Fuel Your Strength

When it comes to your training and your fueling, you need to think about the bigger picture. For sports such as Brazillian jiu-jitsu, which has a wide range of intensity demands, you need to switch your mindset and fuel your body for your practice. While being strong is a sort of ‘cheat code’ in Brazillian jiu-jitsu, it is nothing without the right fuel to back it up. Key Takeaways If You Have Questions About Your Nutrition, You Should: Remember that what you eat today is your fuel for tomorrow Don't believe the hype around trends like fasting and no-carb Work with a coach who understands your goals and can help you achieve them in a sustainable way Nutritional Lessons with Alex Maclin Alex Maclin is a fellow performance nutrition coach, strength training enthusiast, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu player. He is passionate about helping athletically minded folks fuel themselves with the proper nutrition so that they can get more out of their performance. Throughout his health journey, he has coached hundreds of athletes through online training programs for weightlifting, strength, and conditioning, and is here today to share his knowledge with you. Your Training Goes Beyond the Gym When it comes to your training, it does not just exist when you are on the mat or in the gym. What you do around your training, how you eat, recover, hydrate, and think about your training, can also have a huge impact on your ability to accomplish your goals. Even if you are not competing, if you want to train consistently and give it your all, you have to put some thought, strategy, and planning into what you are doing outside of the gym. This means thinking proactively about what you eat and remembering that what you eat today is fuel for tomorrow. Optimal Fueling = Optimal Results Training, recovery, and nutrition practices work together as a system to help you achieve your best results. This can get tricky when we see the amount of misinformation and conditioning that we have been exposed to, especially as female athletes. Even if you are not into Brazillian jiu-jitsu, the fueling practices talked about in this episode will help guide your performance, nutrition, and your own athletic endeavors. When you can understand how to fuel yourself optimally, you can see your optimal performance a lot clearer. What has your experience been with fueling for sports such as Brazillian jiu-jitsu? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “[This isn't] just for competitive jiu-jitsu athletes. This is for the average everyday people like me who just want to train, and they love it, and they want to feel good on the mat.” (6:38) “These foods that you are eating are foods that are going to help you feel better, help you perform better, and give you more energy. That is a really big mindset shift. Not looking at things as just having calories… but actually how this food is going to help you kick some more ass and recover.” (25:24) “You can eat at levels that you need to eat without fasting; you just need to make sure that you are getting the proper amount of calories per day.” (48:56) “What we eat today is for the next day.” (50:50) “Learn concepts of jiu-jitsu rather than just learning all these moves. I think that was the most overwhelming part.” (1:15:57) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Follow Alex on Instagram | Facebook Alex Maclin Website Full show notes Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS 395 - How to Calculate Your Daily Protein Needs FY 350 - Are You Eating Enough? Low Energy Availability in Sport Blog - Carbs for Strength Training

Are you cardiovascular training confused? I don't blame you; there is a lot of information out there that can work counterintuitively, especially if you are just starting to incorporate cardiovascular training into your routine. While it is easy to just focus on the numbers, finding the balance between high-intensity and low-intensity is more nuanced than that. Luckily, I have my friend Jamie Scott, an accomplished sports nutritionist and endurance coach, with me today. Key Takeaways If You Want to Incorporate More Low-Intensity Cardio Into Your Life, You Should: Finding Balance with Jamie Scott Jamie Scott is a New Zealand Registered Nutritionist. He holds postgraduate qualifications in Nutrition Medicine and Sport and Exercise Medicine, undergraduate degrees in Nutrition Science and Physical Education, and is a Level-1 Mountain Bike Skills coach (PMBIA). Over the past 25 years, Jamie’s career has spanned several roles in the health and fitness industry. He is passionate about helping others learn how to fuel their bodies in a way that supports performance and total body health. Give Precedence to the Feeling I’m willing to bet there is a pretty good chance you have heard some rumors about cardiovascular health over 40 and the difference between lower-intensity and higher-intensity cardio. Many people struggle with lower-intensity cardio, or Zone 2 because they feel it is too boring, hard, or lazy. But when you can remain grounded in your ‘why’,’ you can stay focused on the practical things you can take away. You don't have to feel stressed or anxious about what your fitness technology is telling you. Remember to focus on the feeling an exercise gives you, not just the numbers on the screen. Back to Basics Often, we as a society are in a rush to look for what is new and shiny, so we need to remember the reliable basics. But they are there for a reason! Working both higher- and lower-intensity cardio into your weekly routine benefits your training and your lifestyle. The practical application of lower-intensity cardio, combined with the higher intensity and strength training you are already doing, is a crucial part of the puzzle regarding your overall health and longevity. Are you ready to implement lower-intensity cardio into your training regime? Let me know your thoughts and experiences in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “Overall, for those who are just after kind of the health and longevity and want to do it in a sustainable way that is not massively hard on the joints or is not a high skill requirement… that low-intensity mix seems to be better for those individuals.” (12:21) “The endorphins, the huffy-puffy-ness, the sweatiness, the burn, all of those things we have been conditioned over years and years and years in the fitness industry as markers of some sort of ‘success.’ And we need to unlearn a lot of those things when it comes to doing this low-intensity, high-intensity split.” (31:57) “It's getting people into that mindset of: you don't just go from 0, drop into almost a 50/50 split of low intensity and high intensity, and just slowly kind of stack things up over a long period of time. But you are not doing it in a 7-day cycle where you are just trying to shoe-horn everything in.” (47:21) “There can be different forms of movement that people are involved with, which does add up over time.” (47:00) “It requires people to do a little bit of reflection and thinking about where they are at, what they are doing, and what the context is.” (53:52) Featured on the Show Follow Jamie Scott on Instagram Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here RPE Chart Full show notes Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple...

Both strength training and cardiovascular fitness play an important role in your health and well-being. However, learning how to integrate both into your weekly training regime can be challenging. That's why I have brought my friend Jamie Scott on the show to give you some practical tips on implementing lower-intensity cardio into your routine. Key Takeaways If You Are Interested in Practical Tips for Zone 2 Training, You Should: Focus on the training-to-train approach, which will allow you to learn about your needs Find a balance between high-intensity and low-intensity training Take your time and be patient knowing that you are providing your body with what it needs Your Overall Fitness Plan with Jamie Scott Jamie Scott is a New Zealand Registered Nutritionist. He holds postgraduate qualifications in Nutrition Medicine and Sport and Exercise Medicine, undergraduate degrees in Nutrition Science and Physical Education, and is a Level-1 Mountain Bike Skills coach (PMBIA). Over the past 25 years, Jamie’s career has spanned several roles in the health and fitness industry. He is passionate about helping others learn how to fuel their bodies in a way that supports performance and total body health. Polar Extremes When you think about your training, do you ever think of it in terms of polarization? The truth is it takes many different types and intensities of training to achieve the results you are looking for. While it can be challenging to weave together all the training you should be doing, when you can distribute your training loads between the polar extremes, you can unlock different variations of metabolic reactions and build a more holistic training practice. It's Not One or the Other, It’s Both Jamie is a big believer in training within the ‘training to train’ category. This means taking the time to learn the art and science of training as it applies to you and only you. Great things take time, and by focusing on learning more about your body and what it needs, you can perfect the overlap between high-intensity and low-intensity. If you want to improve your endurance, strength, and ultimately the totality of your health picture, the key is learning how to balance the low intensity and high intensity. The benefits might surprise you. What are you excited to hear about in Part 2? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “There is a real art to it. And that art is kind of a bit fuzzy. We deal with broad ranges rather than absolutes.” (28:57) “The trends that I am seeing… and some of the top minds in the field… have come out and said the feeling of a particular intensity is actually probably more important than the number.” (30:40) “There is a learning phase you have to go through. There are phases of training, and for as long as I can remember now, I have tried to teach people that you have to go through the training to train phase.” (35:25) “You are learning the art and science of training as it pertains to you, your body, your life, your context, your sport.” (35:35) “It's not one or the other, it's both.” (46:02) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Full Show Notes Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS 353: Fueling Best Practices with Jamie Scott FYS 352: Energy Flux with Jamie Scott FYS 417: Building Strength for Rowing with Shane Farmer

Getting back into training after injury or pain can be scary. Whether your injury is past or present or an ongoing or onset pain, learning to move between physical therapy and getting back into the gym requires some nuance. This is why it is so important to have a team working to help you achieve your goals and get you back to the training and activities you love. Key Takeaways If You Want to Improve Your Overall Health Over 40, You Should: Exercise is Medicine with Dr. Leada Malek Dr. Leada Malek is a licensed physical therapist and board-certified San Francisco Bay Area sports specialist. She is one of the 9% of US therapists who specialize in sports therapy. Dr. Malek uses a combined approach of manual therapy and specific therapeutic exercise to help her patients move better, perform better, and compete again. She believes that exercise is medicine. Whether you want to start moving more, move again, or improve, Dr. Malek is passionate about helping you get there. How to Age Your Way Dr. Malek knows that your scope of practice as a DPT, trainer, or other field in the industry requires cohesive training and a whole-person approach. This is why Dr. Malek focuses on client-centered care, especially for those of us who are over 40 and learning how to adapt our training to our bodies as we age. Aging is beautiful, but you need to know how to keep your body strong as it changes. Your body is adaptable, and while it won't happen overnight, staying strong, fit, and healthy past your 40s and beyond is totally possible with the right attitude, training, and recovery. Getting Clear on Your Why One of the first things you need to get clear on, whether you are returning to the gym after injury, working to prevent chronic or onset pain, or just want to start taking care of yourself better, is that you have to be clear on your goals. Ask yourself what you are training for and how your goals play into what you want to do. This can help you support your body and mind. Exercising for life is crucial to your physical longevity, mental health, emotional state, and ability to handle life's stressors. Dr. Malek is here to provide you with tools you can take with you throughout your life to ensure that you can do the things you want to do without the fear of injury. Are you ready to return to the gym after an injury or pain? Share your story, comments, and experiences with me in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “Proper programming, proper instruction, and consistency do wonders.” (16:05) “You can still get strong. The issue is I think we are made to believe that we are just supposed to get old and be old and feel old. And I think people need to understand that it is still possible and important. So no matter your fear, understand that this should be a priority.” (17:54) “The only bad workouts are the ones you are unprepared for, under-fueled for, and pushed through. Those are the workouts you want to be mindful of.” (28:25) “Everything is playing a role, and I think we just need to zoom out and recognize that we are working with a system and not just an injury.” (38:16) “As you get older, the biggest thing is what goals are you working towards, and how can you supplement those goals? (46:32) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here The Science of Stretch by Dr. Leada Malek Dr. Malek Website Follow Dr. Malek on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Full Show Notes Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS 362: Sports Injury Rehab & Return to Lifting

In the world of fitness and nutrition, there is so much misinformation and oversimplification of concepts out there. This is why Dr. Alyssa Olenick is here to continue our conversation surrounding everything from heart rate zones to perceived excursion and how to balance your intensity properly. Key Takeaways If You Want to Improve Your Cardiovascular Health, You Should: Focus on getting fit and meeting the physical activity guidelines if you are just starting out Don't get caught up in the all-or-nothing perfectionist mentality when it comes to your heart rate Get over the idea that you have to annihilate yourself for fitness to count Finding Balance with Dr. Alyssa Olenick Dr. Alyssa Olenick, or Dr. Lyss, is currently a Postdoctoral research student studying metabolism and menopause. She has a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, where she researched metabolism and exercise science in females. Dr. Alyssa is on a mission to redefine evidence-based fitness. She is passionate about science-based nutrition and fitness and how the two integrate so that she can help people become their healthiest selves while chasing their boldest fitness goals. Learning to Love Zone 2 Whether you are just starting out with your cardiovascular health journey or have been going for a while, there is a good chance the conversation surrounding Zone 2 has come up more than once. Dr. Lyss has a ton of experience in understanding and applying the nuance of research to everything from your heart rate, RPE, level of intensity, recovery, and so much more. Learning what to focus on and pay attention to at the different levels of your training will help alleviate your concerns about both strength training and cardiovascular fitness. Training in a Different Way Dr. Lyss wants to encourage you to think about your training program holistically. Balanced fitness training can help you develop characteristics for health, life, and longevity. However, this takes a different mental approach and view of what quality training and intensity are. It is not just about pushing yourself to your maximum; it is about looking holistically at your overall intensity to see where you can go harder because you have held back in other areas. Female physiology needs both strength and cardiovascular health. A well-rounded training and athletic approach program can help you be the most resilient human you can be. What is your relationship to cardiovascular training? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “Do not worry about the mode or how you do it or how intense it is or the zone that you are in; the first thing you need to do is get to the physical activity guidelines.” (7:29) “But you have to decide, once you have been doing this for a while, ‘what do I actually want from this?’.” (16:15) “When you are doing more intense exercise, you are having to focus more on your steps and your breathing and what you are doing. So these are all things that I like to use for checking in with yourself.” (30:25) “Not all training needs to be hard to be quality.” (36:43) “Hybrid training is health. And it doesn't have to be running and lifting. It can be so many different things. But train multiple characteristics of your fitness.” (43:37) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Doc Lyss Fitness Follow Lyss on Instagram Full Show Notes Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS 420: Dr. Alyssa Olenick (Part 2)

It is no secret that there are sex differences in fitness and nutrition. However, it might not be what you have been led to believe. Nutrition, training concepts, and fueling your workouts are key aspects to training whether you are a man or a woman. By empowering yourself with evidence-based science, you can take an informed approach to your fitness and strength training. Key Takeaways If You Are Interested in the Data Behind Womens Physiology, You Should: Work to understand what goes on in the research world Be careful of how things are marketed to you Listen to Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Alyssa Facing the Facts with Dr. Alyssa Olenick Dr. Alyssa Olenick, or Dr. Lyss, is currently a Postdoctoral research student studying metabolism and menopause. She has a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, where she researched metabolism and exercise science in females. Dr. Alyssa is on a mission to redefine evidence-based fitness. She is passionate about science-based nutrition and fitness and how the two integrate so that she can help people become their healthiest selves while chasing their boldest fitness goals. Finding Faith in the Data While it is true that we need better data when it comes to female health in general, Dr. Alyssa says it's not all bad news. She encourages others not to be so critical of science and research until they really understand what it takes behind the scenes. The barriers faced are in part, the reason that we have this gap, but there is some solid data out there that can help you better understand your body and what it needs to succeed. By looking at the research with a lens of what we know, and where we need more information, you can translate that information into practical and usable tools that work for you. Don’t Believe Everything You Are Sold Unfortunately, what tends to happen is a ‘pinkifying’ effect from coaches, influencers, brands, and companies who are trying to put a pretty pink bow on anything deemed ‘for women only’. If you can avoid these marketing schemes and focus solely on what the research is telling us, you will see the results you have been looking for. You don't need to engage with these cyclic and hormonal protocols, you just need to adopt proper training and fueling instead. Have you ever been told to do something differently because you are a woman? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “Good education and good training can make all the difference in people's health and life, and so that's kind of just been my philosophy the whole way through.” (10:15) “You have always had permission to listen to your body. You have always had permission to just intensity based on perception. You have always had permission to take a rest day if you feel like hot, flaming raccoon trash can garbage. And you have always had permission to fuel yourself appropriately to support your training.” (26:28) “There is a difference between sex differences and menstrual cycle differences. Those are two completely different things that we are talking about here.” (29:52) “You don't need radically different things. We see this with cycle training and pregnancy and menopause. It's repackaged pinkifyed versions of training that are literally the same thing you probably have boy college football players doing, but in a nice pretty, pink, ‘this is safe for you and good for you’ package.” (36:20) “Whether you think you are an athlete or not, you want your session to give you the things that you want out of it.” (45:04) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Doc Lyss Fitness Follow Lyss on Instagram Full Show Notes Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS 418: Muscle &...

Allison Grubbs seemingly came out of nowhere when it comes to rucking. Last year, she participated in her first GORUCK selection, and this year, she finished the GORUCK Selection as the only participant left standing. Allison's insight, wisdom, and mindset got her to where she is today, and she brings along a message of hope and tranquility that is incredibly inspiring. Key Takeaways If You Want to do Hard Things, You Should: Doing the Hard Stuff with Allison Grubbs Allison Grubbs is an endurance athlete and adventurer who is only the second woman ever to complete GORUCK Selection. Her journey from a self-proclaimed ‘average’ swimmer as a child to where she is today is a testament to her incredibly strong mindset and determination. Cool, Calm, and Collected Allison spent her childhood and teenage years swimming but never considered herself an athlete. Even today, she does not identify with the elite athlete status that her achievements have brought. Through a calm, cool, and collected mindset, Allison has shown that she knows how she operates and runs towards that any chance she gets. Her goals are to finish, keep moving, and be calm in stressful situations. She hopes to be a role model for other ‘badass babes’ in her community. Chill Out and Enjoy the Moment Allison and I have a lot of parallels in our stories. But what I find so remarkable about Allison is how she stays calm under pressure, knows herself, and goes for what she wants. If you have a big dream or a big goal, Allison is proof that it is totally possible to achieve anything you put your mind to. Her personal process and fitness journey inspire anyone who knows it, which is why I brought her to the podcast today so that you, as the listener, can get to know her strength firsthand. How does your mindset impact your goals? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “As I have progressed in the endurance events, endurance community, it’s just forward movement. Thats how I think of it now.” (24:02) “Most of the time, I just want to finish. That is almost always my goal, is just to finish something.” (30:31) “Everyone asks after that, ‘Why did you quit?’. Honestly, I have no idea. I was just really okay at that moment with being done and letting her go.” (50:43) “Part of this year that was so stressful was knowing that I could do it, but always feeling like nothing was good enough.” (54:04) “There is so much community support. I feel like these are my people. I don't know why, but they have accepted me, so it just feels right, it feels good.” (1:04:03) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Badass Babes Squad Full Show Notes Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS 415: Rucking for Women FYS 389: The Benefits of Rucking for Women with Michael Easter

When you think of muscle mass in women, does your brain immediately jump to the image of ultra-muscled competitors and quote-unquote meatheads? Building muscle mass as a female athlete does not look like this image most of the time, yet women are still afraid of getting bulky. In this episode, I want to dive into what building muscle mass as a woman really looks like and the massive benefits for your overall health and longevity that can come from it. Key Takeaways If You Want to Get Deeper Into the Conversation Around Muscle Mass, You Should: Stop letting society tell you that you should be afraid of getting ‘too bulky’ Dive deeper into the topics touched on in this episode Learn and explore how muscle mass can improve your longevity and quality of life Muscle is More than Aesthetics For so long, the conversation around muscle mass has stopped at the aesthetic value. But the truth is, building muscle as a female athlete, especially a female athlete over 40, is about so much more than aesthetics. I want to challenge this conversation and urge you to dig deeper into the benefits that building muscle mass and getting strong can have for you. Building muscle mass can help with your insulin sensitivity, boost your bone strength, enhance your longevity and quality of life, decrease the risk of falls, improve your cognitive health and cardiovascular function, and much more. It's time for the conversation around muscle mass to focus on those things, rather than just the aesthetic value of muscle. Quality of Life Matters Longevity is one of the key benefits of building muscle mass. But I don't just mean longevity in terms of living to 120 without the functionality or independence you want in order to live your life fully. I am talking about an all-encompassing longevity that not only maintains and improves your quality of life but gives you the confidence to keep going. When it comes to muscle mass in females, the benefits are so far beyond the exterior. If you are looking for a way to preserve your freedom, gain confidence, improve your quality of life, and age in a way that makes you look and feel good, strength training is crucial to your success. Are you ready to dive deeper into muscle mass than what lies on the surface? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “When it comes down to things, we have to build muscle if we want to experience some kind of sculpting or toning or any of that.” (2:35) “The conversation, in my opinion, is lacking some of the deeper reasons why muscle plays very crucial roles in the body, and how those are associated with longevity.” (6:02) “Our capacity to move through life, to do those activities of daily living, to perform physical exercise, which is also a very clear health-promoting habit. Those are associated with better longevity and improved quality of life.” (8:57) “It is really important to lean on things like exercise, or specifically strength training or resistance training, to help us improve our insulin sensitivity. Exercise is a really important tool in your toolbox.” (13:55) “We've talked about here mobility and physical activity, the sit-to-stand test, why this matters for discussions of quality of life, overall wellbeing, independence, being able to have mobility, and complete activities of daily living as well as physical exercise.” (18:21) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Full Show Notes Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS 416: Is Muscle Anti-Aging? FYS 406: Creatine, Bone, and Brain Health with Dr. Darren Candow

One of the pieces of equipment in the gym that strikes fear into people is the rowing machine. Many people consider it a piece of warm-up equipment, but it is so much more than that. When you take the time to educate yourself about not only rowing but how you can create a more well-rounded training program, the results can be magic. Key Takeaways If You Are Interested in Rowing, You Should: Changing Lives Through Rowing with Shane Farmer Shane Farmer changed his life through rowing. He started Dark Horse Rowing to help others gain a community of others who hold them accountable, challenge their limits, and drive them to evolve and become the most robust, most incredible versions of themselves. Shane believes rowing can help make positive change and guide others to their most genuine potential. Building Community Through Fitness Shane doesn't want to turn you into a rower. Instead, he wants to help non-rowers use rowing on and off the machine to stay active, move better, and have an excellent quality of life for as long as possible. One of the main pillars of Shane’s program is the hyper-local tribe and community that can be a game changer for many people. Diversity is Key Diversity in your movements and workouts is critical to longevity. Shane believes that we all go through seasons of which practices we enjoy. One day it may be rowing, the following strength training, etc. The key is to change and evolve in a way that keeps you passionate about your movement practice so that you can promote your longevity as best as possible. By finding a healthy balance of weight training, cardio, machine work, and recovery, you can create positive change and improve all of the different elements of your training. Being proactive is far better than being reactive when it comes to your health, and it's never too late to try something new. Are you ready to integrate a new practice, such as rowing, into your movement routine? Share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments section of the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “People are always going to want to gravitate to tribe and community. So as long as it is available, people will gather for fitness purposes.” (18:25) “I’m not trying to turn you into a rower. I am trying to help you use rowing as an accessory to staying fit for life.” (30:45) “Submit yourself to the process of learning the movement. Because once it all makes sense, you’re going to find a lot more enjoyment in the workouts.” (33:26) “There is no magic pill. There’s no ‘rowing is the greatest thing in the world; strength training is the greatest thing in the world’. They are all just a means to facilitate what the body is meant to do.” (37:04) “We have so much knowledge at this point about what to do that the hardest thing is just choosing what we are going to do on any given day.” (45:52) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Dark Horse Rowing Full Show Notes Follow Shane Farmer on Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Youtube Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS #416: Is Musckle Anti-Aging? FYS #411: Why You Need A Strength Training Program FYS #409: Overcoming All Or Nothing Thinking In The Gym

Our Western society is, to put it frankly, obsessed with the idea of anti-aging and the fountain of youth. This multi-billion-dollar-a-year industry that is mainly targeted at women focuses on all of the products and things you can do to maintain the appearance of youth on the outside of your body. But what about what is going on in the inside? Key Takeaways If You Are Interested in Using Muscle to Improve Your Aging, You Should: Preserving Your Muscle and Quality of Life Muscle is the most critical topic that is missing from the majority of conversations around aging. Preserving our muscle mass as we get older is one of the best ways to maintain our quality of life and longevity as we transition through menopause and beyond. Developing and maintaining muscle not only makes you feel good but is a key factor in how you age. The Unsung Hero of Anti-Aging While you may not be able to prevent 100% of the muscle mass loss you may experience as you get older, strength training is the best action you can take to take steps in that direction. Muscle mass is the unsung hero of the anti-aging discussion, and is about so much more than vanity and appearances. If you want to preserve your quality of life and longevity as you age, maintaining your muscle is the first thing you need to think about. How has strength training changed your approach to aging? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “If there is one thing that gets missed over time and time and time again in the conversation about aging, it is the unsung hero, muscle.” (3:12) “I don't want to just live to be very old in terms of my years, but I also would like to have as much quality of life, and quality of health, as possible.” (8:29) “No matter where on the spectrum you are, it is absolutely important and possible for you to start strength training now and reap some of these benefits.” (15:53) “Not only does this affect performance in terms of sports and athletics and fitness, but also, life.” (21:48) “This is all about your longevity, quality of programming, quality of life, and how strength training is going to serve you going forward.” (29:01) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Dynamic Dumbells Program Strong With Steph Program Full Show Notes Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS #411: Why You Need A Strength Training Program FYS #408: Growth Mindset in Fitness FYS #407: The Female Athlete Health Report with Kyniska Advocacy

Rucking is having a moment right now, but it is nothing new, per se. Humans have been carrying loads for distance since the beginning of time. While rucking is not a replacement for your strength training, it has a multitude of benefits to your cardiovascular strength, blood sugar, bone health, and so much more. Key Takeaways If You Are Interested in Including Rucking in Your Fitness Plan, You Should: The Many Benefits of Rucking Ever since I discovered rucking, I have included it as part of my fitness routine. The unique benefits of rucking, particularly for women over 40, have had a huge supportive impact on my training regime. Rucking is an incredibly effective form of exercise that has a wide range of benefits that can impact not only your fitness capacity but also your social and competitive capacity as well. Carrying heavy things is a fundamental movement pattern that is especially important for women over 40. The benefits to your bones, blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, stress, and more are some reasons why I love rucking. Answering All of Your Rucking Questions While rucking can be simply defined as carrying loads for a distance, there are a lot of questions that come up when starting any new fitness or movement practice. How much weight, what shoes you should wear, what equipment you need, what counts as rucking, and how to get started rucking are only a few of the questions I answer for you on today's podcast. If you are curious about rucking, already have a walking practice, or just want to try something new, rucking may be the answer you have been looking for. What do you love about rucking? What are you the most curious about? Share your rucking thoughts and experiences with me in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “Once I started rucking myself, I could definitely see where this was a beneficial addition to my fitness routine, and I have been doing it ever since.” (4:34) “We need to keep our cardiovascular strong, but we also need to strength train. We need the unique benefits of both.” (13:19) “Proper recovery matters just like any other kind of training. Don't overdo it, pay attention to your body… don't ignore that shit.” (29:27) “If you are looking for rucking gear that is really going to go the distance, check out GO RUCK.” (33:54) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Use Promo Code FUELYOURSTRENGTH at Go Ruck Full Show Notes Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS 389: The Benefits of Rucking for Women with Michael Easter

If you are a woman over 40 trying to build your fitness and muscle, you know how important it is to get into the gym on a regular basis. But if you struggle to find the consistency or motivation to exercise, you are definitely not alone. I find consistency as one of the most common things my clients struggle with, but it doesn't have to be that way. Key Takeaways If You Are Curious About Essentialism, Try: Taking time to decide what is truly important for you Saying no to the things that you do not want to do Doing fewer things but doing them better Adding Instead of Taking Away A lot of things in the health world are focused on removing or distancing yourself from a thing. Exercise is certainly not that way, and it requires you to lean in when it comes to changing your health habits. Although exercise takes time, energy, and space in your daily calendar, adding it to your life consistently is going to help you achieve the results you are looking for. All 24 Hours Are Not the Same While there are 24 hours in a day, each of us has our own schedule, timeline, and ability to prioritize exercise. Finding the time, space, and motivation to be consistent isn't necessarily easy, but by asking yourself the right questions, you can identify what's important, what you may want to say no to, and, ultimately, how to live more aligned with your values. The #1 most underrated concept when it comes to helping you find more time, which can, in turn, help you increase your consistency with training, is essentialism. There is a counterintuitive reason why finding consistency with your workouts is so hard, especially as a woman over 40. Have you ever approached your fitness with an essentialism mindset? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “It has been extremely gratifying to really bring those of you over 40 who are looking to improve your strength, muscle, and fitness, and feel strong. To really bring you a comprehensive program that is going to tick the boxes that we need as women over 40.” (3:47) “If you are feeling challenged with consistency, I promise you you are not alone in feeling what you are feeling.” (4:52) “Exercise cannot be accomplished through subtraction, elimination, or avoidance.” (8:33) “Exercise is a form of self-care. We are taking care of our health.” (15:12) “Ultimately, we all don't have the same time in our day. But by implementing the principles of essentialism, hopefully, you can carve out just a little bit more for yourself.” (17:47) Featured on the Show Strong With Steph Info Page Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Essentialism by Greg Mckeown Full Show Notes Get 20% off Legion Supplements with code STEPH (20% off your first order, double points on follow-up orders Get 10% off GORUCK with code FUELYOURSTRENGTH Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS 410: The Power of Intrinsic Motivation in Fitness FYS 408: Growth Mindset in Fitness

I recently decided to return to running after a 12-year-long break from it. While the idea of returning to running was a little bit scary and uncomfortable, I have found three teachable moments through my experience that you can apply to your own life, whether it is running or something entirely different that you want to make a return to but are apprehensive about. Key Takeaways If You Want to Find Enjoyment in Returning to an Exercise Such as Running, You Should: Find another way to do your cardio that you can tolerate Find an intrinsic motivation to train for Find some sense of joy in doing whatever you are doing Cardio and Strength Training Go Together Some of you may not know that I used to be an endurance athlete. I focus more on strength training rather than cardio in my public work because when we look at the data, more women meet their cardio minimums than their strength training minimums. However, we need a balance of both strength training and cardio to see the results that most of us are looking for. It takes a combination approach for all of us to achieve our goals, no matter what our goals are. Find Your Intrinsic Motivation Sometimes, exercise is uncomfortable and hard. It is a way that we build in a way of controlled discomfort. But finding other things that we enjoy about the experience makes it that much richer. This has been my main takeaway when getting back into running. Finding intrinsic motivation is key to putting yourself out there. Even if you do not love the exercise itself, finding joy in the other aspects of 'the thing' instead of looking for external validation will keep you going. It is possible to find a way to incorporate what scares you into your daily routine; you just have to take the first step. Have you been looking for a way to reincorporate something such as running that you may have had on the shelf for a while? Tell me your story in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “If you were wondering why I go on and on and on about fueling and why I became a sports nutritionist, it is to help other women, especially women, avoid those pitfalls that I fell into all those years back.” (4:45) “I knew that I was going to have to find a way of reconciling the fact that when I left the sports world, I was doing a lot of things for the wrong reasons.” (13:55) “There was definitely an apprehension for me or kind of a burnout in putting running on the shelf for an indefinite amount of time, and as I started to return to things, I wanted to do it very mindfully.” (14:33) “For so many years, we have swung the pendulum from only doing cardio to only doing strength training, and we need both.” (15:47) “Sometimes it is the extrinsic stuff that is enough to get us in the door, but it is more the intrinsic side of things that keeps us going, and I very much have felt that with running.” (22:38) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here GORUCK Full Show Notes Get 20% off Legion Supplements with code STEPH (20% off your first order, double points on follow-up orders Get 10% off GORUCK with code FUELYOURSTRENGTH Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS 389: The Benefits of Rucking for Women with Michael Easter FYS 380: Lessons From Endurance to Lifting: Top Sports & Nutrition Training Lessons FYS 410: The Power of Intrinsic Motivation in Fitness

Investing in your own transformation is a difficult thing for a lot of us, but it is so important. Whether you invest your time, money, or effort, showing up for yourself and investing in your own growth is the key to seeing the results you are hoping for. Key Takeaways If You Are Ready to Invest in the Next Step, You Should: Remember that you are not the only one who doesn’t have everything figured out Take the step to invest in yourself through a coach, training program, or just asking for help Believe that you are worthy of this investment, and watch how you can show up for yourself Your Body is a Garden I have been putting off fixing up my garden for years. Once I finally decided to do something about it, and reach out to an expert for help, my years of procrastination were fixed in just a few hours. What really surprised me was the amount of joy and satisfaction I got from seeing the fruits of my labor. Your nutrition and training program might be a lot like my garden. But instead of feeling overwhelmed and putting it off, or being afraid of asking for help, taking the initiative to invest in yourself will feel so much better than procrastinating. Investing In Yourself Investing in yourself means that you get to borrow the education and expertise from others, and it helps you avoid the constant overwhelm of trying to learn and do everything yourself. Hiring an expert is an investment that you can make that will result in the growth and transformation you are looking for. You are not alone in the challenging things. By believing that you are worth it and investing in your own growth, you can ditch that feeling of overwhelm and experience the great feeling of seeing your own metaphorical garden bloom. Are you ready to invest in your next step? Share your story with me in the comments section on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “I want you to think, where have I been reluctant to ask for and seek out the help that I really need in order to make the progress I want to see and ultimately get the transformation that I really truly want?” (2:27) “When you hire an expert, whether it is a gardener or a nutrition coach or someone to paint your house, you are making a very wise choice.” (12:22) “You are worthy; you have always been worthy; there is no question about your worthiness. And at any point in the process, wherever you are with your nutrition or your strength training, are worthy of hiring someone.” (16:36) “You start to value yourself and show up for yourself differently when you invest in your own growth, in your own transformation.” (18:40) “If you are ready to figure all this stuff out, have expert guidance, get the coaching and the community support that are so so important in long-term progress, then we are waiting for you to apply!” (23:44) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Full Show Notes Get 20% off Legion Supplements with code STEPH (20% off your first order, double points on follow-up orders Get 10% off GORUCK with code FUELYOURSTRENGTH Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS 410: The Power of Intrinsic Motivation in Fitness

Lifting heavy is great, but there are a lot of ingredients that go into the recipe for getting better results out of your strength training. Having a program that works for your body, and your goals, is absolutely key to long-term consistency and results. Key Takeaways If You Want to Improve Your Strength Training Program, You Should: How to Reach Your Goals Your program is the plan that is going to take you to your goal, which takes a lot of thinking and skill. This is why it is so important to understand that training concepts are not the same thing as strength training programming, and this is why they are so much more effective than just doing random workouts. While the ‘what’, lifting heavy, may be easy to understand, the how and why of getting there is much more complex. Creating a plan that progresses and periodizes over time will help you accomplish the best of what strength training can do. Trust The Process While random workouts will no doubt do something, adding muscle mass and having a well-rounded workout is essential, especially as you train into your 40s and beyond. Lifting heavy and moving your body is great, but you need a program that is suited to you and your body's needs if you are ever going to reach your goal. By trusting the process and following a program that is aligned with your goals, you can take the burden off yourself and focus on being consistent. By showing up for yourself, you can continue to see great results and feel supported on your strength training journey. What is your relationship with your training program like? Share your thoughts with me in the comments section on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “Often we hear that we should ‘just lift heavy’. But what are the things that really go into just lifting heavy? And is lifting heavy really enough?” (2:25) “If you have a goal, you need a program.” (12:38) “Even though I have been coaching and lifting for over 10 years, I knew I could still get better at writing programs” (20:53) “Lifting heavy is an integral part of many great strength training programs. But it is not the only thing you likely should do, especially if you are trying to become more well-rounded and fit in your 40s and beyond.” (22:09) “There are a lot of things that we can do differently based on going through our 40s and beyond to start working with what's going on and working with those changes instead of saying, ‘well, it's just pointless; there is nothing I can do about this’.” (25:32) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Full Show Notes Get 20% off Legion Supplements with code STEPH (20% off your first order, double points on follow-up orders) Get 10% off GORUCK with code FUELYOURSTRENGTH Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS 409: Overcoming All or Nothing Thinking In the Gym FYS 408: Growth Mindset in Fitness

Fitness and motivation go hand in hand when achieving your goals. But have you ever stopped to think about the basis behind your goals? Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for fitness are both part of the fitness process. However, it is important to stay alert and aware of where your motivation is coming from in order to achieve long-term results. Key Takeaways If You Want to Become More Intrinsic In Your Motivation, You Can: Consider your intrinsic motivations for your overall behaviors See if there is room to shift your extrinsic motivators along the spectrum Give yourself some choice when it comes to the things you are working on Your Motivation Matters We all have a wide range of motivational factors, whether we are just stepping foot in the gym or have been there for years. Regardless, the ‘why’ behind your motivation can play a key part in how you succeed in the long term. This is why it is important to understand the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation so that you can apply these concepts and better understand your own fitness goals. Challenging yourself to understand your goals and how those goals align with your values are key concepts in any athlete's journey. While there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ motivation, finding a way to connect to something that is in line with your values and identity will only help you in reaching your full potential. Understanding the Intrinsic/Extrinsic Grey Area Extrinsic motivation as your starting point can help a person get started toward behavior change, but in the long term, developing a sense of intrinsic motivation is what will keep you going. Extrinsic motivators are not inherently bad. They are often present when someone starts a fitness or nutrition program, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, it is your intrinsic motivators that are going to keep you going, and for the right reasons. Shifting to more intrinsically linked motivators will help you see your behaviors through for the long haul. And aren't long-term results and consistency what we are really after? Have you ever considered your intrinsic and extrinsic motivations? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “This is very common. It is nothing to feel bad over; it is nothing to feel guilty for; it is just worth noticing and building awareness of.” (3:12) “When it comes to improving your fitness, whether it is adding strength, building muscle, improving your cardiovascular function, you're just working on consistency with getting into the gym; mindset is a crucial component of this.”: (8:38) “Flexibility in thinking, your mental skills, are incredibly important in this time. And I would venture to say, maybe more important at this time of life than any other time in your life.” (9:51) “If all of it is to do an hour, nothing is to sit on the couch, what is something that you could do?” (13:28) “With continual practice and awareness over time, you can really start to shift this way of thinking.” (13:49) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Desi & Ryan: Intrinsic Motivation and Self Determination in Human Behaviour - Book Get 20% off Legion Supplements with code STEPH (20% off your first order, double points on follow-up orders) Get 10% off GORUCK with code FUELYOURSTRENGTH Full Show Notes Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS 409: Overcoming All or Nothing Thinking In the Gym FYS 408: Growth Mindset in Fitness

Have you ever said to yourself that if you aren't able to do something perfectly, it's not worth doing it at all? This is an example of ‘all or nothing’ thinking. All-or-nothing thinking is incredibly common, especially when it comes to fitness. But this mindset can actually limit your ability to reach your goals and get in the way of the progress that you want to see. Key Takeaways If You Struggle with ‘All-or-Nothing’ Thinking, You Can: Get more aware of the language you use to talk to yourself about your fitness Shift the binary by brainstorming a third option that is in the middle Create goals that focus on progress or process, not just the ultimate outcome you want to achieve Flexibility is Key All-or-nothing thinking is an example of what I like to call a fixed mindset. Thinking about your fitness goals and gains in a way that is rigid and categorized limits your ability to stay flexible when it comes to how you think about your fitness. A flexible mindset is one of the most important things you can have, especially as a woman over 40. Being flexible in the way you think about your fitness and nutrition goals is absolutely essential if you want to keep achieving your goals both in and out of the gym. Mindset Matters It may not seem like it, but the mindset in which you approach your fitness and nutrition plays a crucial role in your ability to make behavior changes. Limiting yourself to an all-or-nothing mindset means that you don't have any wiggle room to make your training work with your lifestyle. The good news is that with a few simple mindset shifts, you can break out of this very common mindset pattern, find alternatives that work for you, and not get so hung up in the need to be perfect. What is one example of ‘All-or-Nothing’ thinking that you've seen in fitness? Let me know in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “This is very common. It is nothing to feel bad over; it is nothing to feel guilty for; it is just worth noticing and building awareness of.” (3:12) “When it comes to improving your fitness, whether it is adding strength, building muscle, improving your cardiovascular function, you're just working on consistency with getting into the gym; mindset is a crucial component of this.”: (8:38) “Flexibility in thinking, your mental skills, are incredibly important in this time. And I would venture to say, maybe more important at this time of life than any other time in your life.” (9:51) “If all of it is to do an hour, nothing is to sit on the couch, what is something that you could do?” (13:28) “With continual practice and awareness over time, you can really start to shift this way of thinking.” (13:49) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Get 20% off Legion Supplements with code STEPH (20% off your first order, double points on follow-up orders) Get 10% off GORUCK with code FUELYOURSTRENGTH Full Show Notes Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS 408: Growth Mindset in Fitness

How you view yourself and other people in the world around you influences all of the things you see, think, and do. This is especially true when it comes to your fitness and how you are able to create new healthy habits around your strength goals. Embracing a growth mindset, rather than a fixed mindset, can have a huge impact on your outcomes and your overall enjoyment in and out of the gym. Key Takeaways If You Want to Embrace a Growth Mindset, You Should: 1) Look for examples in your life of times you have shown a growth mindset without realizing it 2) Reframe your challenges as opportunities 3) Collect evidence of your progress on a regular basis Your Growth is Not Linear Have you ever thought or said to yourself, ‘I’m just not built to do a pull-up’, or something along those lines? Believing that your qualities or characteristics are set in stone can keep you living in a fixed mindset. This is a common characteristic I see within my community, and it can leak out into other parts of your life and the way you view the world. By challenging that belief and putting yourself in new and uncomfortable situations, you can stretch yourself and experience the magic that lies in the growth mindset. Reframing Your Mindset Strength training and life are about staying in the process and giving consistent effort, regardless of the outcome-based goal. By seeing the value in practice, you can seek out new challenges and experiences that leverage your strengths rather than trying to fix your weaknesses. We all have days where it's easier to stay stuck in your fixed mindset. But if you can stretch yourself enough to reframe the way you think about your obstacles, true growth can occur. Are you ready to ditch your fixed mindset and embrace the growth mindset? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “Whatever you are trying to do, inevitably, challenges in mindset come up.” (2:19) “As you work towards achieving your goals in fitness, strength, fueling your body in a way that supports performance. You need to do that by showing up consistently and implementing new behaviors; you'll probably work on forming new habits, which is a great thing, and making different choices. And all of that is influenced by mindset.” (5:00) “It's not just about the outcome, it's about the effort.” (11:32) “If we don't ever step up and accept challenges, because we don't think we can be successful or we don't think we can win at that thing, its a lot harder to reach our fitness goals.” (13:20) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Mindset Masterclass Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck Full Show Notes Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Support the Podcast Get 20% off Legion Supplements with code STEPH (20% off your first order, double points on follow-up orders) Get 10% off GORUCK with code FUELYOURSTRENGTH Follow Steph on Instagram Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes Why You're Struggling With Motivation To Workout How To Build An Athlete Mindset Over 40

The health of female athletes is often overlooked or underrepresented in sporting organizations across the world. This is one of the reasons why Mhairi Maclennon and Kate Sealy founded Kyniska Advocacy – to educate, advocate, and provide support for female athletes. In cooperation with Project RED-S, they recently released the Female Athletes Health Report, which will form the basis of many recommendations in women’s sports. Key Takeaways Recommendations from the Female Athlete Health Report Mandatory female health training within all sports organizations A toolkit for athletes to have information early Support network about RED-S and female athlete health Equipping medical professionals with the information they need about RED-S About Kyniska Advocacy Kyniska Advocacy advocates for progressive policies in women’s sports, enacting change one campaign at a time. They want to instill an equitable sporting culture from grassroots clubs to the Olympic games and everything in between. Their vision is to create a sporting community that fosters a safe environment and has the protection of women at its heart. To develop sport, where decisions are made with women in mind, by people who understand us, and where women have a seat at the table. And to build a world where men’s sport isn’t the default standard for women's sport. Kyniska Advocacy is fighting for equity in sports, and sports tailored to different needs. They work through three principal pillars; educate, advocate, and support. They educate via webinars, resources, and campaigns. They advocate by working with parliamentarians and sports governing bodies to shape policies and procedures to better protect, respect and celebrate women and girls in sports. And they support through our athlete support service, our athlete blog & using our platform to give women in sports a voice. Policy Change for Female Athletes Kyniska Advocacy Co-Founders Mhairi Maclennan and Kate Seary join the conversation today to talk about their initiative and why they co-sponsored the Female Athlete Health Report with Project RED-S. They build their foundation because of the lack of responsibility within UK sports organizations for the abuse and overall health of female athletes. Mhairi and Kate share some of the challenges they’ve experienced around any policy change for women’s sports. While they experience resistance across the board, more and more athletes find their voices powerful and can enact change. The Female Athlete Health Report Understanding female athlete health is pivotal to the work of Kyniska Advocacy. They partnered with Project RED-S for the Female Athlete Health Report, where 800 female athletes filled out the survey. They focused on details such as RED-S, eating habits, and how female athletes view themselves and their bodies. One common theme across the board is how a female athlete’s body image can drastically impact their performance. The other big issue is RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), which impacts the menstrual cycle. Do you feel supported as a female athlete? What are your support systems? Share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “It’s across the board. I think everyone responds in the same way to abuse in sport: they think it’s terrible. But it’s actually getting to the root cause of abuse that people start [to hesitate]. The issue we come across with coaches is a lack of support from their governing bodies, so they’re not informed of safeguarding and welfare, so when they are, they become defensive.” [11:07] “We want an independent body that the big cases get sent to so that we know that there is consistency across all sports. It’s independent, so it’s more transparent and trustworthy.” [16:53] “I think because there are these different moving parts and because sport has been independently operated, there has been a reluctance from the government to step in, but I...

One of the best-researched supplements in terms of muscle strength and performance worldwide is creatine monohydrate. But recent developments in the scientific research world show there are a lot of other benefits that creatine can give you, especially when it comes to health from your neck and up. Cognition, mood, memory, and so much more are proving to be the next big thing in creatine research. Key Takeaways If You Want to Utilize All the Benefits of Creatine, You Should: The Godfather of Creatine Research, Dr. Darren Candow Dr. Darren Candow, Ph.D., CSEP-CEP, is a Professor and Director of the Aging Muscle and Bone Health Laboratory in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina, Canada. The overall objectives of Dr. Candow’s internationally renowned research program are to develop effective lifestyle interventions involving nutrition (primarily creatine monohydrate) and physical activity (resistance training), which have practical and clinical relevance for improving musculoskeletal aging and reducing the risk of falls and fractures. Understanding the Many Benefits of Creatine Most people know that your muscle content will increase when you combine creatine and resistance training. But what about the effects that creatine has on the brain? Creatine works best when your brain is stressed. This means that supplementing creatine for brain health has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety, reduce concussion symptoms, improve immune system function, and more. Supplementing creatine while combining it with exercise creates the potential for bone and brain health improvements, and the research proves it. The Proof is in the Research While the effects of creatine supplementation on the brain have only recently started to be explored, the research is very promising. In fact. Dr. Candow believes that creatine is going to be an interesting supplement to study for the next 50 years, given its wide-reaching benefits. The benefits of creatine are not just opinions. This is why I feel it is important for you to hear from Dr. Candow, so you can get a first-hand understanding of why there is a potential possibility for so many clinical applications when it comes to creatine. It is an exciting time to be diving into the world of creatine supplementation; join us! What interests you most about the benefit of creatine supplementation for the body and the mind? Share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Quotes “[Creatine] has become a total body supplement, not just for athletes looking to get bigger faster. I think anybody on the planet, I am really struggling to think of anyone on the planet who would not benefit from creatine in some form or another.” (11:36) “We can conclude that basically, if you are 18 years of age and above, creatine and resistance training will decrease fat a little amount, and it will not increase it, which has the implications for avoiding a lot of chronic diseases later in life.” (24:26) “Creatine acts as a neurotransmitter and reduces oxidative stress. And individuals with a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or maybe even PTSD, have a reduction naturally in brain creatine content. So if you can give them more creatine through their diet or supplementation, that has been shown to have some promise by decreasing depressive symptoms.” (37:35) “I would guess we will be looking at creatine and the brain for the next 50 years, just given the infancy of it.” (40:56) “Creatine is the sprinkle or the cherry on the cake, and that cake is exercise… the magic of creatine is unlocked when you combine it with exercise.” (43:52) Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Creatine Study Full Show Notes Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production &...