that stretching your shoulders makes your hamstrings more flexible, and vice versa – stretching your hamstrings makes your shoulders more flexible.
• Have an injury to your right hamstring? Don’t just be sitting around; stretching your left hamstring will help!
• The Cross Education Effect is the process in which, by training one side (e.g., your right arm), the other side (e.g., your left arm) gets stronger too. This has been known since the 1890s.
• Dr. Fisher and Dr. Behm touch upon foam rolling and a study that looked at the impact of doing a similar type of movement.
• A study carried out by Dr. Behm showed that it’s possible to get stronger by stretching on a regular basis and for several days a week (for a minimum of 15 minutes a day).
• There are differences between stretching during a pre-game warm-up routine and stretching to get a semi-permanent increase in range of motion.
• Dr. Fisher shares that the Exercise Coach now offers 20 or 40 minutes of coach-assisted stretching on top of the 20 minutes of strength training.
• Doing slightly too much stretching during your warm-up routine can impact your game or performance by 3-5%... but it can dramatically decrease the chances of you getting injured.
• Remember: stretching doesn’t prevent all-cause injuries, but it can result in a reduction in muscle and tendon injuries, especially with explosive-type activities.
• An additional benefit of stretching is the fact that, by doing it on a regular basis, you tend to get stronger at longer muscle lengths (the so-called force-length relationship).
• Amy talks about a piece of exerbotics equipment called The Crossfire and what it helps clients with.
• Numerous studies by Tony Kay have shown that doing eccentric resistance training has a very positive effect on range of motion as well.
• Dr. Behm discusses a current article he’s writing that focuses on the effect of stretching on relaxation.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions!

Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com

Dr. Dave Behm

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Dr. Behm’s TEDx Talk: Stretching the Way We Think About Athletes

The Science and Physiology of Flexibility and Stretching by Dr. Dave Behm

Edward Wheeler Scripture 

Jonathon Fowles 

Prof. Tony Kay 

This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher discuss the importance of range of motion in strength training and how it impacts performance, injury prevention, and long-term joint health. They cover why strength varies throughout a movement, the dangers of locking out your joints, and the myths about extreme ranges of motion. Tune in to hear expert insights on training smarter, maximizing muscle engagement, and protecting your body for the long run.

• Dr. Fisher starts by defining range of motion and why it’s important for strength training.
• He explains that range of motion isn’t just about flexibility or stretching. It’s about how far and in what direction you can move a joint or muscle, which directly impacts strength, performance, and injury prevention.
• Dr. Fisher explains how strength varies throughout a movement and why it matters.
• Muscles aren’t equally strong at all points in a movement. They are weaker in the fully-lengthened and fully-shortened positions, but much stronger in the middle. Understanding this helps you train smarter and avoid injury.
• Amy highlights the strength curve and why you’re stronger in some positions more than others.
• How to avoid injury by understanding weak points in your range of motion.
• According to Dr. Fisher, every movement has points where your muscles are naturally weaker. Loading too much weight in these positions increases the risk of strain or injury.
• Dr. Fisher on the most important habit for protecting your joints--never lock them out during lifts. When you fully extend your joints under load, you shift stress from your muscles to your bones and ligaments. Keeping a slight bend in your knees and elbows ensures that your muscles, not your joints, handle the weight.
• Amy explains how keeping muscles loaded every second of an exercise maximizes gains. 
• Understand that pausing or locking out during a lift gives your muscles a break and shifts the load away from them. Keeping tension on the muscle throughout the movement ensures continuous engagement, leading to better strength and muscle development.
• Dr. Fisher explains how rushing through reps reduces their effectiveness. Moving in a slow, controlled manner keeps the muscles engaged and working harder, leading to better strength and endurance over time.
• According to Dr. Fisher, younger people may get away with using extreme ranges of motion, but over time, this can wear down joints and connective tissues. Training with a more controlled range of motion helps maintain joint health for the long run.
• Amy explains how going too far back in a lift weakens tendons and ligaments. When you move too far into a stretch during a lift, you stop effectively working the targeted muscle and instead place excessive stress on tendons and ligaments. This weakens them over time and increases the risk of injury.
• Many people assume soreness means a workout was effective, but that’s not necessarily true. Soreness can indicate muscle fatigue or even joint stress, so it’s not the best way to measure progress.
• Amy and Dr. Fisher agree that a well-designed workout should challenge your muscles, not leave you in pain for days. Your personal trainer’s role is to design a program that helps you get stronger while keeping your joints safe and your body functional.
• Amy and Dr. Fisher discuss how training with joint health in mind ensures you stay strong, mobile, and pain-free as you get older.
• Dr. Fisher debunks the myth that you need extreme motion to build muscle.
• Some bodybuilders and personal trainers believe that using a larger range of motion leads to more muscle growth, but research shows that safer, controlled ranges are just as effective. You don’t need extreme movement to see results. The key is maintaining proper muscle tension and control.
• Dr. Fisher’s top tip for rehab and preventing muscle loss. If you’re recovering from an injury, immobilizing the joint completely can lead to muscle loss. Even small muscle contractions help maintain strength and promote healing.
• Amy’s advice for gym-goers and fitness trainers: When working out, make sure your movement stays within a safe and effective range. 
• Proper guidance helps prevent injury and ensures that your muscles—not your joints—are doing the work.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions!

Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com

Joint-Friendly Fitness: Your Guide to the Optimal Exercise by Bill DeSimone

This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher explore the difference between type one and type two muscle fibers—why they matter, how they function, and how to train them effectively. They discuss why neglecting type two fibers can lead to rapid muscle loss and how simple strength exercises can make a huge difference in keeping you strong, mobile, and functional for life.

Join us to hear ways a sedentary lifestyle weakens type two muscle fibers and how small changes in your workouts can have a huge impact on your long-term health.

• What are type one and type two muscle fibers, and why does it matter? Dr. Fisher explains that type one fibers are built for endurance, while type two fibers generate explosive power—think marathon runners versus sprinters or powerlifters.
• Dr. Fisher dives deeper into why we shouldn’t think of our bodies as purely type one or type two. While genetics play a role, the way we train determines how these fibers develop and function over time.
• The Size Principle explains how our bodies recruit muscle fibers based on demand.
• If we only perform light movements, we activate type one fibers, but if we never lift heavy, we neglect type two—leading to faster muscle decline as we age.
• Amy asks whether someone could go decades only recruiting type one fibers. Dr. Fisher says this is a common issue, especially for sedentary individuals like office workers who don’t challenge their muscles regularly.
• According to Amy, the problem with neglecting type two muscle fibers is that they’re the ones that decline the fastest with age.
• If we spend our 30s, 40s, and beyond avoiding high-effort exercise, we’ll lose strength rapidly, making everyday tasks harder over time.
• Amy points out that as we age, our exercise approach has to evolve. What worked in our 20s might not be enough to maintain type two muscle fibers in our 40s, 50s, and beyond.
• So how do we train type two fibers? Dr. Fisher emphasizes that you don’t need to lift extremely heavy weights. The key is engaging in strength training with sufficient intensity to activate those fibers.
• Having a personal trainer overseeing your workouts can go a long way in ensuring you’re training with sufficient enough intensity.
• For Amy, the difference between recruiting type one and type two fibers comes down to duration and intensity.
• For older adults who haven’t exercised in years, strength training is a game-changer.
• Dr. Fisher explains that if the choice is between walking for 20 minutes or strength training for 10 minutes, the latter offers significantly more benefits for health and longevity.
• Resistance is your ally—when applied safely and at the right intensity, it triggers type two muscle fibers and helps us maintain strength as we age.
• Amy and Dr. Fisher agree that maintaining muscle is about more than just fitness—it’s about preserving independence and quality of life.
• Dr. Fisher introduces the concept of concentric and eccentric muscle actions, explaining how both play a role in muscle development. The eccentric phase—where the muscle lengthens under tension—may be particularly effective for type two fiber recruitment.
• He highlights the benefits of exerbotic devices, like those used in The Exercise Coach, which provide more resistance during the eccentric phase.
• Amy talks about the future of fitness, and how embracing resistance training—especially with innovative tools—will be key to staying strong and functional for life.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions!

Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com

This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher dive deep into the science of supervised workouts, sharing research on the benefits of guided workouts. They explore the key differences between supervised and unsupervised training, why many people struggle to train effectively on their own, and how coaching impacts technique, effort, safety, and motivation.

Tune in to hear why men and women respond differently to coaching, ways technology is changing the way we work out, and why a trainer might be the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed.

• Amy and Dr. Fisher start by explaining the difference between supervised and unsupervised training.
• What is a supervised workout? Dr. Fisher defines it as training with real-time feedback from a qualified professional to enhance technique, effort, and safety.
• Dr. Fisher explains why most strength training studies don’t reflect real-world results.
• He reveals that most studies are supervised, testing whether training works under ideal conditions, not whether people can sustain them in daily life.
• Amy highlights the overwhelming evidence supporting strength training. Unfortunately, many people avoid it due to its perceived complexity and difficulty.
• Amy reveals the key reason most people struggle to get started with strength training: uncertainty—people walk into the gym unsure of what to do, which leads to frustration or avoidance.
• Dr. Fisher covers supervised vs. unsupervised training--and why coaching makes a huge difference.
• How supervised strength training consistently leads to better results in technique, effort, safety, and adherence.
• What makes personal training invaluable?
  • Effort: Pushing beyond your comfort zone. Trainers help clients train at the right intensity, ensuring they work hard enough to see real results.
  • Motivation: Having a coach boosts engagement, making training feel less like a chore and more like a rewarding experience.
  • Safety: Dr. Fisher emphasizes that people who train alone are far more likely to get injured compared to those with professional supervision.
  • Accountability: Working with a trainer creates external accountability, making it far more likely that people show up and stay consistent.
  • Smart programming: Coaches tailor workout plans to evolve over time, adjusting intensity, resistance, and exercise selection for steady improvement.
  • Technique: A coach ensures correct form, preventing injuries and maximizing the effectiveness of each exercise.
• How technology is transforming strength training. Dr. Fisher and Amy discuss the role of exerbotic machines and augmented feedback in optimizing workouts and improving results.
• Learn why different clients need different coaching approaches. Amy explains that beginners need more focus on technique, while advanced clients benefit from coaching on effort, mindset, and fine-tuning their performance.
• Dr. Fisher explains that while positive feedback is key, research shows that well-timed negative feedback—urging someone to push harder—can drive significant progress.
• The trainer-client relationship is more than just fitness. Dr. Fisher reveals that many people compare their relationship with a trainer to that of a doctor or dentist, highlighting the trust and accountability involved.
• Men vs. women: How supervision affects training differently. Dr. Fisher discusses a study showing that men feel more confident maintaining high effort and safety, while women tend to benefit more from supervision.
• Why female clients push harder with a coach. Amy highlights that women often maximize their effort in strength training when working under professional guidance.
• If you struggle to give your best effort in workouts, Amy encourages you to check out The Exercise Coach and work with a trainer for faster, better results.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions!

Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com

This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher tackle one of the biggest frustrations in fitness—plateaus. They break down why plateaus happen, the role of recovery, nutrition, and mindset, and how to adjust your training to keep moving forward. Tune in to hear why slow progress is better than doing nothing at all, the importance of balancing effort with rest, and practical strategies to help you train smarter and stay consistent even if you’re not seeing any progress.

• Amy and Dr. Fisher start by exploring factors that influence our workout performance.
• What is a plateau? According to Dr. Fisher, a plateau isn’t a dead end—it just means progress is happening in ways you can’t see.
• Dr. Fisher on workout performance: Your workouts aren’t just about what you do in the gym—everything from sleep to stress to hydration plays a role.
• If you’re running on fumes, skipping meals, or not drinking enough water, your body won’t have what it needs to perform at its best.
• According to Amy, what you eat before a workout can make or break your session. A heavy meal leaves you sluggish, cutting carbs completely drains your energy, and too little protein slows down recovery. The better you fuel your body, the better it performs.
• Dr. Fisher on recovery: Muscles grow and get stronger during rest, not during your workout.
• Dr. Fisher breaks down the bitter truth about recovery: You might think you’ve bounced back from a tough workout, but recovery isn’t just about soreness going away. Your hormones, muscles, and energy systems all need time to reset.
• Amy on overtraining--It’s easy to think that pushing through fatigue will get you better results, but your muscles need time to repair after intense workouts—if you don’t give them that time, you’re only making it harder for your body to perform at its best.
• Understand that recovery is personal--some people bounce back in a day, others take longer.
• Dr. Fisher shares his thoughts on hydration. Even being slightly dehydrated can make your workout feel harder than it should.
• Amy and Dr. Fisher talk about exercise mindsets.
• Some days, you walk into a workout ready to go. Other days, your mind resists it and everything feels harder. The trick is to show up anyway—once you start moving, your body usually catches up.
• The key to long-term progress in strength training is making workouts sustainable so you can keep benefiting from them for life. A good personal trainer will emphasize building habits that last, not just quick results.
• For Amy, not every workout will be your best, and that’s okay. Even on an off day, you’re still doing more for your body than if you skipped it entirely.
• Dr. Fisher on chasing numbers. If you’re obsessing over one bad workout or a lower number on the bar, you’re missing the bigger picture.
• Dr. Fisher talks about process vs. outcome: Chasing a specific number can be frustrating. Focus on the process—consistent training, good nutrition, proper rest—and the results will take care of themselves.
• Amy and Dr. Fisher discuss how and why plateaus happen.
• No matter how well you train, you will hit a plateau at some point. Accepting it as part of the process makes it easier to push through.
• Why do plateaus happen? No one fully understands why they occur, but they happen in every form of training. Your body adapts to stress, and sometimes it needs a little extra challenge or rest before making the next leap forward.
• The relationship between strength and life span.
• Understand that strength training isn’t just about fitness—it’s about maintaining the ability to move freely and do the things you love for as long as possible.
• Dr. Fisher breaks down the myostatin factor and why your body naturally limits muscle growth.
• For Amy, even if you hit a plateau, you’re still miles ahead of where you’d be if you weren’t training at all.
• Dr. Fisher on sustainability: Strength training isn’t about complicated programs or extreme effort like most personal trainers want you to believe. It’s about what you can stick with for life.
• The reality of plateaus: Whether you’re lifting, running, or training for any sport, plateaus are inevitable. But they’re not a sign to quit—they’re a sign to adjust, stay consistent, and trust that progress is still happening.

Mentioned in This Episode:

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This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher talk with Lauren Colenso-Semple about the science of female muscle physiology and how hormonal fluctuations impact strength training.

They explore the misconceptions around women’s hormones, the underrepresentation of women in research, and whether training recommendations should differ between men and women. Lauren breaks down the truth about menstrual cycles, menopause, and testosterone, explaining why cycle-based training plans are misleading and how women can train effectively at any stage of life.

• Lauren Colenso-Semple is a scientist and science communicator who specializes in female muscle physiology. Her extensive research is primarily focused on how hormonal fluctuations—whether from the menstrual cycle or hormonal contraceptives—affect performance and exercise adaptations.
• Lauren explains the key hormonal factors at play, how they change throughout a woman’s life, and why these differences matter in strength training.
• The truth about menopause and muscle health—Menopause is just a moment in time, marking the last menstrual cycle after 12 months of no period.
• Lauren breaks down the historical misconceptions around hormones and strength training, revealing how outdated beliefs have shaped fitness advice for women—and why it’s time to rethink them.
• How much does testosterone matter for muscle growth? While it's essential for initial muscle development during puberty, Lauren reveals it’s not the sole determinant of how much muscle a woman can gain through strength training.
• Why are women underrepresented in strength training research?
• According to Lauren, researchers have historically avoided studying female athletes due to the complexity of tracking hormonal cycles, leading to a lack of high-quality data.
• Lauren and Dr. Fisher uncover why men are naturally better at gaining muscle than women.
• Should training recommendations for women be different from men’s? Lauren argues that to truly understand sex-based differences in training, we need better research methods that account for women’s physiology without overcomplicating programming.
• Lauren reveals that the menstrual cycle isn’t always 28 days—and that’s normal.
• Despite the common textbook diagram, cycle lengths can vary between 21 and 37 days, and hormone patterns are rarely identical from month to month.
• Amy and Lauren explore whether women should avoid strength training during certain cycle phases.
• Research shows no significant differences in muscle-building potential across the cycle, meaning women don’t need to skip or modify workouts based on hormone fluctuations alone.
• Some personal trainers still tell women to avoid strength training at certain times, but Lauren warns that this kind of advice disrupts consistency, misleads clients, and isn’t backed by science.
• Lauren explains how trying to match workouts to hormonal phases adds unnecessary complexity and ignores fundamental principles of progression and consistency. Strength training should be done consistently throughout the cycle, with no need for major adjustments unless personal symptoms—such as fatigue or cramps—warrant modifications.
• Lauren and Dr. Fisher caution against overcomplicating strength training, pointing out that fitness trainers often do this to sell programs rather than to help women train effectively.
• Why strength training is critical as you age—After your 30s, muscle mass and strength naturally decline, but lifting weights can slow or even reverse this process, keeping you strong and independent.
• One of the most powerful benefits of strength training is its ability to reshape not just your body but also your confidence, longevity, and overall health.
• Lauren shares stories of women who struggled with fitness for years, jumping from cardio to group classes to online programs—until they found strength training and finally saw lasting results.
• The empowering effect of getting stronger.
• Amy and Lauren discuss strength training during pregnancy. They share how, with proper guidance, lifting weights can be safe and beneficial for both mom and baby, helping with strength, mobility, and postpartum recovery.
• Why male coaches need to engage in this conversation—Dr. Fisher stresses that understanding female physiology isn’t optional for trainers, and even a basic knowledge of hormone cycles can help them coach women more effectively.
• Dr. Fisher’s message to personal trainers and coaches: cycles are a big part of a woman's life and a big part of a woman's training. The least you can do is understand how to train them during these phases.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions!

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This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher break down the latest research on exercise and longevity, focusing on the newly published Global Consensus on Optimal Exercise Recommendations for Enhancing Healthy Longevity in Older Adults.

They explore why resistance training is essential for healthy aging, preserving muscle mass, bone density, and overall function. Tune in to hear about the role of strength training in disease prevention, how to adapt your exercise habits as you age, and how professionals like personal trainers and physiotherapists can play a bigger role in public health.

• Dr. Fisher begins by explaining what the authors of the paper mean by "global consensus."
• Looking at the list of contributors, it becomes clear that this is a collective agreement among some of the most respected academics in the fields of exercise science, longevity, and health.
• Amy and Dr. Fisher discuss the connection between longevity and quality of life. They agree that longevity isn’t just about extending lifespan—it’s about maintaining a high quality of life as we age.
• Living longer is only meaningful if we can remain independent, active, and free from debilitating medical conditions.
• Dr. Fisher covers the exercise modalities discussed in the paper, placing a strong emphasis on resistance training.
• While other modalities like aerobic exercise, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and balance training are beneficial, resistance training is singled out as the most effective for combating age-related muscle loss and maintaining overall functional capacity.
• Amy shares how our exercise needs evolve throughout different stages of life.
• Why exercise is an amazing defense against illness. Dr. Fisher highlights how regular physical activity not only improves strength and mobility but also plays a crucial role in preventing illness.
• By engaging in resistance training, individuals can reduce their risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
• Amy emphasizes that one of the best gifts we can give ourselves is strength.
• Amy and Dr. Fisher agree that strength training should be performed under the guidance of a qualified personal trainer to ensure exercises are done correctly, minimizing the risk of injury while maximizing effectiveness.
• Dr. Fisher covers the medical conditions positively impacted by resistance training.
• While we are living longer than ever, cognitive decline remains a major concern. Strength training has been shown to have significant benefits for brain health, including reducing the risk of dementia and improving cognitive function.
• Dr. Fisher clarifies that strength training isn’t just about lifting heavy weights—it’s about engaging muscles against resistance in a controlled way.
• Even individuals who are hospitalized or living in residential care facilities can participate in some form of resistance training to maintain their strength.
• Dr. Fisher shares a striking quote from the paper: “No medications currently enhance fitness, functional capacity, or alleviate frailty. Thus, physical exercise remains the most effective therapeutic intervention for disease prevention and management as well as maintaining functional abilities.”
• Why individuals should prioritize resistance training over cardiovascular training.
• Dr. Fisher makes the case that while cardiovascular exercise is beneficial, resistance training should take priority, especially as we age.
• By prioritizing strength training early on, Amy believes individuals can build resilience so that when illness or injury occurs, they are already in a better position to recover quickly.
• How to make exercise the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. For Dr. Fisher, engaging in regular physical exercise creates a ripple effect of healthy habits.
• Amy reinforces a simple but powerful truth: we cannot improve our health by doing nothing. Every meaningful change requires action, and exercise is no exception.
• Amy and Dr. Fisher reveal how The Exercise Coach promotes a well-rounded approach to fitness, health, and strength.
• The overarching goal of the paper is to promote physical activity in all adults, with a particular emphasis on older populations. Regardless of age or current fitness level, engaging in regular exercise leads to an improved quality of life.
• Dr. Fisher highlights an important point: if more people adopted exercise as a health intervention before they needed medical care, it could significantly reduce the strain on healthcare systems like the National Health Service.
• The role of fitness and personal trainers in improving public health.
• Dr. Fisher highlights how fitness professionals, physiotherapists, and gym owners can have a more prominent role in society, as they are the ones actively working to prevent disease through exercise.
• Finally, the paper emphasizes the importance of evidence-based exercise programs that are tailored to the needs of different populations, particularly older adults.
• Amy shares the Exercise Coach’s approach of using scientifically-backed training methods, ensuring that individuals receive safe, effective, and accessible fitness solutions.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions!

StrengthChangesEverything.com

This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.