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Menopause Strength Training & Fitness | 40+ Fitness for Women

Menopause Strength Training & Fitness | 40+ Fitness for Women

Coach Lynn Sederlöf-Airisto

Health & FitnessEducation

If you’re a woman in perimenopause or menopause and are noticing that you’ve lost muscle tone and strength, are gaining belly fat, and the workouts that used to work suddenly don’t anymore — this is the podcast for you. You’ll learn how to work with your changing body so you can build strength, look toned, feel amazing in your body again and prepare to age strong for the decades ahead. Each week, host Lynn Sederlöf-Airisto shares science-backed and realistic ways to: • Strength train effectively • Build muscle, strength, and bone density • Adapt your workouts and eating habits to your changing body • Exercise to prepare your body for the decades ahead Known for her efficient, effective, and no-nonsense coaching style, Lynn helps you cut through the noise and focus on what actually works so you get results without wasting time. Lynn has helped thousands of women start strength training, get stronger, and transform their bodies into something they feel proud of. Lynn is a Certified Menopause Fitness Coach and personal trainer. She graduated from Dartmouth College, where she majored in biochemistry and molecular biology and played Division I varsity lacrosse. Now 54 and postmenopausal, she knows firsthand what it’s like to struggle with these same changes — and how to turn things around.

Episodes

#159: Do Women in Menopause Need Different Strength Training?

#159: Do Women in Menopause Need Different Strength Training?

If you're a woman in midlife and you’ve wondered whether you actually need a strength training program designed specifically for women in menopause this episode is for you. There’s a big debate online right now about this. Some people say that programs for midlife women are just marketing and that women in menopause should simply train the same way as everyone else. And after helping hundreds of women in midlife start strength training, and studying what actually works in this stage of life, I do think there is value in choosing a program designed with midlife women in mind. By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision about whether following a program designed specifically for midlife women makes sense for you, or whether a generic program might work just as well. Enjoy the show! Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
19min•Mar 17, 2026
#158: Strength Training After 40 What to Expect in Your First 90 Days

#158: Strength Training After 40 What to Expect in Your First 90 Days

How long does it actually take to see results when you start strength training after 40? In this episode, I walk through what I’ve seen happen over and over again after helping hundreds of women start lifting weights through my one-to-one coaching, group coaching, and my Learn to Lift program. We look at what the first 90 days of strength training typically look like for women who are just getting started, including the kinds of changes many women begin to notice during those first 10–12 weeks. You’ll get a clearer picture of what realistic progress can look like in the early stages of strength training and the signs that your training is working. And if you’ve been working out with weights for a while but you’re not noticing these kinds of changes, this episode will also help you evaluate what you’re doing and whether something in your program might need to change. Enjoy the show! 10-Day Intro to Strength Training Learn to Lift 10-week beginner strength training program Episode #114: Progressive Overload Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
18min•Mar 10, 2026
#157: Why You Gain Belly Fat in Menopause & How to Reduce It

#157: Why You Gain Belly Fat in Menopause & How to Reduce It

If you’ve noticed your waistline changing in midlife and wondered whether this is “just menopause,” you’re not alone. Belly fat is one of the most common and frustrating changes women experience in perimenopause and menopause. In this episode, I break down some of the key factors contributing to this and what you can realistically do about it. We talk about: How changing estrogen levels affect fat distribution What’s really happening with your metabolism The role of muscle loss Why daily movement matters more than you think By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why this is happening, stop blaming the wrong things, and have concrete steps you can start taking this week to turn it around. --- Resources mentioned: Walkpad I use > Midlife Fat Loss Formula mini course > Podcast episode: Why You Can’t Exercise Your Way to Weight Loss Episode #51: Earning your food with exercise: why burning calories does not work. Lift IT! my 10-Day Introduction to Strength Training (use code PODCAST7 to get it for just $7) Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
20min•Mar 3, 2026
#156: Strength Training Terms Explained: What Matters & What Doesn't

#156: Strength Training Terms Explained: What Matters & What Doesn't

If you’ve started strength training, you’ve probably seen terms like RPE, RIR, volume, frequency, training to failure, unilateral vs bilateral, lengthened position training, drop sets… and wondered: Do I actually need to care about this? In this episode, I walk you through the most common strength training terms you’ll see online and explain them in plain English. More importantly, I tell you which ones really matter if you're a woman in midlife whose goal is to build muscle, get stronger, improve your health, and prepare your body for the decades ahead. If you’re in your first year or two of lifting, this will help you stop overthinking and focus on what actually moves the needle. I cover: What a program really is and why it matters Sets, reps, rep ranges, and what “lifting heavy” actually means Training close to failure vs going to failure Frequency and volume RPE and reps in reserve Lengthened vs shortened training Unilateral vs bilateral training Partials and drop sets And I’ll tell you what you need to care about, and what you can safely ignore for now. If you want to lift in a way that builds real strength and muscle in midlife without getting lost in jargon, this episode is for you. Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
24min•Feb 24, 2026
#155: Fitness Beliefs Keeping Women Over 40 Stuck

#155: Fitness Beliefs Keeping Women Over 40 Stuck

If you’re working out but feeling softer and looking less toned than you used to, this might be why. In this episode, I unpack five widely held fitness beliefs that are keeping midlife women stuck. These are beliefs most women over 40 still live by. And it’s not your fault. It’s what the fitness industry has taught us. Up until a few years ago, I believed them too. The problem is this: When you believe these things, You choose workouts you think are effective but that don’t actually build strength and muscle. You judge progress by the wrong signals. You quit the right methods too early. As a result, you slowly get weaker and lose muscle even though you’re working out. If your body isn’t responding the way it used to, this episode will connect some dots. Enjoy the show. Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
9min•Feb 17, 2026
#154: My Midlife Identity Crisis & Choosing to Age Powerfully, Not Fade Away

#154: My Midlife Identity Crisis & Choosing to Age Powerfully, Not Fade Away

Have you ever heard that menopause is like a second puberty? I think that idea goes beyond the hormonal changes and into something deeper: our identity. We’re no longer considered “young,” but identifying as “old” doesn’t sit right either. As women in midlife, many of us are coming into our power. After decades of raising kids, taking care of family, navigating marriage and career, we finally have time and energy to turn inward. And we’re not done living. In this episode, I share my own struggle with this identity shift and the conclusions I’ve come to for myself. My hope is that by sharing my story, it helps someone who’s wrestling with the same questions. Enjoy the show! Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
10min•Feb 10, 2026
#153: Why follow-along programs don't work for building muscle & strength

#153: Why follow-along programs don't work for building muscle & strength

There are a lot of follow-along exercise programs out there that claim to be "strength training". And while they are better than doing nothing (ie, sitting on the couch or doing cardio-only), they will never be as efficient or effective at building strength and muscle as proper strength training. You'll build strength & muscle more slowly and no matter how many hours you put in, you'll never reach the results you could be getting. In this episode, I break down why. Enjoy the show! x Lynn Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
12min•Feb 3, 2026
#152: What Lifting Heavy Means and Should You Be Doing It

#152: What Lifting Heavy Means and Should You Be Doing It

"You need to lift heavy weights." "Put down the pink dumbbells." "Three reps of three exercises, three times per week." Social media is filled with these messages for midlife women eager to keep their bodies strong and age well. But what does 'lifting heavy' mean? And is it right for you? In this episode, I break down the two meanings of the term 'lifting heavy' and which one you should be doing now. Enjoy the show! RESOURCES MENTIONED Episode 148 | How Quickly Should You Increase Your Weights Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
18min•Jan 27, 2026
#151: What’s The Least You Can Strength Train and Still Get Strong and Build Muscle?

#151: What’s The Least You Can Strength Train and Still Get Strong and Build Muscle?

So, you want to start strength training because you want to stop getting weaker, build muscle, be healthier, and age well, but there's no way you're going to do it four days a week. But can training less frequently really be effective? YES! I believe that whether you like lifting or hate it, you need to be doing it. Like brushing your teeth. In this episode, I share the minimum you can do and still get the benefits of lifting. You'll hear: How to get started without becoming a gym rat (including client examples!) How to fit strength training into your life without doing one-hour sessions How one cardio queen has incorporated lifting into her life with amazing results If you have any questions about how to do it in your own situation, reach out to me through Instagram DMs. I would love to help. 💪Try Lift-IT! my 10-day Intro to strength training, which includes 4 mini-workouts for just $7 Check it out here >> Enjoy the show! Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
14min•Jan 20, 2026
#150: 4 Unsexy Habits to transform Your Fitness in 2026

#150: 4 Unsexy Habits to transform Your Fitness in 2026

It's a new year, and a chance for a fresh start. I challenge you to capitalize on the new year's energy to add one of these four unsexy habits. Because these are the big rocks for mastering midlife. In this episode I share what these are, and how to more easily incorporate them into your life. Enjoy the show! Resources mentioned on the show: Episode 100: Benefits of Lifting weights Episode 128: Simple Tips to Sleep Better Midlife Fat Loss Formula course > Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
24min•Jan 13, 2026
#149: What to Do When You’re Stuck at the Same Weight

#149: What to Do When You’re Stuck at the Same Weight

If you’ve been lifting consistently and suddenly can’t increase your weights anymore, this episode will help you understand why and what to do next. I explain why stalling is a normal part of the strength-building process and share four practical adjustments you can make to keep progressing. P.S. If you missed the last two episodes in this series, I covered what progressive strength training is and the three ways to apply progressive overload, so check those out next: • Episode 147: What Progressive Strength Training Is and Why It’s So Effective After 40 • Episode 148: 3 Kinds of Progressive Overload and Practical Tips to Use Them Enjoy the show! Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
8min•Dec 16, 2025
#148: How Quickly Should You Increase Your Weights?

#148: How Quickly Should You Increase Your Weights?

If you want to get stronger, look toned again, improve your metabolic health, and age well, you need to be building muscle. And to build muscle, you have to keep challenging your body as it gets stronger. And one way to increase the challenge is to increase weights. But how fast should you be increasing your weights? In this episode, I break down: • Why form always comes first • When you’re actually ready to go up in weight (hint: it’s not every session) • Practical tips: fractional plates, slow eccentrics, and adding plates to weight stacks P.S. In the last two episodes, I explained what progressive strength training is and the three ways you can apply progressive overload so check those out for more insights into getting the most out of the time you spend training. Resources mentioned: • Fractional plates • FlipStik phone mount for form videos • Episode #146: What Progressive Strength Training Is and Why It's So Effective After 40 • Episode #147: 3 Kinds of Progressive Overload and Practical Tips to Use Them Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
14min•Dec 9, 2025
#147: 3 Kinds of Progressive Overload and Practical Tips to Use Them

#147: 3 Kinds of Progressive Overload and Practical Tips to Use Them

If you're a woman in midlife and you are looking to get your body back to start feeling strong, looking toned, and recognizing the woman in the mirror again, then you need to be doing progressive strength training. Progressive strength training is a very systematic way of lifting weights where you apply progressive overload - one of the keys to building strength and muscle effectively. In this episode, I describe the 3 different ways that you can apply progressive overload and provide tips on how that looks in real life. BTW - If you missed last week’s episode, listen to part 1 first, where I explain why this kind of systematic approach is the most effective way to get results from the time you're spending working out with weights. Enjoy the show! Resources mentioned: • How to choose your starting weight: • Fractional plates for small, manageable weight increases: • FlipStik phone mount for easy form videos in the gym or at home: Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
17min•Dec 2, 2025
#146: What Progressive Strength Training Is and Why It’s So Effective After 40

#146: What Progressive Strength Training Is and Why It’s So Effective After 40

If you want to get stronger, build muscle to look toned, and feel like yourself again, progressive strength training is the most effective method for women in perimenopause and menopause. In this episode, I explain what progressive strength training is and how it’s different from the "strength training" workouts you may be doing. You'll understand how it enables you to actually trigger muscle growth in midlife, when shifting hormones can make building strength harder than it used to be. I also share three of the most common mistakes I see women make that keep them from getting the results they deserve from the time they’re already spending lifting weights. This is part one of my progressive strength training deep dive series. Subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode! Resources mentioned: • My monthly membership • My strength training tracker Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
15min•Nov 25, 2025
#145: How to use mindfulness and micro-resting to reset your energy during the day

#145: How to use mindfulness and micro-resting to reset your energy during the day

This is the second half of my conversation with yoga therapist Cheryl Gordon, where we move beyond yoga poses and talk about how mindfulness and small daily “micro-rests” can completely change how you feel in midlife. You’ll learn simple, science-backed ways to restore your energy, regulate your hormones, and calm your nervous system - even on the busiest days. You’ll learn: How short “micro-rests” can recharge your energy and focus Why slowing down isn’t laziness - it's essential for recovery How mindfulness helps with stress, cravings, and emotional balance Simple ways to weave restorative movement into your day How rest and relaxation directly support hormones, sleep, and metabolism Enjoy the show! Connect with Cheryl: www.cherylgordonyt.com youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE5vzNEhrdYmDX8GYWLLaKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylgordonyt/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherylgordonyt The Mindful Eating Guide provides the basics to anyone who would like to lose weight sustainably and without restrictions. The 5 Step Midlife Reset Masterclass Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
16min•Nov 18, 2025
#144: Yoga in menopause what helps and what to avoid

#144: Yoga in menopause what helps and what to avoid

Your body changes in midlife and that means how you approach yoga needs to change too. In this episode, I talk with yoga therapist Cheryl Gordon about how to keep getting all the benefits of yoga in menopause without over-stretching, overheating, or causing unnecessary strain on your joints and connective tissues. You’ll learn: Why hormonal changes in midlife mean your yoga practice should evolve too What to keep in mind to avoid overstretching and joint pain Why hot yoga may do more harm than good How to shift toward styles that support strength, mobility, and hormone balance What “real yoga therapy” looks like and why it can help you stay strong, calm, and functional for decades ahead Enjoy the show! Connect with Cheryl: www.cherylgordonyt.com youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE5vzNEhrdYmDX8GYWLLaKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylgordonyt/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherylgordonyt The Mindful Eating Guide provides the basics to anyone who would like to lose weight sustainably and without restrictions. The 5 Step Midlife Reset Masterclass Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
23min•Nov 11, 2025
#143: Beginner strength training over 40 what you need to get started

#143: Beginner strength training over 40 what you need to get started

You want to start strength training, but where do you actually begin? If you’ve found yourself asking this question (maybe in a Facebook group or while staring at some dumbbells), this episode is for you. I break down the five essentials you need to start strength training successfully. This isn’t rocket science, but you do need to have the right pieces in place to get the results you're after. Enjoy the show! Resources mentioned: • Learn to Lift program • Lift-It mini course Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
9min•Nov 4, 2025
#142: How to Save Time in Your Strength Training Workouts

#142: How to Save Time in Your Strength Training Workouts

If you ever feel like your strength workouts take forever and wonder if there’s a faster way to get them done, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down 8 practical ways to save time in your training sessions without cutting corners or compromising results. These small, strategic tweaks can make a big difference when you add them up - helping you get stronger, stay consistent, and make the most of every minute you train. You’ll learn: How to warm up efficiently - and no, it’s not 20mins on the treadmill Why redundancy in your programming wastes both time and progress How to superset exercises to save time without losing effectiveness Resources mentioned: • Learn to Lift Program • Lift with Lynn Membership • Free Strength Training Tracker Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
20min•Oct 28, 2025
#141: 5 Changes That Helped Me Get Back In Sync With My Body in Menopause

#141: 5 Changes That Helped Me Get Back In Sync With My Body in Menopause

If you feel like your body changed overnight - and your old playbook stopped working - this episode is for you. I’m sharing five fitness and lifestyle shifts that helped me feel steady and in control again. It's the high-level roadmap I wish I’d had. You’ll hear: The mindset shift I had to make to work with my body in this new stage of life. How changing my fitness priorities transformed how I look and feel, and are preparing me for the decades ahead The lifestyle priorities I focus on now - protein, sleep/recovery, smarter alcohol choices, and stress management - to thrive in this stage of life If you're struggling to get a handle on your 'new' body, this is the episode for you. Enjoy the show! Resources mentioned: • Episode 139: Perimenopause and HRT My Personal Story • Episode 140: How HRT & Testosterone Changed my Life & Training • Episode 119: Protein: Why It Matters, How Much You Need, and Practical Tips to Eat Enough Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
31min•Oct 21, 2025
#140: How HRT & Testosterone Changed my Life & Training

#140: How HRT & Testosterone Changed my Life & Training

In honor of Menopause Awareness Month, I’m sharing my personal story of perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy. This is part two of my two-part series on HRT. If you haven’t yet listened to part one, Perimenopause and HRT my personal story ( episode 139 ), please start there first. In this episode, I talk about what it was really like — the symptoms I experienced, how life changed after starting treatment, and how hormones have affected my strength training, body composition, energy, motivation, and overall quality of life. This isn’t a medical lecture, and I’m not selling anything. My hope is that if you’re struggling with similar symptoms, this helps you realize you’re not alone — and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. You don’t have to just live with it or accept that “this is how life has to be.” There are options, there is help, and you can feel like yourself again. Enjoy the episode x Lynn Send me your thoughts 😃 If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support my work please consider buying me a cup of coffee – link’s in the show notes! My 10-day Intro to Strength Training >> Learn to Lift with my 10-week beginner program >> Download my free guide to working with your menopausal body >> Subscribe to my weekly newsletter>> Support the show: Buy me a coffee >>
27min•Oct 14, 2025
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