537: Molly McNamee - Stress and Hormones: Combat Overtraining, Anxiety, and Find Sustainable Fitness

Hormone Replacement Therapy And Functional Medicine For Over 40 Click On My Website Below To Schedule A Free 15 Min Zoom Call: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Over 40 Fitness Hacks Facebook Group Get Your Whoop4.0 Here! Dr. Malaika Woods - Hormone Replacement Therapy www.DrWoodsWellness.com FB Group: The Natural Hormone Fix Instagram: @malaikawoodsmd In this episode of the Over 40 Fitness Hacks, Brad Williams interviews Dr. Woods, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, functional medicine practitioner, and expert in hormone therapy. The discussion focuses on hormonal changes in men and women over 40, with an emphasis on perimenopause, menopause, and andropause. Dr. Woods shares her personal journey of transitioning from a traditional OBGYN practice to specializing in weight loss, bioidentical hormones, and functional medicine. Her experiences with stress, weight gain, and the search for root-cause solutions inspired her to help patients address hormonal imbalances and optimize their health. Key topics include: Menopause and Perimenopause: Dr. Woods explains that menopause is defined as one year without a period, with the average onset at age 51. Perimenopause, beginning in the 40s, can bring symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, weight gain, and joint aches due to declining hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Menopause "Pretenders": Environmental factors like alcohol, sugar, and stress can mimic menopausal symptoms. Dr. Woods emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle to differentiate between true hormonal changes and external influences. Andropause in Men: Men can experience declining testosterone levels, leading to symptoms like low energy, reduced libido, weight gain, and mood changes. Dr. Woods highlights the need for optimizing testosterone levels for overall health and longevity, aiming for levels above 500 ng/dL. Weight Gain and Hormones: Estrogen dominance and elevated cortisol are key contributors to weight gain in women during perimenopause. Dr. Woods advises adjusting exercise routines and managing stress to mitigate these effects. Brad and Dr. Woods discuss the importance of viewing health through a holistic lens, including considerations for diet, exercise, sleep, and mental well-being. They also touch on personal experiences, such as Brad's exploration of intermittent fasting and its positive impact on testosterone levels. If you're interested in online personal training or being a guest on my podcast, "Over 40 Fitness Hacks," you can reach me at [email protected] or visit my website at: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Additionally, check out my Yelp reviews for my local business, Evolve Gym in Huntington Beach, at https://bit.ly/3GCKRzV

Crush Your Weight Loss Goals Before New Year’s! Click On My Website Below To Schedule A Free 15 Min Zoom Call: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Over 40 Fitness Hacks Facebook Group Get Your Whoop4.0 Here! Podcast Summary: Reaching the Finish Line of Your Weight Loss Goal In this episode of Over 40 Fitness Hacks, Brad Williams focuses on how to hit those final weight loss milestones, whether that’s reaching single-digit body fat, a target weight, or both, all while maintaining a social life. Brad shares his personal goal of hitting 190 pounds by New Year’s Eve and provides actionable tips and strategies for anyone looking to finish strong before the year ends. Strength Training Tweaks: Stick to effective three-day-a-week workouts (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). Push each rep to failure using a "time under tension" approach for maximum impact. Add movement or cardio every day, even on weight training days, to increase calorie burn. Recovery Enhancements: Incorporate cold plunges before workouts (e.g., 4-minute plunges in 50°F water) to reduce soreness, improve joint health, and possibly boost testosterone. Fine-Tuning Nutrition: Use tools like Chronometer and Whoop to track deficiencies and caloric burn. Address nutritional gaps with whole foods first (e.g., carrots for Vitamin A) and supplements when necessary (e.g., psyllium husk for fiber). Modify eating patterns for off-days to "shock" the body, such as eating earlier in the day to prevent metabolic adaptation. Stress and Recovery Management: Monitor stress levels using fitness trackers and implement diaphragmatic breathing post-workout to promote recovery. Identify and mitigate unexpected stressors (e.g., disrupted sleep or daily routines) to optimize overall health. Accountability and Community: Brad invites listeners to join his fitness journey through his Facebook group, fostering a sense of community and mutual motivation. This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone striving to achieve their weight loss goals without sacrificing their lifestyle. Brad’s commitment to testing these strategies himself ensures the recommendations are effective, safe, and approachable. If you're interested in online personal training or being a guest on my podcast, "Over 40 Fitness Hacks," you can reach me at [email protected] or visit my website at: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Additionally, check out my Yelp reviews for my local business, Evolve Gym in Huntington Beach, at https://bit.ly/3GCKRzV

Managing Cortisol And Stress: Tailoring Workouts For Better Health  Click On My Website Below To Schedule A Free 15 Min Zoom Call: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Over 40 Fitness Hacks Facebook Group Get Your Whoop4.0 Here! Molly McNamee - Health Coach Molly’s website: mollymcnamee.com/cortisol Instagram: @mfit.workouts In this episode, Brad Williams interviews health coach Molly McNamee about managing cortisol, the stress hormone, and its impact on fitness, sleep, and overall health. The conversation emphasizes tailoring workouts to one's stress levels and life circumstances. Evening Workouts & Cortisol: Brad shares his experience of insomnia caused by late-night cardio, which disrupted his nervous system and elevated cortisol levels. Molly advises against high-intensity evening workouts, recommending low-impact activities like yoga or Pilates instead. Adapting Workouts to Stress Levels: Molly emphasizes that workouts should match current stress levels. Overdoing cardio or high-intensity exercises when already stressed can exacerbate cortisol spikes. Short, controlled workouts focusing on muscle engagement, deep breathing, and recovery are more effective for reducing stress. Common Mistakes in Training: Long workouts and lack of rest days can overstimulate the nervous system and worsen hormonal imbalances. The belief that only intense, sweat-dripping sessions are effective is a myth; moderate, consistent effort can yield better results. Personalized Adjustments: Both Brad and Molly agree on the importance of scaling workouts to personal health and goals. For Brad, a reduced 3–4-day regimen with time under tension training has led to significant improvements. Lifestyle Strategies for Managing Cortisol: Molly suggests prioritizing deep breathing, hydration, proper nutrition (especially protein), and avoiding under-eating, which can worsen hormonal imbalances. Supplements like omega-3s and magnesium can help, but lifestyle adjustments are foundational. Tracking Progress: Journaling health patterns helps identify what works and can provide valuable insights for adjusting routines or consulting healthcare professionals. Molly’s Free Ebook on Cortisol:Molly offers a free ebook to help readers understand and manage cortisol through personalized strategies, including workout adjustments and lifestyle tweaks. The conversation highlights the need for a balanced approach to fitness, especially for those over 40. Adjusting workouts to stress levels, prioritizing recovery, and addressing cortisol through lifestyle changes are essential for long-term health and hormonal balance. If you're interested in online personal training or being a guest on my podcast, "Over 40 Fitness Hacks," you can reach me at [email protected] or visit my website at: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Additionally, check out my Yelp reviews for my local business, Evolve Gym in Huntington Beach, at https://bit.ly/3GCKRzV

Stress and Hormones: Combat Overtraining, Anxiety, and Find Sustainable Fitness Click On My Website Below To Schedule A Free 15 Min Zoom Call: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Over 40 Fitness Hacks Facebook Group Get Your Whoop4.0 Here! Molly McNamee - Health Coach Molly’s website: mollymcnamee.com/cortisol Instagram: @mfit.workouts On this episode of Over 40 Fitness Hacks, Brad Williams interviews health coach Molly McNamee, who shares her journey of overcoming severe stress-related health issues and how she now helps others manage hormonal imbalances and stress for better health. Molly recounts her experience as a fitness coach and trainer, living what she thought was a healthy lifestyle—intense workouts, clean eating, and a non-stop work ethic. However, in 2018, she hit rock bottom with unexplained weight fluctuations, panic attacks, bloating, insomnia, and anxiety. After extensive research, she discovered that her high-intensity lifestyle had disrupted her stress hormones, particularly cortisol, and was damaging her health. Brad and Molly discuss how stress impacts the body, emphasizing its effect on the nervous system, metabolism, and overall hormonal balance. Molly explains that chronic stress can manifest not just from obvious triggers but also from hidden factors like gut imbalances, environmental toxins, and even overtraining. The conversation shifts to practical strategies for managing stress and improving nervous system health. Molly advocates for simple, actionable steps like deep breathing, taking short breaks, and setting boundaries to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body relax. Brad shares his own experiences with stress management, including the benefits of diaphragmatic breathing and monitoring progress with tools like the WHOOP fitness tracker. Both Brad and Molly highlight the importance of tackling one change at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed. They encourage listeners to focus on small, consistent habits to reduce stress and enhance overall well-being, reminding them that progress, not perfection, is key to lasting health improvements. Listeners come away with actionable insights and encouragement to prioritize rest, balance their workouts, and nurture their nervous system to achieve sustainable health and fitness. If you're interested in online personal training or being a guest on my podcast, "Over 40 Fitness Hacks," you can reach me at [email protected] or visit my website at: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Additionally, check out my Yelp reviews for my local business, Evolve Gym in Huntington Beach, at https://bit.ly/3GCKRzV

Struggling With Fasting, Overeating, and Alcohol: Solutions for a Healthier You Click On My Website Below To Schedule A Free 15 Min Zoom Call: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Over 40 Fitness Hacks Facebook Group Get Your Whoop4.0 Here! In this episode of Over 40 Fitness Hacks, host Brad Williams tackles common challenges many people face with fasting, overeating, and alcohol, sharing both personal experiences and strategies to overcome these obstacles. Alcohol and Social Life: Alcohol is one of the biggest hurdles for many, including Brad. The key is moderation and setting boundaries, such as reserving alcohol consumption for weekends or special occasions. Practical tips include switching to lighter drinks, using low-calorie mixers, or exploring alternatives like CBD or adaptogenic drinks to satisfy the urge without adding empty calories. Overeating and Sweet Tooth: Overeating often stems from mindless eating or indulging in high-calorie snacks. Brad emphasizes prioritizing protein and fiber in meals to curb cravings and stabilize blood sugar. For those with a sweet tooth, swapping high-sugar treats for healthier alternatives, such as Stevia-based candies or fruit with whipped cream, can help reduce calorie intake without sacrificing satisfaction. Struggles with Fasting: Fasting can be daunting for beginners due to hunger pangs and cravings. Brad recommends starting with intermittent fasting, reducing eating windows, and staying busy to avoid snacking. Tools like black coffee, tea, and apple cider vinegar can suppress appetite and make fasting more manageable. Drawing from 15 years of experience as a personal trainer, Brad offers practical solutions tailored for those over 40 who want to stay fit while enjoying their social lives. His advice includes experimenting with low-sugar or low-calorie alternatives, being mindful of meal timing, and using simple hacks to manage cravings and hunger. Listeners are encouraged to join his Facebook group, explore his favorite fitness tracker (Whoop 4.0), and book a free 15-minute consultation to personalize their fitness journey. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help listeners tackle these everyday struggles while maintaining balance and enjoyment in life. If you're interested in online personal training or being a guest on my podcast, "Over 40 Fitness Hacks," you can reach me at [email protected] or visit my website at: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Additionally, check out my Yelp reviews for my local business, Evolve Gym in Huntington Beach, at https://bit.ly/3GCKRzV

Mastering Macros: Avoiding BMR Pitfalls and Achieving Real Results Over 40 Click On My Website Below To Schedule A Free 15 Min Zoom Call: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Over 40 Fitness Hacks Facebook Group Get Your Whoop4.0 Here! In this episode of Over 40 Fitness Hacks, Brad Williams walks listeners through his process of calculating macros using an online tool, with added insights on how to get accurate Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) readings to support weight loss goals. Brad recommends the Legion Athletics macro calculator as a reliable starting point, advising listeners to carefully assess their activity levels. Misjudging this can lead to significant calorie miscalculations, causing frustration when results don't align with efforts. Brad highlights how fitness trackers, especially the Whoop 4.0, can offer a more personalized and dynamic view of actual calorie burn, which fluctuates daily based on activity. By monitoring data from his own tracker, Brad realized that his real calorie expenditure often differs from online calculator estimates. He suggests aiming lower on calorie intake if unsure and recommends tracking nutrition, especially Monday through Friday, to counterbalance social activities over the weekend. Brad emphasizes consistency, adjusting either calories or activity levels as needed, and remaining honest with oneself about food and drink intake—especially on weekends. For those struggling to stay on track, Brad advises using fitness and nutrition trackers like the Chronometer and adapting daily based on personal data. The episode underscores that accurate tracking and adjustments, combined with realistic macro goals, are crucial for achieving steady progress without compromising one's social life. If you're interested in online personal training or being a guest on my podcast, "Over 40 Fitness Hacks," you can reach me at [email protected] or visit my website at: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Additionally, check out my Yelp reviews for my local business, Evolve Gym in Huntington Beach, at https://bit.ly/3GCKRzV

New Age Allergy Care With WYNDLY - Lasting Relief and Holistic Health Click On My Website Below To Schedule A Free 15 Min Zoom Call: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Over 40 Fitness Hacks Facebook Group Get Your Whoop4.0 Here! Dr. Manan Shah - Wyndly Health - Allergies ⁠www.Wyndly.com⁠ In this Over 40 Fitness Hacks episode, Brad Williams interviews Dr. Manan Shah, co-founder of WYNDLY, on their innovative, patient-friendly approach to allergy treatment. Dr. Shah explains WYNDLY’s three-step telehealth process, which begins with a consultation to assess allergies, followed by customized treatment through FDA-approved sublingual tablets or allergy drops shipped to patients’ homes.  He shares that WYNDLY’s focus is to create a long-term solution to allergy symptoms, reducing or even eliminating the need for lifelong treatment. Dr. Shah emphasizes their high success rate and the convenience of continuous, remote support, allowing patients to engage in activities they previously couldn’t due to allergies. They also discuss the importance of a holistic health approach, with Dr. Shah noting that WYNDLY often partners with other health providers to address broader wellness needs. Brad adds that he has seen significant improvements in his health since seeking specialized, holistic care and encourages listeners to explore options to enhance their well-being.  Dr. Shah shares success stories, such as a young patient now able to visit her cat-owning grandmother and an athlete whose breathing improved in high-altitude training. Both highlight the importance of proactive health choices, especially for those over 40 who want to stay active and vital. The episode concludes with Dr. Shah encouraging listeners to consider allergy testing as a step toward improved quality of life. If you're interested in online personal training or being a guest on my podcast, "Over 40 Fitness Hacks," you can reach me at [email protected] or visit my website at: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Additionally, check out my Yelp reviews for my local business, Evolve Gym in Huntington Beach, at https://bit.ly/3GCKRzV

Breathing Better Over 40: Allergy Relief, And Optimizing Respiratory Health Click On My Website Below To Schedule A Free 15 Min Zoom Call: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Over 40 Fitness Hacks Facebook Group Get Your Whoop4.0 Here! Dr. Manan Shah - Wyndly Health - Allergies www.Wyndly.com In this episode of the Over 40 Fitness Hacks, Brad Williams interviews Dr. Manan Shah, a board-certified ENT surgeon and founder of WYNDLY, a telehealth allergy treatment startup. They discuss Dr. Shah’s journey into the world of allergy treatment, the impact of environmental allergies on health, and how WYNDLY uses telehealth to make allergy care more accessible and affordable. Dr. Shah explains the prevalence of allergies, affecting one in four Americans, and how they can lead to issues like difficulty breathing, poor sleep, and hindered workout recovery. He shares that WYNDLY provides allergy relief through sublingual immunotherapy, which involves small daily doses of allergens under the tongue, gradually desensitizing the body. This alternative to traditional allergy shots is more convenient, especially for busy adults who can’t commit to weekly clinic visits. They also delve into the science behind allergies, noting how genetic predisposition and lack of early exposure to nature can increase sensitivity to allergens. Dr. Shah highlights the "unified airway theory," emphasizing that nasal and respiratory health are interconnected, so treating allergies can benefit overall respiratory health, sleep quality, and reduce risks of sinus infections and asthma. Brad and Dr. Shah also discuss how telehealth can bypass the insurance-driven barriers of traditional allergy treatment, making allergy care more streamlined and effective, especially for those over 40 aiming for optimal health. If you're interested in online personal training or being a guest on my podcast, "Over 40 Fitness Hacks," you can reach me at [email protected] or visit my website at: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Additionally, check out my Yelp reviews for my local business, Evolve Gym in Huntington Beach, at https://bit.ly/3GCKRzV

Better Nutrition with Cronometer: My Review On Tracking Micronutrients & Avoiding Calorie Pitfalls Click On My Website Below To Schedule A Free 15 Min Zoom Call: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Over 40 Fitness Hacks Facebook Group Get Your Whoop4.0 Here! In this episode of Over 40 Fitness Hacks, Brad Williams reviews Cronometer, a nutrition-tracking app that provides detailed insights into vitamin and mineral intake. Brad explains his interest in the app due to its precise tracking of micronutrients, which makes it easy to identify any nutritional deficiencies. He appreciates how Cronometer allows users to log food, scan barcodes, and review nutrient levels, making it easier to make adjustments either through diet or supplementation. Brad also shares a recurring issue he finds with fitness apps in general: they often overestimate calorie burn. While Cronometer calculates his basal metabolic rate (BMR) around 2,500 calories, his experience with the Whoop 4.0 fitness tracker, which he’s used for six months, suggests a more accurate estimate of 2,000-2,100 calories. Brad emphasizes that precise data is essential for anyone over 40 trying to maintain or lose weight. Though he finds Cronometer useful, he believes that long-term tracking may not be necessary for everyone. Instead, a focused month could provide the insight needed to fine-tune nutrition. For comprehensive fitness tracking, Brad still recommends Whoop 4.0, especially for its accuracy in calorie burn and sleep data, and encourages his listeners to explore it as a valuable tool for optimizing their fitness journey as they age. If you're interested in online personal training or being a guest on my podcast, "Over 40 Fitness Hacks," you can reach me at [email protected] or visit my website at: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Additionally, check out my Yelp reviews for my local business, Evolve Gym in Huntington Beach, at https://bit.ly/3GCKRzV

Recovering From An Injury: Do This Before Getting Back Into The Gym Click On My Website Below To Schedule A Free 15 Min Zoom Call: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Over 40 Fitness Hacks Facebook Group Get Your Whoop4.0 Here! In this episode of the Over 40 Fitness Hacks podcast, Brad Williams discusses his experience of returning to the gym after completing rehab for a SLAP tear (shoulder injury). After receiving the green light from his physical therapist, Brad shares his cautious approach to reintroducing weight training. He emphasizes the importance of asking doctors the right questions about what exercises are safe to continue during injury recovery, advocating for keeping active rather than complete rest. Brad outlines his three-week process of easing back into the gym with a focus on light weights and controlled movements, gradually increasing intensity while monitoring his shoulder. He highlights the importance of not rushing recovery, citing previous experiences with injuries, such as his back surgery, where pushing too hard too soon caused setbacks. His approach included maintaining leg workouts during upper body rehab to preserve muscle mass and using targeted shoulder rehab exercises. Throughout his recovery, Brad also stressed the importance of diet, particularly protein intake, to prevent muscle loss. By keeping his diet and training in check, he experienced noticeable gains in muscle even with reduced weights. He also mentions his use of stem cell patches from LifeWave to aid in the healing process and expresses optimism about their effectiveness in his recovery. Brad concludes by encouraging listeners to take their time in recovery, listen to their bodies, and gradually reintroduce strength training to avoid reinjury. He emphasizes that, with the right approach, muscle memory will help them bounce back to their previous fitness levels. If you're interested in online personal training or being a guest on my podcast, "Over 40 Fitness Hacks," you can reach me at [email protected] or visit my website at: www.Over40FitnessHacks.com Additionally, check out my Yelp reviews for my local business, Evolve Gym in Huntington Beach, at https://bit.ly/3GCKRzV