08/14/2026
Lately, I keep seeing and getting questions about certain things here on social media---not by grifters or influencers trying to sell something -- by professionals who are knowledgeable, experienced, and, I believe, well-intentioned with the same goal: to provide accurate information, correct misinformation, and, most importantly, get more people moving.
But with all the confusion about how heavy to lift, how much protein to eat, whether it's really “calories in, calories out,” if hormone changes matter, whether women need to train differently than men or at certain ages”… I worry we've lost the plot — in ways that shift the blame back onto women and are reminiscent of the diet culture we've worked so hard to move past.
Recommendations are often given because that’s exactly what people are asking for—I’ve spent 20 years trying to give people ranges, flexibility, and options. I’m met with “Just tell me what to do.”
AND- specifics can be helpful, especially for beginners.
If you know me, you know I take research seriously and try to provide context and nuance, while also reminding you that your real-life experience is valid.
I’m not objecting to explaining research accurately and calling out those who don’t. I appreciate those of you doing that!
I am saying, maybe there’s a way to honor the data while also acknowledging the progress we’ve made in women’s fitness by speaking directly to and creating spaces for them.
Maybe we can call out misinformation while also acknowledging it isn’t black and white.
Maybe we don’t dismiss women’s real experiences because they don’t align with data.
It’s personal to me after 20 years working with women, hearing the same stories: “once I turned 40, everything changed; I’m doing the same things as my husband, but he’s seeing results; I’m doing all the “right things” in peri or menopause, and nothing is working.”
And yes, I’m defensive about it because I, too, have been feeling and experiencing so much of this firsthand in my 40s. It’s not in our heads. Yet some of the calling-out and quoting research is driving us right back to thinking it is.
I don’t know the answer, but I know we can do better.
