Dec 05 2024 35 mins
In this episode, we explore the surprising ways that running and intense exercise can affect women's health, hormones and blood sugar, especially during perimenopause. Our host, Louise, one of the world’s leading experts for perimenopausal active women and runners, shares practical lessons from her 21 years' experience, shedding light on the hidden challenges faced by dedicated runners, marathoners, ultra-runners, and fitness enthusiasts. While staying active is crucial for overall health, high training volume combined with lack of strategic nutrition to support our best energy, metabolism and health can disrupt blood sugar levels, throw hormones off balance, and harm gut health.
The conversation highlights how intense workouts like running and HIIT can place extra stress on the body during sensitive life stages. Symptoms like energy crashes, brain fog, an increasing A1C biomarker and weight gain often point to deeper hormonal or blood sugar issues. A balanced diet, including strategic carbohydrate timing and type, is key to maintaining energy, fitness and hormone health. To build a healthy relationship with running, it's essential to listen to your body, manage holistic lifestyle stressors and adapt training routines when needed. The episode underscores the value of addressing these concerns through a personalized, whole foods first approach to achieve sustainable well-being.
If seeking support to thrive through perimenopause with more energy, less stress and sustainable success, our new free training, free nutrition guide and world-leading Academy are for you at https://www.breakingthroughwellness.com/
Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(3:27) Benefits of exercise for gut health vs. risks of overtraining
(6:19) Misconceptions about fitness and symptoms of "blood sugar chaos."
(10:55) Managing stress holistically to support hormones and longevity
(19:56) Reintroducing carbohydrates for energy and hormonal health
(26:02) Recognizing when running takes more than it gives
(32:52) A sustainable, slow approach to restoring health and fitness
(34:21) Outro
Tune in weekly to "Maximizing Fitness, Physique, and Running Through Perimenopause" for a simple female-specific science-based revolution. Let's unlock our best with less stress!
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