Episode 464: Dr. Stacy Sims: Why Women Are Not Small Men and Need to Train Completely Differently

Habits and Hustle

Why do women and men get vastly different results from the same workout and diet plan? In this Fitness Friday episode on the Habits and Hustle podcast, I sit down with Dr. Stacy Sims, exercise physiologist, who reveals the differences that affect every aspect of how women should approach fitness and nutrition.

We dive into how puberty creates a biomechanical shift that changes everything and reveal why popular fitness trends like Zone 2 training and Orange Theory classes may actually be working against women's biology. We also share the specific strategies women need to combat muscle loss, maintain bone density, and optimize body composition.

Dr. Stacy Sims is an international exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist who specializes in sex differences in training, nutrition, and environmental conditions. She's the author of "Roar" and "Next Level" and has spent decades researching how women's unique physiology requires different approaches to health and fitness.

What we discuss:

• Why women are born with different muscle fiber types than men

• Why Zone 2 training isn't optimal for most women throughout their lives

• The importance of power-based and strength training for women's longevity

• How perimenopause changes training needs

• Why moderate intensity workouts can increase cortisol and visceral fat

• Why women need heavy lifting (0-6 reps) during perimenopause

• Why women are more prone to ACL injuries and frozen shoulder

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Find more from Dr. Stacy Sims:

Website: https://www.drstacysims.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstacysims

Find more from Jen:

Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/

Instagram: @therealjencohen

Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books

Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements