6 Strength Moves Every Perimenopausal Woman Must Master (Plus Why You Can't Skip Them)

In this empowering episode, I share my personal journey from being a "cardio bunny" to embracing strength training as a cornerstone of women's health—especially for those in their 40s and beyond. I break down the myths around cardio, muscle building, and the fear of "getting bulky." We discuss how hormonal changes impact women's bodies and why strength training is essential for metabolic health, confidence, and long-term independence.   Chapters: 1:22 – Cardio vs. Strength for Women 3:22 – Rethinking Age & Fitness 3:51 – Lifting Heavier: The Why 4:51 – Hormones & Body Changes 5:36 – Perimenopause Explained 6:16 – Metabolism & Lifestyle Shifts 6:56 – Outdated Fitness Fixes 7:35 – Mindset Shifts in Fitness 8:14 – When Strength Training Isn't Working 15:26 – Debunking the "Bulky" Myth 16:11 – The Six Essential Strength Moves 16:37 – Deadlifts & Posterior Chain 17:00 – Hip Thrusts & Glute Bridges 17:19 – Rows for Back Strength 17:41 – Core Stabilizers 18:07 – Pushups & Upper Body 18:34 – Chest Press, Yoga, Pilates 19:12 – Squat Variations 19:36 – Building Mechanics Before Back Squats 20:00 – Why Strength Training Matters 20:19 – Injury Prevention & Confidence 20:36 – Balance, Mobility, & Longevity 21:14 – Mood, Hormones, & Independence 21:53 – Overcoming Barriers to Starting Key Topics Covered: Why traditional cardio may not be serving women in their 40s and how to shift your mindset. The science behind hormonal changes, perimenopause, and their effects on muscle, bone, and metabolism. The six foundational strength movements every woman should master: deadlifts, hip thrusts/glute bridges, rows, core stabilizers (planks, rotation), pushups, and squats (goblet, Bulgarian split, dumbbell). How to adapt your training as your body changes, and why rest and recovery are just as important as lifting. Debunking the myth of "getting bulky" and focusing on holistic health: nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle. The mental and emotional benefits of getting stronger—feeling more independent, assertive, and resilient.   Let's dive in! Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special! Click here to listen: Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERE Spotify – CLICK HERE This episode is sponsored by: withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your order St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15  Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for "subscribe & save" option Free Resources: COMPANION VIDEO | Full Body Flex Class Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20" Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE" *code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale* Programs: The Perimenopause Project | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject The Hormone Project Academy | jennpike.com/thehormoneproject Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced The Simplicity Women's Wellness Clinic | jennpike.com/wellnessclinic The Audacious Woman Mentorship | jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman Connect with Jenn: Instagram | @jennpike Facebook | @thesimplicityproject YouTube | Simplicity TV Website | The Simplicity Project Inc. Have a question? Send it over to hello@jennpike.com and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.