The Betty Rocker Show

Join me today to check out 3 leg strength assessment tests! These fun tests call on the strength of our legs and posterior chain, plus our balance, flexibility and explosive power. Since we as women carry over half of our skeletal muscle in our lower body, keeping our muscle tissue and bones strong as we age helps us maintain our balance and functional movement over time. These tests are a great tool to help you check in to see where you're at and if anything needs a little more attention. We're covering…. ⭐️ Taking care of little you and future you ⭐️ The sit to stand/sit to rise test ⭐️ Three moves that strengthen the muscles needed to come up and down from the floor ⭐️ The importance of staying limber and stretching regularly ⭐️ The wall sit test ⭐️ Standing broad jump test ⭐️ The importance of explosive power ⭐️ Training with good form and alignment ⭐️ The cortisol-cardio connection in menopause Watch the video of this episode to see demonstrations for grip strength tests:https://thebettyrocker.com/3-ways-to-assess-your-leg-strength/ Links to follow up from this episode: Grip Strength tests podcast Betty Rocker training and eating programs The Ripped Rockstar Challenge Low Impact Challenge Free Foundations of Functional Fitness Workshop

Whether you're opening a jar or lifting your dumbbells, your grip strength is integral to your ability to do just about everything with your hands. Weakened grip strength is linked to risks for things like falls, fractures, prolonged recovery from illness, cognitive decline and more. Today I'm giving you 5 ways you can test your grip strength so you have a good benchmark of where you're at, and you can use that as motivation to stay strong! Watch the video of this episode to see demonstrations for grip strength tests: https://thebettyrocker.com/5-ways-to-test-your-grip-strength-and-why-it-matters-to-your-health/ We're covering…. ⭐️ What grip strength signifies for your overall health ⭐️ Correlations with mortality risk related to poor grip strength ⭐️ Correlations with cognitive decline related to poor grip strength ⭐️ Testing your grip strength with a dynamometer ⭐️ Testing your grip strength with a household scale ⭐️ Testing your grip strength with a dead hang ⭐️ Testing your grip strength with a dumbbell head grab ⭐️ Testing your grip strength with a farmer's carry ⭐️ Your grip strength and your overall strength Links to follow up from this episode: Prognostic value of grip strength: findings from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study My shocking accident and how my health habits saved me Protein Guide for women (part 1) Eating and Training Guides for Perimenopause and Post-menopause  How much exercise is too much? Rock and Restore essential amino acids from Whole Betty by Betty Rocker Dynamometer (hand grip strength measurement tool) Watch this podcast as a video and see the demonstrations for hand grip tests

EMDR stands for "Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing." It is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method that helps people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms, and directly treats the way memory is stored in the brain. It is shown to be a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences. Join me in learning more about EMDR and the wide range of people who can benefit from it with the founder of the Precision EMDR Academy Susie Morgan, LMFT, BCETS (who I worked with personally) to learn more about the benefits of this work, the vital importance of our memory storage network, attachment theory and how our sense of security forms the foundation for our sense of self. We're covering…. ⭐️ Where EMDR comes from and how it works ⭐️ How traumatic memories are stored in the brain, and how they impact us ⭐️ The way our early attachments affect our nervous system ⭐️ Finding the right therapeutic fit: what to look for ⭐️ How memory clusters can be key in unwinding difficult patterns ⭐️ Reflections on my own experience in EMDR ⭐️ The value of prep work done with your therapist at the start of EMDR ⭐️ How addiction is tied to traumatic memory and the complex layers that may be present ⭐️ Who would benefit from EMDR ⭐️ The EMDR Readiness Course (free resource) ⭐️ Precision EMDR Academy professional program Leave me a comment, read the transcript, and get more resources on the shownotes page: https://thebettyrocker.com/emdr-therapy-and-mental-health-support-with-susie-morgan-lmft-bcets/ Links to follow up from this episode: EMDR Readiness Course (and free resource for EMDR patients or those preparing for EMDR) Precision EMDR Academy professional program  American Psychology Association guide to EMDR Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How it Can Help You Find and Keep Love by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller EMDRIA International Association website EMDRIA Directory to find an EMDR therapist near you

Looking for relief from symptoms in perimenopause or postmenopause? I sat down with Dr. Jill Carnahan (who is my functional medicine doctor), and talked to her about the specific tests and treatment options she uses for women in the different menopause stages. We also share resources for online support with hormone balancing (in the US, the UK and AUS - see links below for CAN). The more we know, the better we can advocate for ourselves, find the support we need, and navigate our changing bodies. We're covering…. ⭐️ Why HRT is still seen as potentially problematic ⭐️ The phases of perimenopause and symptoms you might experience ⭐️ Tests for perimenopause symptoms, frequency and types ⭐️ Treatment options for symptom relief and hormone balance in perimenopause ⭐️ Who might not be a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy, and contraindications ⭐️ Testing you might benefit from in postmenopause ⭐️ Treatment options available in postmenopause for symptom relief and general health ⭐️ Considerations and contraindications for hormone balancing options for postmenopausal women ⭐️ The importance of gut health in processing hormone byproducts ⭐️Environmental factors that can disrupt our hormones ⭐️Telehealth options for women in different countries (USA, UK and Australia), see links below for Canada ⭐️Suggestions for other ways to find support Leave me a comment, read the transcript and more on the shownotes page: https://thebettyrocker.com/peri-and-post-menopause-testing-and-treatment-options-with-dr-jill-carnahan/ Links to follow up from this episode: How estrogen impacts your body's response to exercise and more Blood tests and hormone therapy options podcast with Dr. Jill Carnahan More about your blood pressure More about your resting heart rate (RHR) More about heart rate variability (HRV) and how it's measured Podcast about Acupuncture and how it works with acupuncture practitioner Ashlie Klavon EMDR Therapy The Calm app The Balance app Heart Math app and device 6 Adaptogenic Herbs that support hormone balance and our stress response Betty Rocker training programs, balanced and optimized for women in different life stages

Join me to learn about the best foods to eat in the menopause years (both perimenopause and postmenopause) so you can support your body from the inside out while your hormones are changing. These strategies will help you hold onto your valuable muscle tissue for better mobility, agility and strength over time. Plus, they'll help you support a healthy gut and digestive system to ensure you're absorbing key nutrients, vitamins and minerals - and maintaining an optimal environment for hormone processing. Shownotes page (leave a comment, read the transcript, get more resources): https://thebettyrocker.com/top-nutrition-strategies-for-perimenopause-and-postmenopause/ Today I'm discussing…. ⭐️ Exactly why protein is important, and how to make sure you're getting what you need ⭐️ The importance of the gut microbiome in our menopause years ⭐️ Why fiber is an important part of your daily intake now more than ever ⭐️ How nutrient absorption and nutrient density support better hormone balance ⭐️ Common gut issues and what can cause them ⭐️ Anti-inflammatory foods that support your system ⭐️ Calcium, Vitamin D and Omega's and how they fit in ⭐️ Foods to avoid or limit in our menopause years Links to follow up from this episode: Gut Health and Estrogen Balance (podcast) The Best Perimenopause Training Tweaks for a Strong, Sculpted Body Postmenopause Training and Nutrition Success Guide Protein guide for women PerimenoFit: strength training program and eating guide for women in perimenopause Rock Your Life: new workout plans every month, community, accountability and coaching Betty Rocker meal plans balanced and optimized for women in different life stages

Training in perimenopause requires a few simple tweaks to drive great results in our body, and prevent weight gain. As hormone levels change, our body responds differently to the exercise we do which means we sometimes don't see the results we expect even when we put in a big effort. So today I'm sharing the best types of exercise and the best workout schedules that drive great results in perimenopause, so you can lose extra pounds, have better energy, and set yourself up in a strong, sculpted and capable body! Get the transcript and more notes on the episode here: https://thebettyrocker.com/the-best-perimenopause-training-tweaks/ Today I'm discussing…. ⭐️ What changes in our hormones in perimenopause (and why it's a little different for everyone) ⭐️ Why weight gain can start to become a problem in perimenopause ⭐️ Why we're more sensitive to cortisol and stress in perimenopause ⭐️ Why training too much can leave us with less results, and even backfire ⭐️ The two training types to include in your foundational workout plan ⭐️ Two sample training schedules that drive great results in perimenopause ⭐️ Exactly how to get the edge back on fat loss in perimenopause ⭐️ Benefits of a perimenopause-specific training program like PerimenoFit Links to follow up from this episode: PerimenoFit: strength training program and eating guide for women in perimenopause The smart scale I use Foundations of Functional Fitness - free 15 minute guided videos to help you with alignment and good form in key exercises Rock Your Life: new workout plans every month, community, accountability and coaching How estrogen impacts your body's response to exercise and more Betty Rocker training programs, balanced and optimized for women in different life stages Postmenopause Eating and Training Guide

On my cross country trip coming home for Christmas I had a shocking fall that dislocated my elbow. I was lucky enough to have the strength to get up, drive myself to a hospital and recover well over the following weeks. Falls can be dangerous at any age, and you never know when you're going to need to draw on your reserves. It's always a good time to be getting strong, and staying that way. I'm sharing my story today, with inspiration for you to keep making deposits in your own "health savings account!" This episode transcript, links and more: https://thebettyrocker.com/my-shocking-accident-and-how-my-healthy-habits-saved-me/ In this episode…. ⭐️ How my accident happened ⭐️ Complications with accidents when we're over 65 ⭐️ How we start losing bone density and muscle tissue ⭐️ Why the perimenopause and menopause years are particularly important to pay attention to ⭐️ The compounding impact of making deposits in our body's "health savings account" over time ⭐️ Key fitness and nutrition strategies to prevent the loss of your body tissue and get (and stay) strong Featured in this episode: Rock Your Life: Workout Challenges for women of all ages PerimenoFIT Betty Rocker Workout Programs My Dinner Plan Betty Rocker Meal Plans

You are the MAIN CHARACTER of the story that is unfolding in 2025! You've got 12 chapters to write in 12 months. So let's outline the first quarter of our main character's health and fitness plans together today so we can jumpstart your success this year! Grab the free worksheet so you can follow along: bit.ly/2025main In this episode…. ⭐️ How chapters help us break our goals into manageable, and attainable action items ⭐️ Defining how we want our heroine to feel as she boldly steps into a new year ⭐️ Outlining our fitness plan ⭐️ Choosing 1-2 healthy eating goals ⭐️ How the habits we form become routine, and habit stacking becomes the norm ⭐️ Defining a bonus health-related goal ⭐️ Planning the first 3 months! Links to follow up from this episode: 2025 Main Character worksheet planner Rock Your Life New Year's Challenge Betty Rocker programs

I know you've probably heard me say that over training can really undermine your results. But what does "over training" actually mean for you? Is it okay to combine other exercises with the program you're currently doing? And what about running or pickleball or swimming or other recreational activities you enjoy on top of your regularly scheduled workouts? How much exercise is too much, and how do you find the sweet spot? Listen to today's conversation for some great insights and answers! In this episode, I'm exploring…. ⭐️ Two essential questions to answer before working out ⭐️ How inflammation impacts your ability to get results ⭐️ How to know when to back off and when to push harder ⭐️ How to create the right balance in your training that supports your goals ⭐️ Common training mistakes to avoid ⭐️ Essential strategies in the peri and postmenopause years ⭐️ Tips for enjoying your recreational activities and your training without burning out Links featured in this episode: Betty Rocker workout programs: Bodyweight: 90 Day Challenge Home workout equipment: Abs and Booty Challenge Home workout equipment: Home Workout Domination 1 and Home Workout Domination 2 Gym equipment (option to do it with home equipment): Lioness Strength Training Options for bodyweight, home equipment and gym equipment: PerimenoFit Options for bodyweight, home equipment and gym equipment: Rock Your Life Perimenopause Training Guide Postmenopause Training Guide Healthy Eating and Why there isn't a "one size fits all"

When it comes to supplements, there are so many out there. But how do you know what you need, and what the difference is between protein powder and say, a BCAA? And do we all need to be taking collagen? Plus there's a lot of buzz about creatine for women right now...is it merited? We're diving into all of this in more in the second installment of my protein for women series. In this episode, I'm exploring…. ⭐️ Recap of the essential aminos, and why we need them ⭐️ The difference between protein powder and free-form amino acid supplements ⭐️ How amino acids impact our cognitive function ⭐️ The benefits and differences of BCAA's and Essential Amino Acid formulas ⭐️ Some thoughts on why under-consuming protein is so common ⭐️ The pervasiveness of information that doesn't serve women ⭐️ The benefits of creatine for women and tips for using it ⭐️ How to get collagen in your diet, and when and why you might want to supplement ⭐️ Why supplements are "nice to have" but not "required" and who might benefit from them Links featured in this episode: Protein for Women Part 1: Plus tips for using and choosing protein powders Rock and Restore essential amino acids formula by Betty Rocker Why I recommend creatine for active women (article) Smart scale for tracking body composition Creatine monohydrate supplement by Thorne Full Body Collagen by Betty Rocker Betty Rocker meal plans

Why is protein so important for us as women? The reasons go well beyond our body composition goals. Today I'm talking all things protein, including why we need it, how much we need, and how those needs change over time. Plus, I'm covering protein powder and some different ways you can use it - from timing around your workouts to cooking with it. And I'm sharing my best tips for choosing a quality product that covers all your bases - from my experience as a consumer and women's fitness coach, and from my experience creating my own product line. And, coming up in our next episode I'll go over the difference between protein powder, collagen, free-form aminos and creatine - so stay tuned, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! In this episode, I'm exploring…. ⭐️ Why women need protein, and the amino acids it breaks down into ⭐️ The "essential aminos" and where to get them ⭐️ How the amount of protein you need changes over time ⭐️ Why you don't have to take a protein supplement (and when you might want to) ⭐️ What I look for when choosing a plant based protein powder vs. a dairy-based protein powder Links featured in this episode and references: How eating the right amount of protein impacts a woman's body Guide for women in perimenopause Guide for women post-menopause Betty Rocker brand (Whole Betty) protein powders Guide to choosing protein powders and different types Betty Rocker meal plans

Is there a "perfect diet?" I don't think so. One of the challenges many of us face on our health journey is wading through the conflicting and confusing messages about "eating healthy." It's hard to navigate and it's hard to know if what you're doing is supporting your goals or hindering them. I think different things work for different people at different times, and learning some basics about the nutrients and how our bodies work is a great place to start, so we can better understand why certain things work better for us than others. In this episode, I'm exploring…. ⭐️ Why your sister's diet might work better for you and not her, and vice versa ⭐️ Why your husband's diet might appear to work better for him than for you ⭐️ Why the diet you did 10 years ago might not work the same for you now ⭐️ How seeing the "team" at work inside our bodies can be helpful for shaping the choices we make about food ⭐️ Where "3 meal magic" can be helpful ⭐️ The way protein, carbohydrates and fat support your body ⭐️ Examples of eating around your workouts Links featured in this episode and references: Hidden causes of weight gain (podcast with Dr. Jill Carnahan) How to heal emotional eating (podcast with Tricia Nelson) Protein 101 How eating the right amount of protein affects a woman's body Carbs 101 Gut Health and Estrogen Balance Healthy Fats 101 Healthy Eating Shortcuts The Body Fuel System (6 week balanced eating and recipes plan)

If you've ever gotten injured or been recovering from an illness wondering when you could start training again, today's conversation is for you! After recently getting COVID and suffering a lengthy recovery period, I had time to ponder - and put into practice - the very advice I so often give. Not only will you learn how to get better more quickly, you'll also get my best tips for preserving muscle and avoiding weight gain while you're taking some time off from your training. In this episode, I'm exploring…. ⭐️ How an illness can disrupt multiple body systems, from our immune system to our endocrine system ⭐️ How COVID impacts our hormones, and what to be aware of if you're in peri or post menopause ⭐️ Why seeing faster results from a workout program is about more than diet and exercise ⭐️ How to be aware of the stressors to our system that we can't see or easily pinpoint ⭐️ 5 keys to a strong recovery ⭐️ How to avoid losing muscle when you're taking some time off from training ⭐️ A reframe to avoid undue anxiety about taking a step back Links to follow up from this episode: Links featured in this episode: PerimenoFit: 8 week strength training program for women in perimenopause All Betty Rocker training programs contain options for women in peri and post menopause. See them all here! All Betty Rocker eating plans Health benefits of walking for women How Walking supports long-term fat loss Gut health and estrogen balance Lab testing company with affordable labs (labs must be ordered by your doctor) Home testing kits that you can order without a doctor

No matter what your current age or stage of life, I'm sure you'd like the actions you're taking to be impactful - both for your current state of health, but also for setting yourself up down the road. Because we want to be able to look back in 10 years and thank the person we are today for setting us up so well with a strong body, healthy joints, good habits and great energy. We want to be able to enjoy life to the fullest in a strong, fit body we love - and what we do right now is setting us up for that future. In this episode, I'm exploring…. ⭐️ How our actions set us up for our future bodies ⭐️ How my mindset has changed in perimenopause ⭐️ How walking impacts fat loss, supports muscle and bone density ⭐️ How to use training volume to your advantage ⭐️ The importance of self care as we lose collagen and elastin ⭐️ The value of cooking more and drinking less ⭐️ Putting rest and sleep in their place ⭐️ The All or Something approach Links featured in this episode: PerimenoFit: 8 week strength training program for women in perimenopause Health benefits of walking for women Links for the walking pad and weighted vest I mentioned All Betty Rocker training programs contain options for women in peri and post menopause. See them all here! All Betty Rocker eating plans

How does walking support your fat loss goals, support muscle and bone density and give you so many other health benefits at the same time? And where does that fit in with our cardio, cortisol levels and changing hormones when we get into our 40's and beyond? Today I'm taking a deeper dive into how our resting metabolic rate is influenced by our body composition, how we burn energy and lose body fat, the strategies around muscle preservation, and why this all matters as we age. In this episode I'm exploring... ⭐️ How your body composition impacts your resting metabolic rate ⭐️ How our muscle tissue impacts our ability to lose body fat ⭐️ Reviewing the key training strategies that support body composition results ⭐️ Why many women start gaining more body fat in their 40's (and how to address it) ⭐️ How your body burns energy: TDEE, TEF, EAT and NEAT explained ⭐️ How walking more supports fat loss and preserves muscle and bone density ⭐️ Why we need to vary our approach slightly at different times in our lives Links to follow up from this episode: Get on the list to be the first to know when PeriMenoFit is released! Links for the walking pads I use and like Shifting the muscle to fat ratio: women-specific body composition considerations Perimenopause Training and Eating Guide Postmenopause Training and Eating Guide Betty Rocker balanced healthy eating programs Betty Rocker challenges (with custom options for women in peri and postmenopause)

A healthy and diverse gut microbiome helps support the balance of our hormones, a robust immune system and impacts how efficiently we absorb the nutrients in the food we eat. Tune in today for a tour on the ecosystem that makes up your digestive system, how you support better estrogen balance, get better results from your training and be a good steward to this diverse inner landscape that impacts us on so many levels. In this episode I'm exploring... ⭐️ How our digestive system works ⭐️ How the gut microbiome impacts our hormone balance ⭐️ How our gut is connected to our immune system and the inflammatory response ⭐️ The specialized part of the microbiome that processes our estrogen ⭐️ How estrogen dominance contributes to more uncomfortable symptoms in perimenopause ⭐️ Tips for supporting better gut health Links to follow up from this episode: Get on the list to be the first to know when PeriMenoFit is released! 12 Things you can do to support stress resilience Refresher on my best strategies for training with your cycle Refresher on my best strategies for training in perimenopause Refresher on my best strategies for training postmenopause The Body Fuel System meal plan My Dinner Plan eating system Probiotics I use Help finding a functional medicine doctor near you (Institute of Functional Medicine directory) Full Body Collagen (and all Betty Rocker supplements)

I made walking more a huge priority over the past couple of years and it's helped me in so many ways! I wanted to share some of the inspiring data that shows the tremendous health benefits women get from walking more, which become especially significant in our perimenopause and postmenopausal years. Plus, I'm sharing details on how I've been able to get more steps in at home, and how walking supports our hormone balance! In this episode, I'm exploring…. ⭐️ The benefit of walking on our blood sugar and fat storage ⭐️ How walking impacts our digestive system and supports good gut health ⭐️ How walking helps beat sugar cravings ⭐️ Fun tools you can use to get more steps in around the house ⭐️ How walking supports our immune system ⭐️ How bone density is improved for menopausal women with walking ⭐️ How your step count and speed can affect health benefits ‌ Links to follow up from this episode: Get on the list to be the first to know when PeriMenoFit is released! Links for walking pad and weighted vest ideas The Body Fuel System meal plan My Dinner Plan eating system Rock Your Life home workout studio and women's fitness program for women in their cycling years, in perimenopause and post-menopause

In our postmenopausal years, we have achieved an important milestone as women! Let's explore the way the inner landscape of our hormones has changed so we're better equipped to navigate these new waters. I'm sharing my Postmenopause Training Trifecta so after you finish this episode, you'll be armed with the specific training and nutrition strategies you need to feel like yourself and build strength, power and vitality to enjoy life to the fullest! In this episode I'm exploring... ⭐️What changes with our hormones in the postmenopausal years and how they impact our body composition ⭐️Hormone-supporting options and suggestions ⭐️How to mitigate the impact of stress on our body ⭐️Custom training guidance for women postmenopause ⭐️Custom eating guidance for women postmenopause ⭐️Reviewing Betty Rocker's Postmenopause Training Trifecta Links to follow up from this episode: Peri and Postmenopause Testing and Treatment Options with Dr. Jill Carnahan Top Nutrition Strategies for Perimenopause and Postmenopause 12 Ways to Improve Your Stress Resilience 6 Adaptogens that Support Hormone Balance Written guide to Postmenopause for visuals and further reference Rock Your Life home workout studio and women's fitness program for women in their cycling years, in perimenopause and post-menopause Women's Health articles

In perimenopause, the 5-10 year period before our cycle stops entirely (menopause) it might feel like all the things that used to work for you don't work anymore, and your body just isn't responding like it used to. As our estrogen and progesterone levels begin to get off balance and decline, it has a big impact on our recovery, our body temperature, sleep, body fat, muscle and so much more. Today I'm exploring the strategies you can use to mitigate some of these symptoms, build more strength and lose body fat, support a healthy gut microbiome and so much more! In this episode I'm exploring... ⭐️ What happens to our hormones in perimenopause ⭐️ Exploring hormone balancing strategies like supplements and creams ⭐️ The impact of the stress response, and why it hits us harder in perimenopause ⭐️ The interplay between insulin and estrogen, and why sugar has a bigger impact than ever ⭐️ The importance of supporting a healthy gut microbiome and the estrobolome ⭐️ The most important things to include in your diet in perimenopause ⭐️ Specific workout adjustments to make in perimenopause Links to follow up from this episode: Get on the list to be the first to know when PeriMenoFit is released! 6 Adaptogens that support hormone balance The Body Fuel System meal plan My Dinner Plan eating system Full Body Collagen (and all Betty Rocker supplements) Betty Rocker Training Programs (90 Day Challenge, Home Workout Domination 1 and 2, Lioness) Free Foundations of Functional Fitness Workshop Rock Your Life home workout studio and women's fitness program for women in their cycling years, in perimenopause and post-menopause Women's Health articles

Training with your cycle - explained! While you're in the phase of life where you're having regular periods, you may feel intuitively that you just don't have as much drive during the days leading up to your period. And you may notice that certain times of the month you are able to absolutely crush your workouts. Following the rhythm of your cycle when it comes to your training and nutrition is a great way to feel your absolute best - and see the best results - and today I'll explain exactly how! In this episode I'm exploring... ⭐️The phases of your cycle, and what your hormones are doing in each phase ⭐️How you can optimize your training at each phase of your cycle ⭐️Nutrition tips to support you at every stage of your cycle ⭐️How to mitigate some of your PMS symptoms, and why we get them ⭐️Considerations for training if you're on the pill ⭐️Conditions that cause hormone imbalances overview Links to follow up from this episode: Rock Your Life - challenges and coaching accessible 24/7 Betty Rocker training programs, balanced and optimized for women in different life stages How to train through the stages of your cycle (article format, with diagrams) Women's Health articles