Do women have to lift heavy to see results? Will we get the same results from lifting light weights? In today's episode we dive into the science behind lifting weights and how age and hormones play a factor in the type of strength training we should be doing.
After age 35, we naturally lose muscle unless we actively train to keep it. Less muscle = slower metabolism. That’s why strength training is non-negotiable!
Declining Estrogen & Progesterone – Estrogen helps with muscle recovery. As levels decline, recovery slows.
Lower Testosterone – Testosterone is essential for muscle-building. As it decreases, it’s harder to maintain muscle. This is why lifting heavy won’t necessarily make you bulky (with good exercise selection)!
Fluctuating Cortisol – Higher stress = higher cortisol, which can lead to muscle breakdown and fat storage. Managing stress and including low-intensity steady-state cardio (like walking) helps keep cortisol in check.
Research confirms that Lifting light with high reps (at 30% of your one-rep max) is just as effective as lifting heavier with lower reps (at 70-80% of your one-rep max). Let's get into it!
7–Day Free Trial! Experience real change with workouts that fit your schedule.
studio.momsintofitness.com
Download the App
iOS
Google Play
Follow Lindsay on Instagram
@lindsaybrinfitness
Follow Lindsay on YouTube
@lindsaybrinfitness
Sources:
[1] ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, eleventh edition.
[2] American College of Sports Medicine. Progression models in resistance training for health adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009;41 (3):687-708.
[3] Schoenfeld BJ, Grgic J, Ogborn D, Krieger JW. Strength and Hypertrophy Adaptations Between Low- vs. High-Load Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res. 2017 Dec;31(12):3508-3523. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002200. PMID: 28834797.
[4] Schoenfeld BJ, Grgic J, Van Every DW, Plotkin DL. Loading Recommendations for Muscle Strength, Hypertrophy, and Local Endurance: A Re-Examination of the Repetition Continuum. Sports (Basel). 2021 Feb 22;9(2):32. doi: 10.3390/sports9020032. PMID: 33671664; PMCID: PMC7927075.
[5] Wernbom M, Augustsson J, Thomee R. The influence of frequency, intensity, volume, and mode of strength training on whole muscle cross-sectional area in humans. Sports Med. 2007;37(3):225-64.
Burd NA, Mitchell CJ, Churchward-Venne TA, Phillips SM. Bigger weights may not beget bigger muscles: evidence from acute muscle protein synthetic responses after resistance exercise. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012 Jun;37(3):551-4. doi: 10.1139/h2012-022. Epub 2012 Apr 26. PMID: 22533517.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
