Redefining Strength Fitness Hacks

Menopause doesn't have to mean a slower metabolism, stubborn belly fat, or feeling like your body betrayed you. In this interview Dr. Stacy Sims—world-renowned exercise physiologist, nutrition scientist, and author of ROAR and Next Level—breaks down exactly why traditional advice (endless Zone 2 cardio, fasting, calorie restriction) backfires for women in perimenopause and menopause... and what actually works to rev your metabolism, build resilient strength, and thrive.We dive deep into:-Why sprints and heavy lifting (low reps, high intensity) create powerful metabolic signaling-The truth about fueling: More protein + carbs (not less), nutrient timing, and why "calories in, calories out" is outdated for women-How hormone shifts affect insulin sensitivity, glucose use, visceral fat, and brain health...and how to counter them with smart training-Shifting from "loss" to "gain": Build muscle, power, and metabolic health instead of shrinking or slowing down-Practical tips: Less v

If we’re going to talk about GLP-1s…Let’s stop whispering.And let’s ditch the shame.I bring this up after sharing a GLP-1 resource on Facebook and seeing people comment "asking for a friend."Using a medical tool to improve your health isn’t a character flaw.It’s not laziness. It’s not weakness.And choosing not to use one? That’s valid too.You don’t get a medal for suffering. And you don’t lose integrity for getting support.What actually moves you forward is being informed…and choosing the path that aligns with your goals, your lifestyle, and your reality.But informed means understanding the trade-offs.So let’s own what this medication is - and what it isn’t.GLP-1s suppress appetite. That’s their job.Appetite suppression alone does not build the physique, strength, or metabolic resilience most people actually want.They don’t build muscle.They don’t selectively burn only fat.They don’t stimulate hypertrophy or magically optimize your metabolism.Muscle is built with tension. With progressive overload.

The Hidden Signs of Perimenopause (And How to Fix Your Hormones) | Dr. Amy ShahAre you feeling tired, struggling to recover from your workouts, or noticing changes in your body that you just can’t explain? You might be told it’s just a normal part of "getting older," but the truth is, hormonal shifts can actually start in your 30s!In this episode, I'm sitting down with Dr. Amy Shah to uncover the hidden signs of perimenopause that even doctors often miss. We dive deep into the powerful connection between your gut, brain, and hormones, and talk about why society's pressure for women to make themselves "smaller" is actually destroying our health.If you are ready to reclaim your energy and build true strength in midlife, Dr. Shah shares her incredibly simple "30-33 Framework" to help you overhaul your gut health and balance your hormones—without restrictive dieting.In this episode, we cover:The Mindset Shift: Why we need to stop shrinking ourselves and start getting STRONG

If you’ve been blaming your age for muscle loss, weight gain, low energy, or a slower metabolism this episode is for you.In this video, I break down 5 powerful truths about aging strong through perimenopause and menopause, pulled directly from expert discussions with leading voices in women’s health.You’ll learn why building muscle is non-negotiable, how underfueling is sabotaging your metabolism, why sprint and power work matter more than you think, how gut health affects fat loss, and why prioritizing muscle even in fat loss phases is the real key to long-term results.If you want to look lean and defined and stay functionally strong for life, this is where to start.

What if the problem isn’t that your habits are “good” or “bad” but that they no longer fit who you are or where you’re going?In this episode, we unpack a more nuanced approach to habit change. Instead of chasing perfect routines or relying on willpower, we explore how to audit your habits with curiosity, adjust your environment, and build systems that actually support your current goals. We talk about identity, autonomy, and why habits should evolve as you do...plus how to recognize when something that once worked is now holding you back.If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or frustrated trying to force habits that don’t fit anymore, this conversation will help you rethink the process and rebuild with intention.

If you feel like you’re working out seven days a week just to get smaller but you still don’t feel confident, energized, or powerful in your own skin...this episode is for you.The truth is, society has conditioned us to believe that "success" means shrinking. We’re told that if we aren’t exhausted after every workout, it doesn't count. But real, lasting transformation happens when you stop trying to disappear and start focusing on what you can build.In this episode of the Redefining Strength Podcast, I sit down with Tara LaFerrara. Tara is a premier fitness coach, creator of the Broads app, and an expert at helping women move away from the "all-or-nothing" mindset to build real strength and confidence.Together, we break down:The "Shrinking" Trap: Why success isn't measured by a number on the scale and how to shift your focus to taking up space.The HIIT Girly Phase: Why the "more is better" approach leads to burnout and how to transition to intentional lifting.

If you feel like your workouts are “working”… but your body constantly hurts, this episode is going to change the way you think about strength training.Because the truth is: most people don’t get injured because they’re weak. They get injured because they’re following programs that ignore how their body is actually built.In this episode of the Redefining Strength Podcast, I sit down with Dr. John Rusin. A world-renowned performance coach, physical therapist, and creator of the Pain-Free Performance system.Together, we break down:Why true strength isn’t about specific exercises like squats, deadlifts, or bench pressWhy the “no pain, no gain” mindset is secretly sabotaging your progressHow forcing “perfect form” can actually be what’s causing your painWhy there is no single ideal way to move—and how to find the best movements for YOUR bodyHow to build strength, muscle, and resilience without beating up your jointsThe biggest recovery mistake most people make (and how to fix it)Why doing less—at higher quality—o

If you’ve entered perimenopause and feel like your body suddenly isn’t responding the way it used to, you’re not imagining it and you’re not broken.I'm joined By Redefining Strength RD Michelle and we're breaking down what’s actually happening as hormones begin to shift and why strategies that once worked can suddenly fall flat. We cover the nutrition changes that matter most during perimenopause, including why protein becomes non-negotiable, how muscle loss and metabolic slowdown really happen, and why cutting calories often backfires.We also take a deep dive into creatine...one of the most misunderstood supplements for women. You’ll learn what creatine actually does, why it doesn’t make women bulky, and how it may support strength, muscle retention, bone health, fat loss, and even mood and brain function during perimenopause and beyond.This episode is about understanding your changing body, removing unnecessary fear around supplements, and learning how to adapt your approach instead of fighting ag

We spend hours in the gym training our bodies...but what if most of us are training like robots?In this episode I sit down with Dr. Ellen Langer, Harvard psychologist and pioneer of mindfulness research, whose work over the last 45+ years has fundamentally changed how we understand the relationship between mind, body, and performance. In this conversation, Dr. Langer shares her groundbreaking work, including why "trying harder" can actually make progress harder and how noticing is your most powerful performance tool.Dr. Langer explains why your mind and body aren’t separate — or even just “connected” — but actually one unified system. And why the way you pay attention, interpret your experiences, and relate to uncertainty can directly shape your physical health, your results, and your longevity.Her research has shown improvements in strength, vision, hearing, weight, blood pressure, and even markers of aging...including a now-famous study where biological aging was reversed simply by changing people

If you’re a driven, disciplined, all-or-nothing person… this episode might sting a little.Because the truth is, the same “go all in” mindset that helps you succeed in other areas of life is often the exact reason your fitness progress keeps stalling, burning out, and restarting.In this episode, we break down why perfection feels like commitment — but actually destroys consistency.You’ll learn:Why rigid rules and “perfect weeks” make progress fragileHow the all-or-nothing mindset turns small slips into total restartsWhy your body doesn’t care about perfect days — only what you do most oftenAnd how to use consistency as the system, with perfection as a tool (not a requirement)If you’re tired of the cycle of pushing hard, burning out, and starting over — and you want results that actually compound and stick — this episode will change how you think about effort, discipline, and progress.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between pushing harder and feeling worse… or doing less and feeling like you’re falling behind… this episode is for you.At some point, almost everyone hits this moment with their body.You get hurt. Or burned out. Or things just stop working the way they used to.And suddenly you’re stuck between two bad options:Do less and feel like you’re losing yourself…Or do more and keep breaking yourself.Most people bounce back and forth between those two for years. Not because they’re weak...but because they don’t understand the difference between pain, discomfort, and danger… or how much fear quietly controls how they train and recover.In this episode of the Redefining Strength Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Caleb Burgess, Doctor of Physical Therapy and movement expert, to break down why “doing more” so often backfires and what to do instead if you actually want to build a body that works in real life.Together, we cover:-Why strength isn’t about what you lift, but what you can actually do in your l

If your belly fat hasn’t budged no matter how “disciplined” you are, this isn’t a motivation problem it’s a strategy problem.If what you were doing actually worked, you wouldn’t still be fighting the same area. The problem is a predictable loop most smart, driven people fall into: Go extreme → burn out → quit → start over with a new version of the same plan.You don’t lose stubborn fat by trying harder. You lose it by finally using a strategy that matches how your body actually works...one where muscle and macros are key.In this video, I'll break down the 5 Golden Rules to Lose Belly Fat, look at why belly fat is biologically more stubborn, why it’s usually the last place to change, and gives you the REAL five rules that drive lasting results.

Why You Keep Starting Over (And The Habit System That Actually Works)If you keep starting over with your workouts, nutrition, or routines and you’re starting to think the problem is your motivation or discipline, this episode will completely change how you think about habits.Because the truth is: willpower isn’t the problem. Most people are using a habit system that doesn’t match how they’re wired. And when that happens, even the best plan eventually falls apart.In this episode of the Redefining Strength Podcast I sit down with Gretchen Rubin, one of the world’s leading experts on habits, happiness, and human nature and the New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project, Better Than Before, and The Four Tendencies.Together, we'll break down:Why some people need accountability, some need freedom, some need clarity, and why forcing yourself into the wrong system keeps you stuckThe Four Tendencies framework (Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels) and how each type should build habits diff

Learn how to meal prep in a way that actually fits your life and helps you hit your macros without stress. Cori and Redefining Strength RD Julia Stumpf break down simple, flexible, budget-friendly, and lazy-proof strategies to make meal prep sustainable, realistic, and effective — including how to plan for eating out and stop overcomplicating nutrition.

Can you still build serious muscle, increase bone density, and lift weights in your 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond? A neurosurgeon says YES.In this powerful episode, I sit down with neurosurgeon and spine specialist Dr. Betsy Grunch to crush the biggest myth about aging: that decline is inevitable. You might have seen Dr. Grunch recently on the Mel Robbins Show. In this episode she shares her expert perspective on why strength training is vital for long-term health, spinal support, and preventing injuries.We discuss:- The essential connection between muscle and bone density (especially for women).- How to pivot after injury and the myth that pain equals damage.- The "1% changes" you can make to protect your energy and time.- Shifting from reactive to proactive health habits.- Why rest is non-negotiable and how to set better boundaries.Dr. Grunch is truly redefining what "strong" means...it's about flexibility, consistency, and owning your journey as the CEO of your own body. Tune in for th

You're training hard, but are you getting stronger? The secret to unlocking your real strength and finally breaking through plateaus isn't more weight or faster reps...it's slowing down, ditching your ego, and mastering the most important 1% fix in your life: your breath.In this powerful interview, I sit down with Dr. Jen, a physical therapist and movement expert, to redefine what "strong" actually means. We dive into the surprising truth that adaptation (modifying movements) actually makes training harder, why asking for help is a sign of true strength, and how a simple, 2-minute intentional breathing ritual can immediately reduce pain, relieve tension, and reset your core.Stop chasing quick fixes and learn how to build long-term, sustainable strength by tuning into your body.Key Takeaways:-How to really define strength...it’s perseverance, not just your max lift.-Why slowing down is the "unsexiest secret" to lasting results and avoiding injury.-The truth about modification

Cori and Coach Michelle discuss how guilt, rather than holiday meals or missed workouts, often sabotages success by leading to a cycle of bingeing and restricting, which can result in weight gain and burnout.The video version of this episode is live on youtube!

Cori and Coach Brooke discuss the strategies to maintain and build healthy habits during the holiday season, focusing on the importance of mindset for long-term success.The video version of this episode is live on youtube!

Cori encourages listeners to embrace various forms of strength, such as the efficiency of work, the importance of asking for help, and the ability to adapt like bamboo or rise like a lotus from challenging situations. By recognizing past successes and different strengths, individuals can overcome current challenges and achieve their goals.The video version of this episode is live on youtube!

Cori and Coach Lizzie explore the concept of "good enough" as a key to achieving health and fitness goals and why there's an importance of moving away from an all-or-nothing mindset, celebrating smaller wins to build off of.The video version of this episode is live on youtube!