Why Everything You've Been Told About Training in Perimenopause Is Wrong Dr. Lauren Colenzo-Semple

You've been tracking your cycle, adjusting your workouts, and following the rules. Yet it still isn't working. Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, PhD in integrative physiology, breaks down what the science actually says about cycle syncing for women over 40 and the answer might surprise you. Could everything you've been told about training around your cycle be completely wrong? WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: • Does cycle syncing actually improve workout results for women? • Should you train harder in the follicular phase when estrogen is high? • Do women in perimenopause need different training rules? • Can you build muscle at any rep range or do you need to lift heavy? • Is fasted training bad for women's hormones and adrenal health? • Does caffeine before a fasted workout raise cortisol to dangerous levels? • How much protein do perimenopausal women actually need per day? • Is there a minimum protein threshold per meal for muscle building? • Why is belly fat harder to lose after 40 and what actually works? • Do you need zone two training for mitochondrial health in perimenopause? • Can machine weights build as much muscle as free weights? • What is the best exercise strategy for bone density in midlife women? TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Cycle Syncing Myths: What Women Need to Know 02:41 Does Your Cycle Phase Actually Affect Performance? 07:54 Perimenopause Training: What Actually Needs to Change 09:08 Do Women Over 40 Need to Lift Heavier for Muscle Growth? 16:31 Machines vs. Free Weights: What's Best for Women? 19:16 HIIT vs. Zone 2 After 40: Which One Do You Actually Need? 26:48 Should You Train Fasted for Muscle Growth and Fat Loss? 36:34 Bone Density After 40: Best Exercises to Protect It 44:26 How Much Protein Do Perimenopausal Women Actually Need?47:45 Belly Fat After 40: Why It Changes and How to Lose It 51:13 Exercise vs. Diet for Fat Loss: Which Moves the Needle? 54:13 Carbs After 40: Should You Fear Them? 56:47 The Empowering Truth About Exercise for Women Over 40 VALUABLE RESOURCES • Take the BioSyncing Quiz to help you understand what’s actually happening in your body — and how to fix it. 👉 A BIG thank you to our sponsors who make the show possible: • Stride - Find out your biological age and how your daily habits are influencing it with DNA, bloodwork and microbiome testing with a Stride One membership 👉 for 10% off ABOUT THE GUEST Known for her evidence-based approach and myth-busting voice, Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple is a trusted educator helping women cut through misinformation in female fitness and nutrition. She's a co-owner of the MASS Research Review and a sought-after speaker for podcasts, media, and educational platforms committed to science-backed health content. 🌐 Website: 📸 Instagram:

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Why Everything You've Been Told About Training in Perimenopause Is Wrong Dr. Lauren Colenzo-Semple is an episode from High Performance Health by Angela Foster.

This episode is 60:22 long.

This episode was published on Mar 30, 2026.

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