If you are working hard but still not seeing the results you want, this episode is for you.

Here is a wake-up call. Around 40 percent of women over 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime, and hip fractures can be devastating. Your best defense is strong bones, and the most powerful way to build them is strength training.

I see plenty of women eating well and lifting weights, yet their DEXA scans still show muscle loss. Not ideal. In this episode, you will discover the surprising shifts that happen in your 40s and 50s, why your workouts and nutrition might be working against you, the biggest mistakes midlife women make, and a sneak peek into my next lab master class, Stronger Every Week.

When I was younger, I rolled my eyes at the idea that menopause made fitness harder. Cringe. But here is the truth: as estrogen drops, inflammation rises. This is not just about hot flashes or a slower metabolism. It is about a fundamental shift in your biology. Regardless of the diagnosis, inflammation is often the common enemy, and strength training is one of the most powerful tools we have to calm it down.

The first reason you are not seeing results: too much exercise at too high an intensity. Women over 40 often need less all-out work than they think. Too much high-intensity exercise can lead to unstable blood sugar and rising cortisol, which can lead to cravings and energy crashes. And when you are not fueling properly, your body will break down muscle to power your workouts instead of building it. The best intensity comes from two places: heavy reps inside strength sets and short bursts of cardio intervals followed by real recovery.

Reason two: missing progressive overload. Muscle is your secret weapon for a firm body, better metabolism, more energy, and sustainable fat loss. One pound of muscle burns three times more calories than one pound of fat, and the metabolic benefits go far beyond that. Start tracking your effort along with reps and weight so you can see your strength increase month by month.

Finally, reason three: chasing the number on the scale. True success is about increasing lean muscle, not lowering body weight. Get a DEXA scan for body composition or try an in-body scan, then use progress photos every two weeks to stay on track.

Changing your body is not easy. It is not supposed to be. That is how our bodies protect us. But after thirty years of coaching, I can tell you the underdog often wins. Even if you think you are too far gone or you have never been lean and athletic, you can turn it around.

I hope you enjoyed this episode! 

You can get FREE access to my 4-week Strength Without Stress program right now! This program will help you reduce the systemic inflammation that’s caused by overly intense or lengthy workouts. It’ll help you build and maintain valuable lean muscle without the fatigue from other programs

To get free access to Strength Without Stress, post a Review wherever you’re listening. Grab a screenshot of your review before you post it and upload at: https://www.hollyperkins.com/review

This is a limited-time offer before it sells for $197–grab it while you can for lifetime access.

Topics covered

• (09:51) Inflammation is the root of all evil
• (16:06) You’re doing too much of the wrong stuff and seeing no results 
• (20:45) When you destabilize blood sugar, you drive up cortisol 
• (21:23) If you’re not fuelling correctly, your body fuels from muscle 
• (24:20) Get free access to my program, Strength Without Stress
• (32:02) Stop using your bathroom scale as a success metric!
• (36:39) How to track your body composition 

Resources Mentioned

• Research on resistance training for improving bone density in menopausal women
• Transcripts can be found on the official blog page for this episode at hollyperkins.com/blog

Follow Me:

Find me on Instagram: @hollyperkins

Learn more on my website: hollyperkins.com

Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/HollyPerkinsFitness

Disclaimer: Content and information as part of The Holly Perkins Health Podcast is for general interest, education, and entertainment purposes only. The use of information on this podcast or materials or products linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

We all want to feel tight and lean, right? If you have ever wondered what it really takes to get lean and stay that way, this episode is for you. I walk you through 5 habits that will help you shift the way you see your body and body fat. You will learn what to focus on instead of fat loss, the kind of nutrition that supports a lean body, the most important upgrade in your workouts, and my favorite anchor meal.

I share the story of my friend who has incredible DEXA scans, great body composition, and crushes it at the gym. She looks like the picture of health, but even she found it tough to lose a bit more fat. It is not just about effort. It is about mindset. We have been taught to see body fat as a problem, and that can mess with how we approach fitness. 

At the end of the day, we are all chasing a feeling. That feeling is usually feeling good. And let me tell you, it feels amazing to feel good in your own body.

Here’s the thing: focusing on fat loss alone doesn’t work. When you only focus on losing weight, you often end up using strategies that break down your muscles. That is not what we want. Instead, shift your focus to performance. Start to think like an athlete. You will see that as your muscle grows, fat comes off more easily. Get into the habit of tracking your workouts and increasing the intensity. When your fitness goes up, fat tends to come off naturally.

Next up is the habit of worrying about what other people think. This is a big one. It is totally normal to care, but other people’s opinions should not control your choices. You might feel like you are being too rigid or making things awkward when it comes to food, but that is just your old programming talking. Your choices are your own. They are not hurting anyone, and they are not anyone else’s business. You do not need to explain yourself or argue. Just let the comments roll off your back. That is what freedom feels like.

Now let’s get into food. Did you know it’s really easy to eat more calories than your body needs, and that exercise does not burn nearly as many calories as people think? Fitness trackers often exaggerate calories burned, so take those with a grain of salt. Remember, your workouts are not meant to cancel out last night’s dinner. They are meant to improve your body so you naturally burn more throughout the day.

Start paying attention to your food, especially your protein. Track what you eat once in a while to get clear on your numbers. This is not about restriction or guilt. It is about awareness. Try different protein sources and remember that what works for someone else might not feel great for you.

Which brings me to breakfast. A balanced breakfast sets the tone for the day. Each morning try to get a mix of about half your calories from carbs, a quarter from protein, and a quarter from fat. Yes, carbs belong at breakfast. All three macros matter and your body needs them to function well.

And finally, the most important training habit is progression. If you want to change your body, you need to increase the weight you lift. For women over forty, this is especially important. Increasing your strength month by month builds the kind of muscle that sticks around and gives your metabolism a serious lift.

If all of this feels confusing, it’s probably because you are getting too many mixed messages from the internet. The truth is actually simple. Build muscle with strength training, and get your nutrition right. That is the recipe for getting and staying lean.

And if you are still feeling lost, go back and listen to earlier episodes! You already have what it takes to become everything you want to be.

I hope you enjoyed this episode! 

You can get FREE access to my 4-week Strength Without Stress program right now! This program will help you reduce the systemic inflammation that’s caused by overly intense or lengthy workouts. It’ll help you build and maintain valuable lean muscle without the fatigue from other programs

To get free access to Strength Without Stress, post a Review wherever you’re listening. Grab a screenshot of your review before you post it and upload at: https://www.hollyperkins.com/review

This is a limited-time offer before it sells for $197–grab it while you can for lifetime access.

Topics covered

• (02:55) Stop approaching health from a “loss” perspective 
• (13:47) Don’t focus on losing fat, but becoming an athlete, and watch the fat melt off
• (15:55) Learn to not let other people’s opinions impact your health journey and watch your leanest self ever emerge
• (24:05) Get your nutrition right by dialing in protein and calories
• (31:49) Eat a 50/25/25 split at breakfast and watch your energy levels and workouts TRANSFORM
• (34:19) Focus on progressive weight loads in your strength training to maximize your workouts 

Resources Mentioned

• Research about the International Society of Sports’ stance on nutrition
• Transcripts can be found on the official blog page for this episode at hollyperkins.com/blog

Follow Me:

Find me on Instagram: @hollyperkins

Learn more on my website: hollyperkins.com

Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/HollyPerkinsFitness

Disclaimer: Content and information as part of The Holly Perkins Health Podcast is for general interest, education, and entertainment purposes only. The use of information on this podcast or materials or products linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Are there benefits to microdosing GLP1s in perimenopause? What should you look for when shopping for a creatine supplement? And what’s the best way to adjust your macronutrient equation when you’re emphasizing proteins – and therefore the fat that goes along with it? Get ready to learn about all of these questions, and even get a peek into my personal life, in this episode! 

Q: Are there benefits to microdosing GLP1s in perimenopause?

The truth is, adjusting your nutrition and committing to regular strength workouts will do more for you than a microdose ever could. Getting your protein, fats, and carbs in balance is the fastest and easiest way to improve glucose regulation, which is the essence of what GLP1s do. Your body has a sophisticated operating system that is super effective when you provide it with what it needs. Start treating it right, and your biology will work beautifully. 

I recognize that a therapeutic dose helps diabetics improve glucoregulatory control; therefore, it is absolutely plausible that a microdose could be helpful. Improving your muscle mass through strength training is what will really work, guaranteed, and that’s where I suggest focusing. 

Q: When shopping for a creatine supplement, are there specific things we can look for on the label to help identify a quality product? 

When it comes to supplements in general, I believe that less is more, and we should turn to food first. When it comes to creatine, it’s pretty straightforward, actually: buy a product that has creatine monohydrate, read the label, and buy from a reputable brand. For me, foundational supplements include creatine, fish oil, vitamin C, probiotics, and magnesium. 

Q: How do I get the right macronutrient balance? You regularly repeat that 25% protein and fat and 50% carb is the ideal macronutrient split. You've mentioned that some people can do 45% carbs if needed. Can you address the issue of fats needing to be lower in this scenario of 50/25/ 25?

Let's calculate this out if a woman is eating 1400 calories a day, and really and truly, if you are a normal-sized woman and you are strength training, you need at least 1400 calories. if you're a normal-sized woman, 1400 calories is the bare minimum in my world. And honestly, 1400 calories is pretty low. So at that number a 5025, 25 split, which is what I teach.

If you're getting at least 1400 calories, you're hitting that bare minimum 50 grams of fat. It's pretty hard actually to get through a day and not get at least 50 grams of fat. A person would have to be trying really hard to not get that bare minimum. My bigger concern is that most people are getting way more than that amount of fat in a given day! This is why I love eating according to macros because you get to choose how nd when you’d like to get what you need throughout the day. Remember you don’t need to be super precise every day. That’s not how the human body works!

Q: How did you meet your husband?

I love to share the story of how my husband, Dave, and I met! After getting super clear on what I wanted in a life partner, brushing up on my manifestation techniques, and getting back on the apps, wouldn’t you know it, I met my guy almost instantly. We pretty much clicked instantly and have been together ever since!

I hope you enjoyed this episode! 

You can get FREE access to my 4-week Strength Without Stress program right now! This program will help you reduce the systemic inflammation that’s caused by overly intense or lengthy workouts. It’ll help you build and maintain valuable lean muscle without the fatigue from other programs

To get free access to Strength Without Stress, post a Review wherever you’re listening. Grab a screenshot of your review before you post it and upload at: https://www.hollyperkins.com/review

This is a limited-time offer before it sells for $197–grab it while you can for lifetime access.

Topics covered

• (04:57) Are there benefits to microdosing GLP1s in perimenopause?
• (14:22) What to look for when shopping for a creatine supplement?
• (22:04) How do I find the best macronutrient split for me?
• (31:35) How did you meet your husband?

Resources Mentioned

• Transcripts can be found on the official blog page for this episode at hollyperkins.com/blog

Follow Me:

Find me on Instagram: @hollyperkins

Learn more on my website: hollyperkins.com

Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/HollyPerkinsFitness

Disclaimer: Content and information as part of The Holly Perkins Health Podcast is for general interest, education, and entertainment purposes only. The use of information on this podcast or materials or products linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 

Barbells, dumbbells, bands, machines: how do you know which to use?  In this episode, I discuss what equipment to use and when. If you’ve not been getting the results you want in your strength training, this episode is for you. You’ll learn about why one tool might be better for your goals than the other, what each one actually does to your muscles and your bones, and how to safely progress from dumbbells to barbells. 

I see too many women avoid the barbell because they are intimidated, scared, or uncertain, think it's only for gym bros, or that they will get bulky. It's just not true! I share the story of my friend Jane, who very slowly journeyed from using limited weights in her living room to the dumbbell section at her gym to using all of the equipment on the main gym floor. The barbell back squat completely transformed her routine! If you are a true student of technique, there comes a point where transitioning to the barbell rack will transform your training unlike dumbbells ever could. Remember, you define what progress means. Barbells are a great option if that is what you want!

The next thing to understand when building muscle is that, regardless of the equipment you're using, improvements in muscular strength and size are the result of mechanical tension and/or metabolic stress when there is sufficient volume. What that means is, the only way a muscle can grow, change, and improve is through tension, stress, and a minimum effective dose each week. You will not build muscle if you're not getting enough stimulus according to these parameters: weight load, intensity, and enough repetitions each week.

It is possible to change your body with just dumbbells and bands, but you have to be a lot more passionate about your programming, your technique, your methodologies, and the complexity of your movements. I believe, however, that it's easier to use a barbell. I share the specific benefits of each type of exercise equipment. Barbells, for instance, are great for reducing the need for stability and provide a greater challenge in general. Again, at some point, if you want to continue to train with greater weight loads and good technique, you will have to transition to barbells. 

To improve any muscle, it must be exposed to a force that's intense enough to cause some degree of muscle stress and damage. Because the best results come when there is both mechanical tension, which means a heavy weight load, and metabolic stress, it underscores the value of bigger movements that involve multiple muscles and your entire body as a whole. I think the concept of weight-bearing exercise for good bones is really BS because the truth is, your muscles and your bones are already used to your current body weight. Impact exercises are a great way to improve bones. 

Ultimately, anything is better than nothing. If you're strength training, first make sure that you are challenging your muscles beyond their current ability, and if that's with dumbbells and bands, I’m sending you a high five! 

I hope you enjoyed this episode! 

You can get FREE access to my 4-week Strength Without Stress program right now! This program will help you reduce the systemic inflammation that’s caused by overly intense or lengthy workouts. It’ll help you build and maintain valuable lean muscle without the fatigue from other programs.

To get free access to Strength Without Stress, post a Review wherever you’re listening. Grab a screenshot of your review before you post it and upload at: https://www.hollyperkins.com/review

This is a limited-time offer before it sells for $197–grab it while you can for lifetime access.

Topics covered

• (05:10) Don’t avoid the barbell! 
• (10:00) Technique trumps everything! 
• (17:15) Benefits of each type of exercise equipment
• (28:21) When dumbbells are great and when it's time to transition to barbells 
• (31:30) How muscles and bones respond to barbells vs dumbbells 
• (37:31) Myth: Dumbbells are safer than barbells

Resources Mentioned

• Research on how resistance training volume enhances muscle hypertrophy, not strength
• Research on the most effective variable in resistance training
• Research on maximizing muscle hypertrophy
• Research on the regulation of bone health through physical exercise
• Transcripts can be found on the official blog page for this episode at hollyperkins.com/blog

Follow Me:

Find me on Instagram: @hollyperkins

Learn more on my website: hollyperkins.com

Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/HollyPerkinsFitness

Disclaimer: Content and information as part of The Holly Perkins Health Podcast is for general interest, education, and entertainment purposes only. The use of information on this podcast or materials or products linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 

What if everything you've believed about soreness is wrong? How surprised would you be if the best strength training left you feeling energized, not exhausted? In this episode, I shed light on muscle soreness. Most people think a workout is only good if you’re sore afterwards. Not true! You’ll learn why soreness isn't a sign of success but actually a big problem, especially if you have an autoimmune condition, and which exercises contribute more to soreness.

Muscle soreness is one of three things. First, soreness could be from doing a new exercise, not being used to specific movements, or doing too much. Two, too much time under tension in the eccentric loading phase of exercises. You’re either doing too many reps or too many eccentric dominant moves in general. Or third, improper nutrition around workouts. 

When looking at impressive workouts on social media, for example, it's important to remember that the impressive workouts aren’t what those people did to get there. They worked toward that goal. Some workouts make you more sore than others. There is a significant link between muscle soreness, systemic inflammation, and the power of exercise selection. Less is more! Your workout doesn’t need to make you incredibly sore to have been a great one.

DOMS, or delayed onset muscle soreness, is actually related to inflammation. Muscle soreness is “damage,” but remember, not all inflammation and damage is bad. It's when there is too much inflammation that it becomes a problem. Women who struggle with autoimmune issues want to avoid workouts that cause excessive soreness, because they're already susceptible to being sore, and they're already managing the inflammation related to their condition.

Taking all of this into consideration, wanting a program for myself not to over-fatigue my body, I created Strength Without Stress. It's a collection of exercises that are concentric-based, where maximal load is when the muscle is in a shortened position, allowing you to lift more without soreness. Working smarter, and not harder, is the key to striking the right balance in your workouts. 

Emphasis is determined by the time spent under tension, and if the targeted muscle is in a lengthened, stretched, or shortened position. Once I started masterminding my workouts so that I didn't do too many eccentric exercises, where the muscle is in a lengthened position at maximal load and force, everything changed. 

A concentric contraction is when a muscle shortens as it produces force. It shortens to overcome the weight load to cause movement. A great example of this is a bicep curl. In general, concentric contractions don't cause soreness. An eccentric contraction is the opposite. It's when the muscle is lengthening as it produces force, and these are the special exercises that cause soreness. A great example here is a squat where you're lowering down to the ground and you're resisting the load that you're holding, and then you're returning to a standing position.

So the exercises that are eccentric, dominant, and therefore more taxing to the muscle, and therefore tend to cause soreness, are barbell back squats, lunges of any kind, Bulgarian split squats, Romanian deadlift, good mornings, bench press or a bicep chest press, chest fly, overhead tricep extension, supine hamstring curl, and push ups. My Strength Without Stress program combines all of my favorite concentric exercises with just the bare minimum eccentric exercises. 

Remember, soreness isn’t the goal. Finding the perfect collection of exercises where you can actually increase your weight loads consistently over time, so that you experience intense moments during a set is. Strength training should make you feel great the next day, not knock you down!

If you want access to my 4-week Strength Without Stress program for free, be sure to Rate and Review this episode now, grab a screenshot, and then send it to me over at hollyperkins.com/review. You’ll get immediate access for free!

Topics covered:

• (01:40) Muscle soreness is either one of three things
• (05:30) Aggressive workouts are reached gradually, not overnight
• (10:24) Some workouts make you more sore than others 
• (16:47) Not all inflammation is bad!
• (22:23) My Strength Without Stress strikes the right balance
• (27:16) Concentric vs eccentric exercises and why they matter

Resources Mentioned:

• Research about the benefits and risks of muscle contractions
• Research about delayed muscle soreness
• Research about the morphology of delayed muscle soreness
• Research about musculoskeletal fitness and health
• Research about muscle damage and inflammation during recovery 
• Research on muscle damage and inflammation during recovery 
• Transcripts can be found on the official blog page for this episode at hollyperkins.com/blog

Follow Me:

Find me on Instagram: @hollyperkins

Learn more on my website: hollyperkins.com

Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/HollyPerkinsFitness

Disclaimer: Content and information as part of The Holly Perkins Health Podcast is for general interest, education, and entertainment purposes only. The use of information on this podcast or materials or products linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 

Curious about where you are on your journey to becoming more muscle and less fat? Wondering about your bone health? In this episode of Ask Holly, I answer three of your questions that could really unlock the next level of strength and wellness for you. If changing your body composition was easy, then we would all have no problems doing it! That’s why I love hearing your biggest struggles so we can get the variables that really matter into alignment and get you the body, vitality, and health that you crave. 

The first question is about how to calculate your body composition. The first thing to understand is that body composition is the totality of your current body weight according to gravity on Mother Earth. Your body composition is the total body weight of your body fat, lean muscle mass, and bone mass. 

It's so important to get a professional assessment over an online calculator because they have the highest percentage of error. I focus on muscle mass over body fat percentage for a more accurate picture of health. To calculate it, I take the body fat percentage that's given to you from your DEXA assessment. I take that number and subtract it from 100%. So if your body fat percentage is 30%, then your adjusted lean muscle mass would be 70%. 

This however, does not take into account bone mass. These scans are so important for getting the clearest picture. Body composition assessments divide an individual's total body mass, that's your body weight according to a scale, into the relative proportions of fat mass and fat free mass. 

The next question is about the best ways to strength train after receiving an osteoporosis diagnosis. Unfortunately, the advice for how to handle this diagnosis is often not handled well. If you search “bone,” I have a lot of very specific episodes on this topic but for now, let me say that walking is a great place to start if you’re out of the exercise habit. From there, you can begin strength training. Start slow, twice a week with moderate weight,s and increase the volume over time. 

The last question is about how to strength train if you have an injury. Let me first say that your next workout is only as good as your recovery from your last workout. Assess how well you recover. I’d also recommend concentrating on very gradual progression in your workouts. Each week should really only be a tiny bit more than the previous week. If this all feels a little too calculated, another thing I often tell my clients is to leave every workout wanting more and let the goal be to leave your workout feeling great. Don't push. Don't overdo it. 

You may be tempted to think that improving your body composition is an impossible task, but the truth is, it's pretty formulaic and all about finding the right programming that works for your body!

I hope you enjoyed this episode! 

You can get FREE access to my 4-week Strength Without Stress program right now! This program will help you reduce the systemic inflammation that’s caused by overly intense or lengthy workouts. It’ll help you build and maintain valuable lean muscle without the fatigue from other programs

To get free access to Strength Without Stress, post a Review wherever you’re listening. Grab a screenshot of your review before you post it and upload at: https://www.hollyperkins.com/review

This is a limited-time offer before it sells for $197–grab it while you can for lifetime access.

Topics covered:

• (05:09) Q: What is the best body composition calculation method?
• (11:50) You control your body composition!
• (15:50) Q: What’s the best way to strength train after an osteoporosis diagnosis?
• (24:21) Impact exercises aren’t the best place to begin if you have osteoporosis
• (26:11) Q: How to strength train if you have an injury?

Resources Mentioned:

• Research on body composition assessments in nutrition and clinical practice
• Research on managing osteoporosis
• Research on the fundamentals of resistance training
• Reminder: JOIN US FOR THE UPCOMING LAB! 
• Transcripts can be found on the official blog page for this episode at hollyperkins.com/blog

Follow Me:

Find me on Instagram: @hollyperkins

Learn more on my website: hollyperkins.com

Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/HollyPerkinsFitness

Disclaimer: Content and information as part of The Holly Perkins Health Podcast is for general interest, education, and entertainment purposes only. The use of information on this podcast or materials or products linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 

Did you know that the timing of your cardio workouts largely determines your results? Cardio is an essential part of being healthy. In this episode, I explain exactly how to tell if your cardio is working for or against you, how to calculate your heart rate zones, why cardio is important (and when it’s not), and the three most common mistakes women over 40 make in their cardio.

When you get your cardio right, everything changes! While it is true that any exercise is better than no exercise, and that’s a great way to get back into exercise, once more movement becomes a habit, you will be ready to uplevel your programming so that you feel better, have more energy, and can really see the payoff from your efforts.

Looking fit doesn’t always mean being fit. The three main variables of programming are strength training, cardio, and nutrition. Depending on the variables, all effort is not the same! When it comes to cardio, it can truly make or break your results. Cardio improves your cardiovascular fitness. It's like a leg press for your heart! Cardio isn’t valuable, however, when your heart rate is too high, your workouts are too long, or when you haven’t eaten.

To make sure that you’re doing the best cardio for your body, you need to calculate your heart rate zone. It is commonly thought that your age determines how fast your heart can beat at its maximum, however, my work has shown this is not always the case. A significant study shows that women should use a different formula than men to calculate their heart rate zone: 206 minus 88% of their age. This will give you the low end of your maximal heart rate range. For the high end, calculate 220 minus your age.

Too much cardio or the wrong kind can slow your progress. Instead, you'll want some workouts where your heart rate is around 60 to 70% of the age-predicted maximal heart rate. And then you'll want some workouts each week where your heart rate is between 80 and 85%, maybe 90% of your maximal heart rate. There are benefits that come from steady-state cardio workouts where your heart rate is in the moderate range and you keep it constant for 20, 30, or even 40 or more minutes. Then there are different benefits that come from workouts where your heart rate goes up and down at timed intervals. These types of cardio sessions improve your cardiovascular fitness and capacity as well as VO2 max.

I guarantee that if you apply the information from my podcast to your workouts, you will get results. And if you want even better results, more tailored to your body, please join one of my coaching programs! Remember, your age is NOT keeping you from the body you want!

You can get FREE access to my 4-week Strength Without Stress program right now! This program will help you reduce the systemic inflammation that’s caused by overly intense or lengthy workouts. It’ll help you build and maintain valuable lean muscle without the fatigue from other programs.

To get free access to Strength Without Stress, post a Review wherever you’re listening. Grab a screenshot of your review before you post it and upload at: https://www.hollyperkins.com/review

This is a limited-time offer before it sells for $197–grab it while you can for lifetime access.

Topics covered:

● (03:34) Getting cardio right completely transformed my client’s body composition

● (06:45) Meeting falsely-fit people in my exercise video days!

● (09:30) The variables in your programming each have a result

● (11:02) Cardio will make or break your results

● (14:58) Here’s the best way to calculate your heart rate zone

● (21:26) Biggest cardio mistakes women make and how to rectify them

● (27:44) Exactly how much cardio to aim for each week

Resources Mentioned

● Research on age-predicted maximal heart rate

●    Research on how resistance exercise performance is negatively impacted by prior aerobic exercise

Transcripts can be found on the official blog page for this episode at hollyperkins.com/blog

Follow Me:

Find me on Instagram: @hollyperkins

Learn more on my website: hollyperkins.com

Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/HollyPerkinsFitness

Disclaimer: Content and information as part of The Holly Perkins Health Podcast is for general interest, education, and entertainment purposes only. The use of information on this podcast or materials or products linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Craving the peace of mind that your diet is actually supporting your muscles and your workouts are actually improving your bone health? In today’s episode, I’m giving you just that with my FREE strong muscle and bone assessment! This science-backed tool will group you into one of five strength identities, and today I’m offering a sneak peek into each of them!

The assessment takes just 60 seconds to get your strength score. Your strength identity will provide actionable tips to become stronger, leaner, and more energized. This quiz will help you figure out where you are and what to do next. Take the quiz to find out which strength type you are:

The Powerhouse

The pinnacle of fitness. With 80% lean muscle mass, optimal body composition, and high energy, these individuals are strong, athletic, and performing at their peak. Strength training is a top priority, recovery is intentional, and fitness ranks among their top three daily commitments.

The Fit but Brittle

Strong on the outside but lacking inner support. These individuals lift weights and follow nutrition plans, yet their bones aren’t getting the stimulus they need. Strategic impact exercises and heavier strength training are essential to build bone density and protect against future injuries.

The Muscle Seeking Maven

Dedicated but not quite there. They're showing up for workouts, like classes and Pilates, but missing the strategic progression needed for visible muscle tone. With the right approach to increasing weight loads and dialing in nutrition, especially protein, they’re on the brink of a breakthrough.

The Soft and Struggling

Trying, but feeling stuck. Life is demanding, and their body doesn’t respond like it used to. Despite the desire to get back on track, consistency is hard to find. Often dealing with higher body fat and lower energy, they feel far from their former fitness self.

The Rocking Chair

At the starting line. They feel tired, overwhelmed, and disconnected from physical health. Exercise has been absent for years, and comfort often comes from food. These individuals don’t need a boot camp—they need gentle beginnings, simple nutrition shifts, and encouragement to take that first small step toward feeling better.

Take the quiz now if you’re ready for the tips and resources you need to get moving and take your fitness to new levels! Anyone and everyone can become stronger and healthier.

You can get FREE access to my 4-week Strength Without Stress program right now! This program will help you reduce the systemic inflammation that’s caused by overly intense or lengthy workouts. It’ll help you build and maintain valuable lean muscle without the fatigue from other programs.

To get free access to Strength Without Stress, post a Review wherever you’re listening. Grab a screenshot of your review before you post it and upload at: https://www.hollyperkins.com/review

This is a limited-time offer before it sells for $197–grab it while you can for lifetime access.

Be sure to Follow and Subscribe so you'll know exactly when new episodes are available on Tuesdays.

Topics covered:

● (01:35) Introducing the Strong Muscle and Bone Assessment

● (08:34) The Powerhouse

● (12:32) The Fit, But Brittle

● (20:49) The Muscle Seeking Maven bridges being active and truly fit

● (25:50) The Soft and Struggling is a wake-up call to feeling better

● (30:02) The Rocking Chair Ready is ready for smart strength building

Resources Mentioned:

● Transcripts can be found on the official blog page for this episode at hollyperkins.com/blog

Follow Me:

Find me on Instagram: @hollyperkins

Learn more on my website: hollyperkins.com

Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/HollyPerkinsFitness

Disclaimer: Content and information as part of The Holly Perkins Health Podcast is for general interest, education, and entertainment purposes only. The use of information on this podcast or materials or products linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Did you know that meal planning and better health are closely linked? In this special episode, I’m joined by Melissa Jaeger, Head of Nutrition at my favorite food and nutrition tracking app, MyFitnessPal.

A 2017 study found that people who plan meals tend to have better diet quality and lower rates of obesity, especially women. I also share my personal journey using food tracking to transform my body composition by managing macronutrients. For me, using a diet tracking app was a game-changer. Getting real data on what you’re eating can truly shift your relationship with nutrition for the long haul.

Melissa walks us through the new Meal Planner feature in MyFitnessPal, which lets users build personalized weekly meal plans based on their dietary needs, budget, and household size. It generates recipes, creates grocery lists, and even integrates with e-retailers like Instacart for easy shopping.

Meal planning is like setting your GPS. It helps you stay on track with your nutrition and fitness goals. Making smart food choices is a lot easier when you’re not starving and scrambling. Planning ahead isn’t just helpful, it’s the ultimate time-saver. We often feel like we don’t have time to eat right, but it’s planning that actually gives us that time back.

Melissa also shares her formula for a balanced, nutrient-dense plate: half fiber-rich veggies and fruits, a quarter lean protein, and a quarter carbohydrates. We dig into the myth that all carbs are bad, and highlight their essential role in providing fiber and fuel. She wraps up with her top three tips to start meal planning, including how to use the app’s new feature.

If you’re not tracking yet, I highly recommend downloading the app and giving it a try. A little effort goes a long way!

You can get FREE access to my 4-week Strength Without Stress program right now! This program will help you reduce the systemic inflammation that’s caused by overly intense or lengthy workouts. It’ll help you build and maintain valuable lean muscle without the fatigue from other programs

To get free access to Strength Without Stress, post a Review wherever you’re listening. Grab a screenshot of your review before you post it and upload at: https://www.hollyperkins.com/review

This is a limited-time offer before it sells for $197–grab it while you can for lifetime access.

Be sure to Follow and Subscribe so you'll know exactly when new episodes are available on Tuesdays.

Topics covered:

● (01:32) Tracking what I eat with MyFitnessPal changed my nutrition forever

● (08:59) Top veggies and herbs to grow in the garden with summer almost here

● (13:41) Eating a balanced, full breakfast truly helps energize you for the day

● (15:58) Planning meals ahead saves you money and keeps you healthy

● (25:57) A balanced plate is half produce, a quarter lean protein, and a quarter carbs

● (35:58) The MyFitnessPal meal planner is a great first step in meal planning

● (44:28) Creating shopping lists and ordering groceries online

Resources Mentioned

● Research about how meal planning is linked to food variety, diet quality, and body weight

● Research about how frequent meal planning predicts greater weight loss

● Research on predicting and modifying the adoption and maintenance of health behaviors

● Research about how dietary planning mediates the intention–behavior relationship

● Learn more about Meal Planning and MyFitness Pal here

● Transcripts can be found on the official blog page for this episode at hollyperkins.com/blog

Follow Me:

Find me on Instagram: @hollyperkins

Learn more on my website: hollyperkins.com

Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/HollyPerkinsFitness

Disclaimer: Content and information as part of The Holly Perkins Health Podcast is for general interest, education, and entertainment purposes only. The use of information on this podcast or materials or products linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Feeling extra tired lately? Waking up and… feeling old?? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the biggest drivers behind your energy, vitality, stamina, and resilience. You’ll learn the five key areas that shape how young or old you feel, how to tell the difference between true aging and reversible symptoms, simple shifts to restore your energy, and where to start if you’re feeling completely wiped out.

First things first—if you’ve been saying “I feel old” or “aging is the worst,” stop! Instead, get curious: What exactly makes you feel that way? Better yet, ask yourself what habits might be making you feel that way. Blaming age lets us off the hook—and keeps us stuck.

Here are five truths about feeling old and ways to combat those feelings:

1. Symptoms vs. Signs of Aging

Many so-called “aging” symptoms (fatigue, brain fog, low energy) are actually reversible. Mitochondrial function plays a big role here.

2. Exercise & Circulation

Not all movement is equal. Real exercise, like steady cardio, intervals, and strength training, boosts circulation and energy. Use heart rate tracking to make sure your workouts count.

3. Sleep Quality > Quantity

Sleep is a skill. Things like caffeine, alcohol, and lack of strength training can wreck your sleep. Focus on improving quality, not just getting more hours.

4. Balanced Nutrition

If you’re dragging, start with food. Stabilizing blood sugar with balanced meals (protein, veggies, high-fiber carbs) can quickly boost energy and fat metabolism.

5. Strength Training

Feeling stiff, achy, or “old”? You likely need more muscle, not less movement. Strong muscles protect joints, reduce fatigue, and carry you through your day. Build strength progressively, and aim to leave workouts feeling better, not more drained.

There’s no one-size-fits-all exercise plan. What matters is recognizing the season you’re in and choosing to work with your body, not against it. Let's redefine what getting older really feels like!

You can get FREE access to my 4-week Strength Without Stress program right now! This program will help you reduce the systemic inflammation that’s caused by overly intense or lengthy workouts. It’ll help you build and maintain valuable lean muscle without the fatigue from other programs

To get free access to Strength Without Stress, post a Review wherever you’re listening. Grab a screenshot of your review before you post it and upload at: https://www.hollyperkins.com/review

This is a limited-time offer before it sells for $197–grab it while you can for lifetime access.

Be sure to Follow and Subscribe so you'll know exactly when new episodes are available on Tuesdays.

Topics covered

● [01:35] Age is a mindset, not a number

● [07:49] Blaming your age for your struggles is disempowering you

● [09:25] Fatigue is a reversible symptom related to mitochondrial function

● [12:53] Exercise stimulates circulation, which gives you more energy

● [16:12] Not all cardio is the same! Walking usually isn’t a workout

● [19:11] Great quality sleep comes from smart exercise

● [26:43] Changing your nutrition can give you more energy today

● [34:15] Strength training is the best way to reduce aches and pains

● [39:49] The exact steps for lifting heavier weight loads

Resources Mentioned

● Research about the effect of chronic exercise on energy and fatigue states

● Research about how resistance exercise training alters mitochondrial function

● Research about how resistance training improves sleep quality

● Research on metabolic dysfunction in ageing and age-related diseases

● Research on the mitochondrial basis of aging

● Transcripts can be found on the official blog page for this episode at hollyperkins.com/blog

Follow Me:

Find me on Instagram: @hollyperkins

Learn more on my website: hollyperkins.com

Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/HollyPerkinsFitness

Disclaimer: Content and information as part of The Holly Perkins Health Podcast is for general interest, education, and entertainment purposes only. The use of information on this podcast or materials or products linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.