If you are a woman over 40 and are looking for practical information on how to keep your body strong and functional in perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, this is the show for you! - Do you want to learn how to exercise in a way to increase muscle and lose fat so you look and feel great today while preparing your body for the decades ahead? - Do you want to start lifting weights? - Do you want to understand the hormonal changes that are going on in your body during menopause (estro ...
…
continue reading
Tired of wading through the sea of misinformation and misconceptions about menopause? Let's cut through the crap together. I'm Jess Carney, your menopause coach, and I'm here to empower you with the facts and the reality often overlooked in traditional healthcare. Join me weekly on 'Conquer the Change' as we explore the powerful transition that is menopause. My badass guests and I are real women, eager to speak candidly about our own personal ups and downs. Together, with a dash of attitude, ...
…
continue reading

1
The Midlife Improvement Project - Navigating the challenges and adventures of Midlife on the way to an even better you.
Dr. Peggy Malone
The Midlife Improvement Project is a podcast for women in midlife who are feeling like they need a change....like something is just not quite right. They are itchy for the next best version of themselves. They are looking for a community of likeminded women that are facing the challenges and adventures of midlife in a totally different way than their Moms did. They are looking for strategies to manage their minds as they shed societally imposed expectations that they have conformed to for mo ...
…
continue reading
Jess shares her journey through a challenging six-week period marked by stressors around health, finances and family. Jess emphasizes the importance of self-grace and self-compassion during tough times, reflecting on strategies like acknowledging emotions, setting boundaries, and adopting a "minimum viable product" mindset. She discusses the role o…
…
continue reading

1
#117: Factors That Impact Your Strength Training Results (Part 2: Lifestyle Choices that Matter)
18:48
18:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:48When it comes to seeing results from strength training, what you do outside of your workouts matters just as much as what happens during them—especially in midlife. In part 2 of this series, I’m walking you through the lifestyle choices that either support or slow down your progress. These aren’t trendy hacks or extreme routines. They’re the kinds …
…
continue reading
In this episode, Jess explores the transformative journey of menopause through Mel Robbins' book, "Let Them." She delves into themes of acceptance, identity, and the power of releasing expectations that often accompany this life stage. By sharing personal reflections on her menopausal experience, Jess highlights the importance of letting go of soci…
…
continue reading

1
#116: Factors That Impact Your Strength Training Results (Part 1: Things you can & can't control)
23:00
23:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:00When will I see results? And how can I get there faster? These are questions everyone asks when starting strength training - and in this episode, we’re diving into the real answers. If you’ve been lifting weights and wondering whether it’s working (or why your progress isn’t matching someone else’s), this episode is for you. In part 1 of this 2-par…
…
continue reading
Lesley Martin, a coach for high-achieving women, joins Jess to discuss "deep soul level burnout" during midlife transitions like menopause. With over 20 years as a holistic psychotherapist, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing burnout as a catalyst for self-reflection and growth. The conversation explores the stressors women face, encourage…
…
continue reading

1
#115: 7 Must-Haves for a Strength Training Program That Works (Without Wasting Time)
25:05
25:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:05You want to lift weights, build muscle, and feel stronger… but how do you know if the program you’re following is actually helping you get there? In this episode, I’m giving you a simple 7-point checklist to evaluate any weight training program - whether it’s something you found online or one from your gym. You’ll learn: Why more exercises and long…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Jess dives into the benefits of intermittent fasting (IF) for women during menopause, emphasizing that it’s about meal timing rather than deprivation. She shares her personal experience with IF and details its advantages like enhanced autophagy and improved insulin sensitivity for weight management and symptom relief. Jess also tou…
…
continue reading

1
#114: Progressive Overload: Build Muscle & Get Toned in Midlife (Step-by-Step Guide)
22:32
22:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:32If you’ve been working out with weights but feel like your arms still jiggle and you're not looking more toned, then this episode is a must-listen. In episode #114, I'm getting back to basics and covering one of the most important principles in strength training: progressive overload. If you want results - like better muscle tone, more strength, an…
…
continue reading

1
Strength Training Gone Wild with Lynn Sederlof-Airisto (Part 2)
33:14
33:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:14In this episode, Jess sits down with fitness expert, Lynn Sederlof-Airisto, who returns to discuss the importance of strength training for women navigating menopause. She highlights the impact of declining estrogen levels on muscle tone and fat distribution, emphasizing how strength training supports bone density and joint health. Lynn outlines key…
…
continue reading

1
#113: Tips for Working with an In-Person Personal Trainer (when starting weight training in midlife)
5:13
5:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:13If you're hesitant about starting weight training on your own, then a session (or more) with an in-person personal trainer can be a great choice. In this episode of the podcast I go over some tips for how to get the most out of that session with a personal trainer - so you can get start getting stronger and build muscle effectively. Enjoy the show!…
…
continue reading

1
Secret Weapon: Female Friendships for Menopause Survival
20:10
20:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:10In this episode, Jess discusses the importance of female friendships during menopause, drawing from my experience as a Program Manager and leader. Relating insights from the movie Hidden Figures, she highlights how communal gatherings among women empower us and foster discussions on gender equality. Jess explores the health benefits of strong femal…
…
continue reading

1
#112: Reflections on menopause, fitness & life on my 54th Birthday
19:13
19:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:13I'm turning 54 on the day that this episode is being released 🎂, so I thought I would take this opportunity to reflect back on my perimenopause nightmare, how amazing midlife can be (once you get menopause symptoms under control), my fitness journey, and my thoughts on the road ahead. So this is a little bit of a different kind of episode than usua…
…
continue reading

1
Meals, Muscles and Men with Lynn Sederlof-Airisto (part 1)
35:59
35:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:59In this episode, Jess engages in a candid conversation with Lynn Sederlof-Airisto, a fitness expert and podcaster from Helsinki, Finland, who shares her transformative journey through midlife challenges, including fitness, menopause, and self-acceptance. Lynn's story is not just about physical fitness but also touches on the emotional and psycholog…
…
continue reading

1
#111: 6 Strength Training Mistakes Midlife Women Make at the Gym (and how to fix them)
15:28
15:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:28Are you unknowingly sabotaging your strength training progress? If you’ve started lifting weights, this episode is a must-listen. Over the years, I’ve seen some common mistakes women make in the weight room - most of them with the best intentions. But the truth is, these well-meaning habits could be slowing you down or holding you back. In this epi…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Jess explores the often-misunderstood significance of the pelvic floor and its impact on overall health and wellness. Sharing personal anecdotes, she highlights the vulnerabilities many women face—such as stress urinary incontinence—often triggered by hormonal changes during menopause. She breaks down the anatomy of the pelvic floo…
…
continue reading

1
#110 - The Right Way to Recover After Strength Training (Rest, Fuel & Tips for Faster Recovery)
24:31
24:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:31How long does it really take to recover between strength training sessions? The answer isn't always straightforward. Your recovery time depends on factors like how hard you’re training, your stress levels, sleep, protein intake, and more. In this episode, I’m breaking down: The biggest mistakes women make when it comes to recovery Why protein is es…
…
continue reading

1
A Multi-Generational Menopause House with Michele Velligan
31:02
31:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:02In this episode, Jess chats with her friend Michele Velligan about her experience navigating menopause at 55, which coincided with her COVID diagnosis. They discuss the challenges of overlapping symptoms and her proactive strategies for managing health, including diet modifications and alternative therapies. Michele shares her journey as a member o…
…
continue reading

1
#109: Strength Training: How Quickly to Increase Your Weights?
26:48
26:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:48How fast should you increase your weights? The answer depends on where you are in your lifting journey. Whether you're just starting out, building intensity, or lifting heavy, your progress will look different at each stage. In this episode, I break down the three phases of strength training, what to expect as you move through them, and how to know…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Jess discusses body positivity in the context of menopause, inspired by a powerful message about self-acceptance. She explores generational shifts in body image, highlighting how younger women embrace their bodies more than ever. Sharing her own personal journey, Jess reflects on societal pressures and the positive influence of cul…
…
continue reading

1
#108: FAQs: Training Frequency, Supplements & Fat Loss after 40
26:35
26:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:35In this FAQ episode of 40+ Fitness for Women, I answer some of your top training, nutrition, and fat loss questions—including what really works and what’s just hype. I answer these questions: Is strength training 2x week enough? (or do you need more) What supplements do I recommend - and use - in midlife? (and what I don't buy into) Is fat loss pos…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Jess dives deep into the essential yet often overlooked topic of relaxation, especially during the menopausal transition. She candidly shares her struggles with relaxing, highlighting how this inability can compound the stresses of daily life, particularly as we navigate hormonal changes. Understanding how menopause exacerbates str…
…
continue reading

1
#107: How to Warm Up to Lift Heavy Weights
16:44
16:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:44So, you've been lifting for a while, applying progressive overload, and you're at the point where the weights are getting heavy. Of course, heavy is always relative (what's heavy for you is not the same as what's heavy for someone else). But you know what I mean: when you get to the point where the idea of just grabbing your working weights and goi…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Jess welcomes long time friend, Dr. Belinda Leon, a 55-year-old nonprofit director, who shares her experience with menopause, which began at 49. She discusses symptoms like hot flashes and weight gain, and the impact of the pandemic on her journey. After overcoming hesitation, she started hormone replacement therapy (HRT), leading …
…
continue reading

1
#106: How to improve your weight lifting using form videos
12:34
12:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:34The one thing you’re probably NOT doing—but should be! If you’re lifting weights but not seeing the results you want, or if something just feels off in your workouts, there’s a simple but often-overlooked fix: checking your form. When your form isn’t right, you’re not only increasing your risk of injury, you might also be making exercises harder th…
…
continue reading
This episode explores the vital connection between sleep and menopause. Jess draws from her personal experiences and challenges faced by many women. She discusses the significant impact of disrupted sleep on mood, energy, and productivity, particularly following social events. Jess highlights five key reasons why quality sleep is essential during m…
…
continue reading

1
#105: Is Lifting Weights Not Your Thing? Too boring? Doesn't work for you? Let's chat...
20:03
20:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:03This is a different kind of episode. I am sharing my frustrations about women who tell me that strength training is 'not their thing'. Strength training should be everyone's thing. There is no substitute. Yes, there are other forms of exercise, but none that build muscle & strength and confer the health benefits that weight training does. Plus thos…
…
continue reading

1
Menopause, Mountains and Me with Lizette Totillo
31:34
31:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:34"I wanna live my life saying, 'I'm glad I did and not, I wish I had'." In this episode, Jess sits down with Lizette, a dynamic yoga instructor and musician now living in Croatia, who has fronted the band Blue Monday for over two decades. They explore her experiences with menopause, discussing the importance of self-education and open dialogue as wo…
…
continue reading

1
#104: Your Metabolism in Midlife: Why It Slows Down & How to Fix It
26:43
26:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:43You’ve probably heard that your metabolism slows down as you age, and that's why you're gaining weight. But is that actually true? In this episode I break down the four key factors that make up your daily calorie burn - aka. your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) - and how to tweak them to work in your favor. If you want to eat more without gai…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Jess digs deep into the often-overlooked issue of communication between women and their healthcare providers, particularly regarding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and menopause. She starts by sharing a friend's experience with an OBGYN who dismissed the effectiveness of HRT simply as a mental construct due to financial investme…
…
continue reading

1
#103: Get Toned for Summer 2025: A simple strategy to lose fat and build muscle
16:43
16:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:43If you’re feeling a little "off track" after the holidays and wondering how to look and feel your best by summer, you’re not alone. In this episode of 40+ Fitness for Women, I share my strategy to get toned for summer and how you can do the same - without extreme diets or endless cardio. In this episode, I cover: My proven two-step strategy for ton…
…
continue reading
This episode explores the complexities surrounding body image and weight gain during menopause, sharing examples from the film "Eat, Pray, Love," to illustrate the emotional and psychological struggles many women face, embracing their love for food while simultaneously confronting societal pressures regarding body weight. This narrative sets the fo…
…
continue reading

1
#102: Combo vs. Compound Exercises: Which are better for building muscle in midlife?
14:14
14:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:14All workouts with weights are NOT created equal. The internet is filled with free workouts that feature combo exercises - and women are wild about them - BUT are they the best way to build muscle? Unfortunately not. In this episode of 40+ Fitness for Women podcast, I explain the difference between combo exercises and compound exercises - and why on…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Jess discusses the transformative impact of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during menopause and shares her personal hormone journey. She shares the history of HRT, addressing its evolution, benefits, and the common fears that prevent many women from utilizing it. Importantly, Jess debunks the myths surrounding HRT risks, clarifi…
…
continue reading

1
#101: 10 Reasons Muscle Matters for Women Over 40 (Benefits of having more muscle on your body)
27:19
27:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:19Muscle isn’t just about looking toned—it’s the key to living stronger, healthier, and more confidently in midlife and beyond. In this episode of 40+ Fitness for Women, I share 10 surprising benefits of having more muscle and why it’s so important for women in perimenopause and menopause. Muscle plays a role in nearly every aspect of your health and…
…
continue reading
This episode provides an in-depth exploration of menopause, detailing the roles of key hormones and their impact on women's health. It clarifies the differences between perimenopause and menopause, dispels common misconceptions, and emphasizes the gradual decline of hormones and its effects on quality of life. Jess discusses the long-term health ri…
…
continue reading

1
My Journey: Embracing My Menopause Misadventures
16:44
16:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:44In this first episode of Conquer the Change, Jess tackles the often-ignored subject of menopause, aiming to empower women during this significant transition. She shares her personal experiences with the onset of menopause, including struggles with symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances, as well as the emotional toll it has taken on her li…
…
continue reading

1
#100: 10 Reasons Weight Training Is Essential for Women Over 40 (Benefits of lifting weights)
30:30
30:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:30Weight training after 40 is one of the best things you can do for your health and well-being both in the short term and long term. If you haven't started yet, here are some compelling reasons to finally get going!! In this episode, I go over just some of the benefits of weight training (10 of them) Though lifting weights is beneficial to anyone at …
…
continue reading

1
#99: 6 Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for Fitness & Health in Perimenopause & Beyond
26:08
26:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:08Are you tired of New Year's resolutions that don’t stick? In this episode, I’m sharing six realistic and sustainable New Year's resolutions that will help you improve your fitness, health, and overall well-being—without falling into the trap of quick-fix diets or juice cleanses. These resolutions are tailored to work with your body at this stage of…
…
continue reading

1
#98: Q&A: Training after Illness, Lifting Straps, Boredom with Weight Training, and My HRT Journey
31:50
31:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:50In this episode of 40+ Fitness for Women, I’m answering questions submitted by my followers about training, equipment, and hormone replacement therapy. I answer these questions: How to get back into training after being sick? Do I use lifting straps, and when would I recommend them? How can weight training sessions be made less boring? Am I on horm…
…
continue reading

1
#97: 6 Things I've Changed My Mind About as a Menopause Fitness Coach
23:30
23:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:30After menopause, I noticed big changes in my body as my familiar fitness routines stopped working. The lessons I’ve learned — from studying menopause and midlife fitness, from my personal experiences, and from coaching a wide variety of women — have completely transformed my thinking. In this episode, I share six things I’ve changed my mind about: …
…
continue reading
Listen in and find out what all the buzz is about! Be sure to FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE so you catch all new episodes every Wednesday starting January 8, 2025! CONNECT WITH JESS: Website | FacebookBy Jess Carney
…
continue reading

1
#96: My Best Tips for Staying on Track During the Holidays
25:07
25:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:07The holiday season is here, and with it comes the parties, festive meals, and all those tempting treats! 🎄 But how do you enjoy the holidays without feeling like all your hard-earned fitness progress is going out the window? In this episode of 40+ Fitness for Women, I share: How to balance indulgence with consistency during the holidays Practical t…
…
continue reading

1
#94: Overwhelmed by midlife fitness tips? Here's what to focus on & what to ignore
33:37
33:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:37Confused by the endless (and often conflicting) fitness advice for women in midlife? You’re not alone. In this episode I break down the mixed messages about fitness and health in midlife and give you a clear plan to feel strong, healthy, and confident. It’s time to cut through the noise and focus on what really works. In this episode, I: Review the…
…
continue reading

1
#93: 3 ways to build grip strength to keep progressing your lifts
15:33
15:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:33If you’ve noticed your grip strength lagging as you increase your weights, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing three effective ways to build grip strength while continuing to progress your strength training - don't let a weak grip hold you back! You’ll learn: 3 strategies to increase grip strength without slowing your progress How poor g…
…
continue reading

1
#92: The Roadmap to Lifting Heavy in Menopause
19:51
19:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:51Heavy lifting with shorter sets is recommended for women in perimenopause and menopause, but jumping straight into that type of training can be risky. In this episode, I’m sharing the roadmap to safely build up to lifting heavy - so you can get stronger while avoiding injury. I’ll walk you through: How heavy lifting with shorter sets is recommended…
…
continue reading

1
#91: Back to Heavy Lifting with a Cranky Knee – My Story
22:41
22:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:41Getting back to weight training with a knee that was swollen, stiff, and too painful to bend isn’t easy, but it is possible! In this episode of 40+ Fitness for Women, I share my experience working around significant knee limitations and slowly building back strength and range of motion - without risking further damage. Tune in as I discuss: The ste…
…
continue reading
Balance isn’t just something you need for yoga—it’s a key component of staying safe, functional, and independent as we age. 🧘♀️ In this episode of 40+ Fitness for Women, I dive into why maintaining your balance is crucial and how you can improve it without adding extra hours to your week. Tune in as I share: Easy ways to incorporate balance exerci…
…
continue reading

1
#89: Why 1200 calorie/day diets & cheat days don’t work & what to do instead
14:26
14:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:26Have you been carefully sticking to a 1200-calorie per day diet during the week, only to reward yourself with a cheat day on the weekend? While this approach might seem like a good balance, it could actually be sabotaging your progress! In this episode of 40+ Fitness for Women, I break down why super low-calorie diets and cheat days aren’t as effec…
…
continue reading

1
#88: Why I don't recommend BodyPump, F45 and Orangetheory for women in menopause
16:34
16:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:34Are popular group fitness classes like BodyPump, F45, and Orangetheory really helping you build and maintain muscle as you age? 🤔 In this episode of 40+ Fitness for Women, I’m diving into why these trendy workouts might not be the best choice for women in perimenopause and menopause who want to regain or maintain muscle. 💪 Tune in as I discuss: Why…
…
continue reading
A lot has happened since I started my journey into strength training and fitness after menopause! 💪 In this special episode of *40+ Fitness for Women*, I’m catching up with you on where I am now, what’s changed, and how my fitness and lifestyle have evolved over the last few years. Plus, if you’re new to my show, you’ll get to know a bit more about…
…
continue reading