Lifting Heavy: A Common Sense Guide for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeDoes your sleep tracker know you better than you know yourself — or is it just stressing you out? If you've ever woken up more anxious about your sleep score than actually rested, this episode is for you. We're cutting through the noise, the supplements, and the sleep-maxing culture to get back to what actually works — a common-sense, no-fuss approach to sleeping better in midlife. Because you're not broken. You're just navigating a body that's changing, and there's a lot you can do about it.In this episode we cover:Why your sleep target might not actually be 8 hours — and what the research really saysMorning light exposure and why it's one of the most powerful (and free) sleep tools availableThe concept of "orthosomnia" — sleep anxiety caused by your wearable data — and when to just take it offHow the narrative in your head affects your sleep (and a simple CBT-I reframe to try tonight)Caffeine's half-life and why that afternoon coffee may still be in your system at midnightAlcohol's impact on REM sleep and a simple habit to reduce the damageBlood sugar balance and how overnight crashes could be waking you up at 3 AMMagnesium — what the research supports, which forms to look for, and how to get more through foodBlue light, screens, and practical ways to protect your melatonin production at nightPre-sleep nutrition: why going to bed hungry is just as disruptive as eating a heavy mealHormone therapy as a legitimate sleep tool — and why it's worth a conversation with your doctorBreathing techniques (4-7-8 and box breathing) for falling back asleep in the middle of the nightThe eye movement trick that works for falling back asleepTemperature regulation and the ideal bedroom temp for quality sleepConsistent sleep and wake schedules — and why weekends matter more than you thinkExercise timing and why a late intense workout might be costing you sleepThe truth about melatonin dosing — why less is almost always moreCBT-I as a first-line clinical recommendation and the free app that can help you implement itSource Links1. Seven hours optimal in midlife Cambridge/Fudan University study, Nature Aging (2022): https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/seven-hours-of-sleep-is-optimal-in-middle-and-old-age-say-researchersAASM/Sleep Research Society joint consensus (seven or more hours): https://aasm.org/seven-or-more-hours-of-sleep-per-night-a-health-necessity-for-adults/2. Morning light / suprachiasmatic nucleus Frontiers in Neural Circuits (2024) — SCN as master circadian pacemaker: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neural-circuits/articles/10.3389/fncir.2024.1385908/full3. Magnesium L-threonate for sleep 2024 randomized controlled trial, Sleep Medicine X (ScienceDirect): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S25901427240001934. Melatonin dosing Sleep Foundation — melatonin dosage guide (reviewed by board-certified sleep physician): https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin/melatonin-dosage-how-much-should-you-takeMelatonin content variability in supplements (the 83–478% finding): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10053496/5. CBT-i as first-line treatment American College of Physicians recommendation: https://www.acponline.org/acp-newsroom/acp-recommends-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-as-initial-treatment-for-chronic-insomnia6. The Atlantic article "American Insomnia" by Jennifer Senior, The Atlantic, August 2025: https://www.theatlantic.com — search "American Insomnia Jennifer Senior" (may be behind paywall; Apple News+ has audio version)My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeWeighted vests are everywhere — on Instagram, in neighborhood Facebook groups, and on your morning walk. But does that mean you should be wearing one? In this Common Sense episode, we cut through the hype so you can decide what's right for your body and your goals.In this episode:What a weighted vest actually is and the two main styles (zip-up vs. X-strap)The #1 thing a weighted vest will NOT replace — and why this mattersBone density benefits: why a weighted vest primarily helps your hips, not your spine, and why that distinction is hugeHow to use your DEXA scan results to decide if a vest is even relevant for youBalance and cardiovascular benefits — and who might find these especially usefulSurprising research linking weighted vests to mental health and Alzheimer's preventionContraindications — kyphosis, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, osteoporosis, and balance issues: what you need to know before strapping one onThe common sense approach to getting started: weight recommendations, how to break it in, and foot strike tipsWhat to look for when buying: adjustable weights, washability, female-specific fit, and chest considerationsWhy your host doesn't own one — and why that's totally okayListen to the original episode: Do I Need a Weighted Vest?Research used in today’s and original episode on weighted vest:The effect of a weighted vest on perceived health status and bone density in older persons(Quality of Life)How To Use A Weighted Vest For Osteoporosis And Overall Bone Health, According To ExpertsLong-term exercise using weighted vests prevents hip bone loss in postmenopausal womenI have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease. I wanted to understand my own riskResearch: Weighted Vest for Osteoporosis?Hyperwear Weighted VestsMy latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode "Lifting heavy" is one of the most talked-about topics in women's fitness right now — but what does it actually mean? In this episode of the Common Sense Series, we cut through the noise and break down what lifting heavy really is, why it matters (especially as estrogen declines), and how to work your way up to it safely and sustainably. No barbell required, no gym membership necessary — just practical, research-backed guidance you can actually apply to your life. Main points discussed: The importance of remembering heavy is relative. Why you need to "earn" your heavy. Why fast-twitch muscle fibers are the key.Bone density benefits. How the metabolic afterburn is real. Why you don't need fancy equipment. Knowing the difference between resistance training ≠ lifting heavy. Thoughts on training 2–3x per week and recovery and listening to your body. Episode Links:What Does Lifting Heavy Mean?The Bone Battle No One is Talking AboutWhy You’re Sore All the Time (And What to Actually Do About it)The only resistance bands I recommendMy latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeProtein advice online is loud, contradictory, and exhausting — and you deserve better than a 30-second reel telling you to eat 200 grams a day. In this episode, we cut through the noise with a calm, research-backed approach built specifically for women in perimenopause and beyond. You'll walk away with simple, practical guidance — and a whole lot of permission to stop making this harder than it needs to be. Main points discussed today:Why the protein conversation feels so overwhelming What protein actually does Why we need more protein as we ageHow much you actually needThe palm-of-your-hand hack Protein powder: supplement, not substituteEasy ways to boost breakfast proteinBatch cooking as a game-changer The trend matters, not the perfect dayEpisode LinksHolderness Family Video on ProteinWhy You’re Sore All the Time (And What to do About it)Protein Series: Season 22 Episodes 1-4My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeA friend's Marco Polo message sparked this whole episode — "Amy, I'm sore all the time and I don't understand why." Sound familiar? Today we're diving into what chronic soreness actually means, why it's not a sign you're doing something wrong, and the simple levers you can start pulling right now to feel better between your workouts.In this episode we chat about:What DOMS is and why some soreness is completely normal (and expected)The difference between typical post-workout soreness and the chronic kind your body is flagging7 super simple tips to help you feel betterThe bigger-picture stuff (like how perimenopause/menopause genuinely changes your recovery timeline)Why the goal isn't to overhaul everything — just to start somewhereReminder: We're talking about muscle soreness today, not sharp pain, joint pain, or anything that feels like injury. If that's you — please go see someone for help.Episodes DiscussedSleep: Simple ways to increase your sleep quality 😴 and quantity 🛌 with holistic sleep coach Morgan AdamsSleep: 3am Insomnia: When Hormones Hijack Your Sleep in Midlife with Kathleen SaucierMagnesium: Muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches and stressed? This natural mineral may help.Rest and Recovery: "No days off" no more! Why recovery days are imperative.Active Recovery: From RICE to PEACE & LOVE: Your Fastest Path to RecoveryLifting Heavy: How to Lift Heavier Without Heavier WeightsMy latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeCreatine is everywhere right now—but is it safe? Is it only for bodybuilders? And does it actually benefit women in midlife?In this episode, we take a clear, research-backed look at creatine—what it is, how it works in the body, and why it’s gaining attention for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. From muscle strength to brain health, we unpack the facts, clear up common myths, and talk about how to decide if creatine is right for you.If you’ve been curious about supplements but feel overwhelmed by the noise in the wellness world, this episode will help you understand creatine in a practical, grounded way.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What creatine is and how your body naturally produces it  The difference between creatine and steroids  Natural food sources of creatine  Why creatine is one of the most researched supplements available  The two major benefits of creatine Why creatine is gaining attention for women in perimenopause and menopause  Common misconceptions about creatine  Possible side effects and who should use caution  Recommended dosage and how to take creatine  How to choose a high-quality creatine supplement SourcesDr. Stacy Sims — Creatine Guide for Active Women / Creatine FAQs (drstacysims.com)Dr. Stacy Sims — Ep. 406, Everyday Wellness Podcast (cynthiathurlow.com)Dr. Stacy Sims — quoted in Momentous (livemomentous.com)Dr. Layne Norton — Episodes 7, 13, and 22, Dr. Layne Norton Podcast (biolayne.com)Dr. Layne Norton — The Many Benefits of Creatine (biolayne.com)Episode Links10 Simple Essentials for Aging with Grace and StrengthWhat Does Lifting Heavy Mean?Research UsedDr. Stacy Sims — Creatine Guide for Active Women / Creatine FAQs (drstacysims.com)Dr. Stacy Sims — Ep. 406, Everyday Wellness Podcast (cynthiathurlow.com)Dr. Stacy Sims — quoted in Momentous (livemomentous.com)Dr. Layne Norton — Episodes 7, 13, and 22, Dr. Layne Norton Podcast (biolayne.com)Dr. Layne Norton — The Many Benefits of Creatine (biolayne.com)Stacy Sims: https://www.drstacysims.com/Layne Norton: https://biolayne.com/My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeIf you've ever stared at the ceiling at 3 AM wondering why your brain won't shut off, this episode is for you. Therapist and sleep specialist Kathleen Saucier joins the Graced Health Podcast to break down CBTI — the evidence-based method that outperforms sleep medication and is recommended as a frontline treatment even for sleep apnea. From why lying in bed too long is actually making things worse, to the simple cognitive shift that can rewire how your brain approaches sleep, Kathleen makes the science approachable and the solutions actionable. If you've accepted poor sleep as just part of life — especially through the hormonal changes of midlife — this conversation might change everything. Kathleen is a licensed therapist with over 30 years of experience in community mental health, trauma, domestic violence, military and first responder support, and substance use treatment. She is also trained in equine-assisted therapy and CBTI, and completed her CBTI certification at the University of Pennsylvania under Dr. Perlis, one of the leading experts in the field. Kathleen currently practices via MD Live and Amwell and is licensed in Connecticut, Florida, Washington, and Oregon.Main Points Discussed:What is CBTI?The Three Types of Insomnia Stimulus ControlSleep Restriction & Sleep Compression The "Swiss Cheese Sleep" Problem The Cognitive Piece: What Are You Telling Yourself? Relaxation Strategies Sleep Hygiene Hot Flashes & Menopause Do You Need a Therapist? Connect with KathleenMD LiveAmwellLinks MentionedCBT-i Coach AppMindfulness Coach AppInsomnia Coach AppEpisodes MentionedMeditation Myths Busted: A Guide to Everyday Mindfulness with Ann SwansonMy latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode "It's too late" is the biggest lie we tell ourselves after 60. Allison McCune Davis is here to bust that myth wide open. After 14 years in the natural health space and raising her family, Allison turned 60 and felt a familiar restlessness — the kind that signals a new chapter. That spark led her to write 60 Is a Good Start: A Powerful Body, a Purposeful Life, and a Plan to Make It Happen, a book that challenges the idea that 60 is "the gateway to old age" and reframes it as one of the most opportunity-rich seasons of a woman's life.What We Cover in This Episode:Allison shares how turning 60 triggered a season of deep introspection The biggest myth about life after 60 The self-perpetuating circle of purpose: Body Work, Brain Work & World Work (Allison's framework is rooted in longevity research)The 60-Day DareThe power of rebuilding relationships and communityGet Allison’s book, 60 is a Good StartConnect with Allisonhttps://allisonmccunedavis.comInstagram: @allison.mccune.davisFacebook: Allison McCune DavisYouTubeMy latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodePlease tell me I'm not the only one this has happened to. You make a plan — a good one. And then life shows up, and the plan is gone.Whether it's an injury, grief, travel, or just a random Thursday that derailed everything — life will interrupt your plan. The question isn't whether it will happen. It's what you'll do when it does.In this episode, I'm sharing a concept I call the Alternative Minimum Yes — and yes, the acronym spells AMY. It's the smallest, most doable version of movement or care that keeps you connected to yourself when your original plan isn't possible. Not pushing through. Not white-knuckling it. Just staying in relationship with your body instead of abandoning it — even when the yes looks different than you planned.Main Points Covered:Why consistency is about never fully stopping — not never missingThe difference between alternative and lesserWhy your AMY can be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritualHow to identify your Alternative Minimum Yes before the crisis hitsWhy rest absolutely counts as a yesThe all-or-nothing cycle — and how to break itEpisodes DiscussedChanging Movement: Honest Conversations from Two Fitness Pros with Kerry Ann Madden​​Try This Snack for Better Health​My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeWhat if the key to better health wasn't more supplements, more tracking, or more optimization — but simply learning to listen? In this episode, Dr. Brook Sheehan, chiropractor, host of Your Body Speaks, and creator of the Body OS, joins us for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it really means to honor your body — especially in midlife.Dr. Brook shares her personal journey from growing up in a heavily medicalized household, to becoming obsessed with wellness culture, to finally finding a faith-grounded, grace-filled middle ground. Her core message: your body is a masterpiece designed by God, and it's already speaking to you — you just need to learn how to hear it.Main Points Covered:Why our bodies are not machines to be hacked. The danger of wellness obsession. How to actually listen to your body. Why building a relationship with your body takes consistency, not perfection. The "this or that" practice. Discerning signal from noise.What the Talk to Me Body Card Deck isLinks DiscussedBody System DecoderBody Affirmation CardsEpisode LinksThe Crucial Pre-Workout QuestionConnect with Dr Brookwww.drbrooksheehan.comInstagram: @drbrooksheehanYouTube: www.youtube.com/drbrooksheehanMy latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell