What Women in Menopause Learned About Exercise May Be A Lie | Debra Atkinson | TEDxMountPenn

[@DeniseCummins]

This video made me smile. It reminded me of the time I told a "weight loss specialist" that after work, I spent 2-3 hours daily walking and jogging up and down a 200 foot long arena in deep sand giving riding lessons. Her response was, "And then what do you do for exercise? Do you make time to get to the gym?"

[@joymitchell5446]

Walking outdoors is the best. the wind in your hair the trees giving you oxygen the different colours to see. Honestly first thing in the morning is so uplifting. Start off slow and if you continue to walk you won't even know that you've started to walk fast. Please if your thinking about it just do it you will feel great after it

[@THEYOGAFACE]

As a yoga teacher and lifelong fitness instructor in post menopause I agree 100%. I used to run and cycle a LOT. Now I swim and dance, and always I do yoga and meditate .I've learned to trust my body and give it pleasure and joy. I don't diet. I even eat an almond croissant for breakfast if I feel like it. Joy and pleasure and spending time with those we love is healthy. The post industrial military complex based ethos tells us we must work hard to achieve results like robots . Bodies thrive on balance

[@sanb9459]

At 58, I'm finding yoga to be be very helpful! I feel stronger too... I walk my dog everyday... I also have grandchildren who keep me moving. Great talk... thank you 😊

[@Coolpoolers]

Where are you getting those almond croissants?!!!!😛 Lol!

[@THEYOGAFACE]

@@Coolpoolers anywhere I can find them!! I actually got a bag of them for free from a local bakery yesterday and shared them with everyone I met! Yum!

[@pamhall2471]

@@Coolpoolers jjjj

[@charmyers5461]

@@THEYOGAFACEhi

[@PsiologaLilyValentina]

Totally agree. I am 56 post menopausic. I only exercise 3 days a week for 15 minute sessions. The rest of the days I walk. I eat normal, not diet. I am fit and strong. No belly. Happier than ever

[@susanford2388]

I am the same age. 5ft 3" & 125 pounds. I have exercised all of my life. I gave birth to twins in June 2001 & back on the treadmill in August, walking only though initially. I eat porridge for breakfast everyday & sardines for lunch & anything for dinner. I love walking. I had no transition after menopause everything stayed the same. Flat stomach & still wearing skinny jeans.

[@inkenlasar6130]

Thanks

[@inkenlasar6130]

Thanks

[@inkenlasar6130]

Thanks

[@janiesmith987]

Lily what exercise program are you doing?

[@SunnyGirlFlorida]

I feel like most people are not overexercising, they are sedentary.

[@ginam830]

Exercise is my alone time I don’t want to share it with anyone

[@tania2897]

Amen.

[@drmorgannolte]

What a wonderful talk! As a geriatric physical therapist, I can vouch that strength training is SO important for healthy aging. As a weight loss coach I can also attest to how the "eat less, exercise more" philosophy for weight loss doesn't work. I love your "restore before more" phrase and appreciate you point out the value of how different types of exercise serve different roles. Walking, movement, and play can be excellent for stress relief to reduce cortisol and help with weight loss, whereas strength training is great for mobility, tone, joint pain, and boosting metabolism for weight loss maintenance.

[@FitnessMarketingMastery]

Would love to connect with you Dr Nolte.

[@sissiloveable14]

And is compound trwinig the best in the case of stremght training?

[@pippaliciousj]

I have fibromyalgia and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. (Plus asthma etc.) Migraines and menopause have caused me a lot of muscle mass loss in past 18 months due to being bed bound a lot and nature. I am so weak now at 51. My EDS got worse too hence migraines caused by degenerative disc disease and EDS. Thinking gentle walk outside mu house, stairs in my house and resistance bands would be best for me? I can't go swimming (chlorine) and my back has put paid to me getting back on rowing machine at home. Used to love it years ago.

[@jeannemariefagan3453]

Always reach out to Physical Therapy !

[@vtheb1299]

Actually strength training wasn't even mentioned. We learned that a real walk with real people can replace a walk on a threadmill in from of a tv.

[@wendymonette9958]

I am a 52 year old menopausal woman. When I started on my road of menopausal symptoms, the doctors I spoke to (all male) told me to make sure that I was doing high impact exercise at least 30 minutes per day, five days per week. I have always been an avid walker and hiker, but I was told that this was not enough...I have been so paranoid and anxious that my walking and hiking 7 days per week is not enough to help me navigate the rough waters of menopause. This video was a relief and an affirmation of something I already knew deep down: to listen to my body first and foremost. Thank you for this post.

[@themovingdance2744]

Specialist told me to lose weight……I believe I can relax more and be less stressed which will lower my insulin reaction

[@minagelina]

I feel like what she's really hitting is the stress reduction. Long movement and doing things you love keep you healthy. Not spending all day causes cortisol to spike. This is one reason why you do that much and don't lose weight. I wish she had gone into the why behind this

[@jeanniestaller797]

I haven't weighed at home for 8 months. I judge my weight by my clothes and how my stomach looks. I pretty much eat to my hunger. I walk 3-5 miles with my husband or daughter 1-3 times a week. I hike 2-3 times a month. I stretch every day for pain. I pretty much stay steady in my weight. I eat organic, little sugar or gluten.

[@auntpurl5325]

54, menopausal, and I'm finally feeling great and at a very good weight. Dr Jason Fung's Obesity Code was a revelation. Eat plenty, but not all day long. Intermittent fasting, consistent sleep schedule, light exercise like walking, hiking. All the crazy dieting and relentless cardio and high impact exercise did me no favors. Haven't been sick in years (including during the pandemic) and life is sane and fun again.

[@tammi67able]

Congratulations! I just started watching his ytube videos and am finally hopeful about weight loss

[@wendylorimer5663]

Great advice, it’s basically what I do and it works. I try not to have too many carbs also as it’s the only thing that makes me put weight on.

[@tamiclare8598]

When you say eat more you should say more of the right kind of food. Not everyone will get what eat more means and exercise less. I was prepared for more details.

[@breannarg]

That’s a fair feedback point, but also consider she had a time limit and I’m sure TED edited her talk down. I’m wondering if she has info on her own platforms.

[@vtheb1299]

She couldn've just cut the pointless little girl story, spoken at a speed that I wouldn't need to watch her at 1.5x, and used that time to add some actual information

[@fionaanderson3858]

Yeah same. Was waiting for more explanation. There’s so many people out there plugging menopausal remedies and advice but you have to pay to get more info. I found this a bit disappointing as well - what do you mean exactly? Restore before more? What foods do you eat more of? What did those ladies do exactly - examples would have been helpful. I’m menopausal and at a complete loss how to lose the weight… have tried everything…

[@THEYOGAFACE]

I've found that weights and variation in my exercise routine help. More protein and less simple carbs. Yoga. Water. Basically just smart guidelines that apply to life in general and then adding the weights has helped. Also more sleep.

[@NIYA-7]

We all should know by now we should be eating the right kind of foods. She shouldn’t have to say it. 😊

[@jenmolly8794]

I was always in shape. Gained Covid weight. I added running 3 miles a day no change in weight and I was walking around the rest of the day tired an an old lady. I remember I was happiest and skinny doing yoga and weight lifting. I think I was overdoing it running and it hurt my body You just reminded me of that. I’m starting the happy yoga and weight lifting again

[@inimolend]

It's recommended to have a day off between the sessions for the same muscle groups (for example running), otherwise your body won't have a chance to recover properly.

[@lisahileman6727]

That’s what I want to do! Plus light jogging and jump rope!

[@SN-sz7kw]

I always think of my two grandmothers who lived into their late 90‘s. They ate average diets. A typical meal was pork chops & canned peas. I remember garden raspberries with milk & white sugar for dessert. Neither was ever overweight. And neither one ever owned a pair of sport shoes. Ever.

[@TruthSeekerWarrior]

I used to to do HIIT 3xs a week. Then when I hit 50 was totally exhausted from this type of work out. I fatigued my adrenal so badly that I would have to sit to load the dishwasher. Gained weight working out this way. I finally hired a trainer who only had me strength train 2x a week & walked 10,000 steps everyday. I lost 33 lbs in 5mos I ate 1550 calories a day & made sure I met my macros. That was 1 yr ago still same weight & strong!! It works

[@es-hs9fd]

I’m 55 now and have been post menopausal since 51. I’ve never been a high intensity fitness person, but rather just an avid edible gardener and swimmer. I swim daily in a lake and feel that’s plenty of exercise along with gardening. I never skimped on food either. I’ve been eating whole food plant-based for over 25 years. Menopause was a breeze for me probably due to that eating and exercise lifestyle. I think if we get back to how our great great ancestors lived in closer relationship with nature, exercise and food shouldn’t be anything we obsess over, but what rather do naturally. Stay strong ladies. ;)

[@sylviaking8866]

Menopause totally sucks. Hormones are your fountain of youth so when they flatline everything changes.

[@mariamtee]

Not just menopause progesterone only IUD did exactly the same even when it rid me of crazy menstrual flow

[@mbatesart]

in support of what Debra Atkinson says: I have desk job. When I've tried to loose weight with just exercise,(running, boot camp classes, weights) I have failed. When I monitor my food, work with horses 3 days a week, work one day a week in the barn and walk with friends I have lost weight.

[@matulich77]

I get diagnosed with hashimotos at 42 after years of being sick. Then 44 almost 45 comes and good old menopause begins. I needed to watch this.

[@maryleneaubin3525]

I started weight lifting 3 times per week one month ago..i ditched cardio (just doing 30 minutes zumba twice per week). Ditched the intermittent fasting and strict keto. Added good carbs And I'm amazed by the results in just one month..

[@guildedbutterfly]

Maryland, what are the good carbs you’ve added if you don’t mind me asking🙂

[@cynthiareneeandmore]

I’ve been intermittent fasting for a few years but I’m wondering why I have not lost much at all. Maybe I should consider something else.

[@truerosie]

@@guildedbutterfly 'Good carbs' generally translate into vegetables and fruit.

[@guildedbutterfly]

@@truerosie thank you

[@joanaaiquintas]

I was told by a functional medicine doctor that women should only do intermittent fasting once they are in menopause. Before you hit menopause it simply messes with our hormones.

[@KaraYoga]

Do what you love. Keep moving the body in ways that make you happy. Yes, take time to relax. All good info but, there’s never a quick fix. When we move the body in ways that make us happy, we will naturally want to continue that movement longer term. What can carry us through a longer, healthier, life? Yes, eating well too! Many little nuggets of thought here. Mind-body connection is also key.

[@Bellavita60]

I have found that mentally I just can’t diet anymore. I can be careful and calibrate my intake accordingly but the idea of a regimen just is more than I can bear. I’m 62 I work in my own business I have a vegetable patch I walk to and from work I keep my own home what else can I do? 2 hours of treadmill? Not even 2 minutes. She’s right. Restore before more and some healthy self respect for what we already do! As grown up women. Thank you

[@lisafaser6031]

Thank you, Debra! I’m a personal trainer and I agree with you completely. I will be sharing your phrase “restore before more” with my clients for sure!❤️🙏🏻❤️

[@judyqiu2108]

I am 58 years old, and I keep the same weight as I was in middle school. I don’t know how, it is all about Genetic. I had two children, but I was not Gain weight during the Pregnancy. I eat small and Exercise every day. The exercise made me feel better!

[@velmaholdsworth3434]

Don't fully agree with everything you say. I follow what you said years back. Yes i lost and maintain but my muscle was flaccid. So i took up moderate weight training and it improves my mind and helps my depression. Sedentary lifestyle sounds like what you are promoting. As one age strength training is important. Prevents falls, keep you strong, helps with depression that happens to some women during menopause. My opinion ladies 50 and up, start strength training. Quality of live goes up. Human growth hormone is elevated. So run, lift, yoga but don't overdo that's all.

[@cynthiaholland13]

This was a surprise to hear but true for me. I am 47. All I do is walk (mainly for mental health), yoga, other bodyweight moves. And my doctor looked at my heart rate and asked if I was an athlete or runner?!! I had no idea the little I was doing, plus sleep, relaxation and eating better was making that big of a difference since I don't "go hard" in a gym or anything

[@u2uuba]

“I quit the treadmill .. lost weight .. & found my family” …. That’s great 😀

[@marmel4086]

♥️♥️♥️

[@catherinereid7618]

Debra's approach is brilliant, and is working for me. Thanks to her for presenting information about what women over 50 need to be fit and healthy.

[@rubysfarm]

I'm fifty year old and I'm a athletic woman I lift heavy weight and cardio and I'm feeling great and strong I will never quit working out

[@sarasmile6071]

Me either. It is spiritual for me.

[@fancyoo8670]

She's not advocating not exercising. It's about feeling great vs pushing oneself. Do what you enjoy because life is more than being thin. Pushing myself burnt myself into cortisol issues

[@kittykitkat4968]

@@fancyoo8670 exactly

[@laurielewis6919]

Are you in menopause yet?

[@minkademko2335]

I always knew workouts were overrated, and found that just being on my feet was good enough, as long as I'm moving around. Sitting for hours is terrible for my health. Sitting frequently in short spurts is good for me. I'm in my 70s.

[@luciem5372]

I have been waiting years for someone to say this! In my late 40s I realized sometimes I needed to rest more than I needed to exercise to feel good. Now that I'm retired I know I feel my best with moderate exercise every other day for 30 min never every day or more than once a day--swimming, biking, or weights. It always refreshes me but if I do too much it makes me tired.

[@MK-hh1vo]

Good advice! I discovered this by accident while adopting a keto lifestyle. The 1st year I had an exercise "regime" and lost a lot of weight. The 2nd year I started making pick ups instead of having things delivered, walking instead of riding, carrying heavy bags, using stairs instead of elevators, etc. I all but abandoned my exercise regime and I *still lost a lot of weight* but without the oppressive "work out". In this 3rd year I'm maintaining the weight loss and staying fit while getting errands done! Great combo!

[@ae31860]

I am so envious you can walk anywhere. Disability is stealing my mobility and balance (spinocerebellar ataxia...). I have to make a very conscious effort to move about. I hope you enjoy and even revel in walking, stairs, etc. for a LLOONNGG time yet!

[@MK-hh1vo]

@@ae31860 Thank you for your kind wishes and sharing your condition. We often take mobility for granted. I hope you maintain mobility as long as possible.

[@willajackson8170]

My son told me that eating less was hurting me, but I couldn't believe it. Getting on my treadmill, ramping up the incline hasn't done a thing, except hurt my knees when I try doing it daily. I didn't do any of this for the past 2 says, but cleaned and organized my kitchen, cabinets and frig and loved it! Dont think I lost any weight, but I sure do see results from my efforts and I'm thoroughly enjoying this.

[@SandraSmith-fp7cr]

Hahaha, good for you. Do what makes you feel happy😊

[@melindawiens275]

I think we are missing the fact that most people are insulin resistance which means “carbohydrate intolerant” sugar and flour.. I like her point but out food choices are really what will make us feel better, not be sick and lose weight. Also limiting our Window of when we eat “ not eating all day.

[@claudial1240]

This was SO good to hear! I'm 40 and just found out I am perimenopausal. Kinda knew something was off because one of my biggest issues has been trying to exercise (especially with weights) and feeling absolutely wiped out for days, I can't seem to find information about this anywhere, all I can find is "exercise more". That just is literally not working for me. I really appreciate this video, because being at the beginning of so many changes, it's hard! It's very hard to realise that exercises I was doing not so long ago, just aren't working for me. Thank you 🙏

[@ritamax5989]

How did you find out you were perimenopausal?

[@createamenopauserecovery]

HRT can help you restore energy. check my channel "Create A Menopause Recovery" and 100 functions of hormones. Best and worst HRT.

[@Aries-Athena]

Get checked for sleep apnea, even if you're not overweight or not constantly snoring you can get that.

[@helencaleb2188]

Look up Dr Stacy Sims, she has a new book out about exercising during peri menopause and post menopause. Also loads of interviews with her here on KZbin. Well worth searching for her and binge watching a few. 💪💪

[@birdlover7776]

@@helencaleb2188 thank you 🙏

[@stunnedmulletblah9714]

53 with a stroke. Wear leg brace. Can not hold a cup. Ex bodybuilder. The doctors in hospital thought I would never walk again. Nah I'm not having that I said to myself. Fastforward 15 years and I'm still lifting weights though an injury meant total bedrest for a year. During that time I gained 4 stone. Still love it. Have cut my painkillers down to 2 gabapentin. Used to be on 22 pills a day. Now I'm on 3. My hot flashes have lessened since returning to gym.

[@sallyflores532]

wow you are amazing. keep on with the great work!

[@mostguitarswins]

The takeaway is listen to your body and let go of rigid exercise routines and goals. It's easy to get caught up in notions about performance and appearance instead of finding the groove that actually works. Exercise and recovery go hand in hand and are supported by sleep and nutrition.

[@kyboomer]

What frustrates me is many talks, podcasts talk about losing weight to “look better”. I am post menopausal and was lucky to have lost significant weight prior BUT it had nothing to do with looks and everything to do with medical issues. Now I am still considered over weight by about 10 lbs yet am told “you look fantastic”. Well my cholesterol is still too high and a few medical issued are hanging around. I eat healthy and exercise and guess what, the scale will not move. It might be time to try out her recommendations. Im glad I found this.

[@peace-or2cp]

Hear you! I was very ill; between the illness and treatments, I lost a ton of weight. People who knew what I was going through would say how great I looked. Every comment was met with a reminder by me about why my weight was so low - 5'10" and 125 pounds. I was too thin for my body type and really sick but it was my weight that almost everyone was focused on.

[@LynnRoseWOW]

Totally MY story! My sole exercise was/is walking Cody around the block versus regular exercise and working oneself to the bone while dealing with aging stuff at the pivotal age time. Brava, girl!!!

[@wendydelucca6918]

I completely agree. I was on the peloton 5 day/week at 90% in the am, eating right/clean and lifting at night. I trimmed up a little bit after the Covid 15 but not until I started doing more yoga, pilates, sauna time, me time did I start to see real results.

[@mollypinto4666]

Thanks love. Much needed. I'm 62 with many health problems but trying to do what I used to. Not agreeing with me. Cutting meals like I used, makes me weak. Feeling better hearing you. Bless you 💕

[@lilahum5548]

Thank you! There are so few voices out there talking about this time of life for women. I am a yoga instructor just beginning perimenopause and have felt confused with regard to what’s happening to my body and recommendations for what to do. I haven’t been teaching much in the last couple of years and yet I look leaner than ever. It flies in the face of most of the advice I’ve heard. This resonates so much. Thank you for this talk. I wish more women our age would speak up about this time of life! There’s lots of us going thru it! ❤️🙏🏽

[@sherrymilligan-turner2999]

SO true! Society tends to devalue middle-aged women and it's such a stigma that needs to be erased!!!

[@hernandezb2178]

Thank you for this! I wish doctors also should know this. Many physician body shame women based on standards that were created for men. Now I know what I need to do!

[@s-for-4501]

Interesting concept, and I'm glad that she pointed out that this principle is not to be applied to all women. As someone who has been extremely active all my life (jogging, weight lifting, kayaking, threadmill, hiking, spinning, yoga, isometrics, aerobics) at 67, my weight has always been consisent (5'3" 120lb) I continue to do almost everything (except jogging) and continue to use weight training and all my other activities to maintain strenght, flexibility and muscle mass. I don't know how long I will be able to continue with my routine, but this is my personal test case to see how long I can continue to build muscle and strength.

[@sherrymilligan-turner2999]

As long as you're lovin' what you're doing - you're good!

[@cynthiaholland13]

I would think it would be different for a life long active athlete like yourself. It's probably not very stressful for your body s

[@WalkingwithWendy]

It sounds like you don’t have a stressful personal or work life. I have both and at 46 cannot run marathons at the moment. My work is too physical and my personal relations are so stressful that my body won’t function well anymore.

[@s-for-4501]

@@WalkingwithWendy You are correct. I have never had a stressful personal life, work was very stressful, long hours and constant travel. I completely understand how it can be very overwhelming. My outlet was always doing something physical. Please take care and hang on. Perhaps some yoga/stretching (youtube classes are my go to) I am now retired and lucky to be healthy. Life can get better as we age. Take care.

[@donnaanderson2846]

“When you honor yourself…..” This is the most significant thing, to me. We get so caught up at letting others thrill us what we need, when we are individuals. We should really be the “expert”, on ourselves, if only we would listen. Our bodies, and minds, and souls, tell us what they need from us. Getting input from others, should be thought of, as tools. Do we need that specific tool right now? Also, spending time on relationships, IS, still about us. We are connected.

[@Tammissa]

Wonderful talk! At 51 I really needed to know about this. I’m trying to improve my fitness and I’m finding it so hard to drop my last 25 lbs and bump my fitness up.

[@user-bv7mk8id5t]

Check out redefining strength. She gives some great advice. Although just fyi she is big on the animal protein, which can get annoying. But if you can get past that, she really gives great suggestions. I say this since your name says vegan4life. I am too, so 😅. 🌱 best

[@phoenixpersonified3484]

What an eye-opening video! Thank you, Debra 🙏🙏🙏. Why does this video have less views and likes? All women in their 40s and 50s need to watch this video and modify their methods of keeping themselves fit and healthy.

[@crterwil]

This is so good and true!! I'm 58, menopausal and I want to be strong, feel good and be able to do the things I want and need to for my family especially my grandchildren!!

[@shelleyblandford4907]

so glad my mom was a tom boy. I grew up running, climbing trees, playing hockey, football, baseball, soccer,

[@onangelwings462]

At 54 I don't recognize myself. 30lbs overweight and struggling with anxiety and depression. 😭💔

[@SGR-2400]

You are not alone....same here. It's so frustrating.

[@elizabethowen7205]

GLP-1 agonists may be worth exploring.

[@ginac7235]

Understanding “calorie density” allows us to eat more and exercise less to lose weight. No need to count calories, just understand what it is (basically it’s a whole food plant-based approach where you fill up on a vegetables...roughly 50/50 of non-starchy veggies and starchy veggies and beans along with some fruit).

[@sidilicious11]

Yes!

[@karenhinson9582]

I’ll be 72 this week and am 5’1 I want to feel better and do more. Thank you!

[@beblissnow5947]

I'm eliminate the word "Exercise". Replacing it w restore for more...Moving Forward w POWER !!! & Eating Carnivore has healed me in so many ways. Thank you.

[@hollymorellontp330]

Thank you for sharing this important and valuable information! I absolutely resonate with this and have experienced similar improvements with body composition when I do less but with intention. Especially bringing in the strength training! And it feels so empowering to be stronger! Same with nutrition. I find most of my clients who want to lose weight are barely eating, so they are undernourished and definitely not eating enough protein to build muscle as Debra talks about in her podcast. I know even as a nutritional therapy practitioner, I have to be super intentional about ensuring I get enough too. By the way, Debra’s Flipping Fifty podcast is one of the most value packed I’ve listened to!

[@Maryisthegoldengirl]

The fda recommends 46 grams if protein for women…

[@tracyjohnson3178]

What about bone health? Isn’t resistance training important to strengthen bones?

[@allisongriffiths1653]

Yeah I think that should have been discussed, drop long cardio and pick up weights 😇

[@fancyoo8670]

Her discussion isn't about not exercising. It's about but pushing oneself. You need less than you think. My friend teaches HIIT training and competes..30mins.

[@JillRutger]

Go grocery shopping with bags and carry those bags instead of using a cart. Do some gardening and lift and carry bags of soil. Not rocket science.

[@storkbat]

All exercise is not equal. I am 55. I do high intensity 2x per week, swim 2 days and run two days. I eat whole food plant based/vegan food. I feel great and am I’m better shake than I’ve been in ever. As an RN and looking at research, I don’t really agree with you on this, but glad it works for you and others. It is more difficult as we age to maintain muscle and our hearts and brains need intense exercise/getting the energy of the flight or fight we experience in different ways than are ancestors did when they actually had to run away, etc from dangers. I do yoga as well, meditate, but the exercise is a great pleasure and does my body good.

[@MonicaSancio]

Great, congrats 🎉

[@mariadejucilene7659]

I couldn't agree more! You can't compare a 25 year old man, full of testosterone, to a 55 year old woman who by then is probably almost completely depleted of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone (unless on hrt). These hormones affect almost every cell in your body, sleep, skeletal, heart, brain, nervous system does not work the same. Movement for a lifetime 💚🙏🌷🌻thank you.

[@jackieb2160]

So the one lady stopped walking on the treadmill and replaced it with walking outside and added hiking on the weekend and you are surprised by her weight loss?? Lmartfo I’m not I mean she added more strenuous exercise to her regimen so it makes sense that she would lose some weight

[@keturah113]

@@jackieb2160 that's not 'strenuous' exercise... it's varied exercise. 🥴

[@graftonqueen5453]

The reason I dialed into this TED talk is because I haven't been able to go to the gym for 6 weeks due to illness and injury, but besides those two very inconvenient experiences, I've dropped 7 lb, I look better, and I feel better. And I'm mentally beating myself up for not working out, but honestly at 56 and in menopause working out less is so much better for me. I can't wait to get back to the gym, but I'm definitely not going to go as hard as I usually do. It's so weird!

[@heathergraham652]

I've gone from a size 4 to an 8 in less than a year due to perimenopause and menopause. I used to jog and speed walk until plantar facitis hindered my pace. Have cried in the dressing room too many times, not sure what to do....

[@garlicgirl3149]

I appreciate the notice that research is mainly geared toward participants that are male. I have read/heard it all. I think the mental awareness of being stressed out about the weight and health makes more stress! LOL! I like what she said have not cheated on eating healthy, no weight loss....boot camps, no weight loss....calorie deficit, no weight loss. You begin to feel you are crazy! I try my best. That is all I can do. I found for me I create more anxiety trying to figure out what I am doing wrong and trying to fit the mold of a perfect weight for my height. I think finding the exercise you enjoy and will stick with and foods that nourish you is the best.

[@marlenegabrielacontrerasga5929]

same here!

[@whbgegs5571]

absolutely love this "flagged" talk.. imagine if 30 years ago the guy who discovered h.pylori linked to stomach ulcers-- had a TED talk. He would've been flagged!! Why should Ted only talk about the published science and leave us in the dark about the science that will be published in the future!!!

[@missjannd]

👍😉

[@omlove3206]

SO TRUE!! I was just conversing today, with a friend about how 25 years ago I was in my Dr.s office.. after about 5 years of with the same laundry list of health issues that he could find nothing wrong to explain my symptoms. I went to him with a book I'd had recommended to me about the female yeast connection authored by a Dr. I followed the protocol and felt 100% better! When I told him I found the answer and here it is. I showed him the book and offered, if you have other patients with the same issues, this could be the answer for them too! He looked at the book and said, The authors name says it all. I looked at the book puzzled by his tone of disbelief. Dr. Crook was the author. I had also mentioned probiotics. Poo poo he said. Now, years later, most all gynocologists and physicians recommend probiotics with the use of anti boitics. And when digestive issues arise. So pathetic how these organizations have to "Cover their @$$es" with disclaimers like we are all snake oil salesmen. smh. I believe she is right. I used to work in a dental office and most of my day was in a chair behind a desk. I thought it was weird I was able to stay so fit when the only exercise I got was when I was out dancing on the weekend.

[@silverlagomorpha3177]

It’s easier to blame the patient for non-compliance and lying than to change the paradigm. I saw the first ever episode of House, and when Dr. House said the first rule is “The patient is lying.” I was triggered and turned it off. I know it’s fiction, it’s entertainment. It was traumatizing.

[@AF-ke9by]

This advice, also, can be tricky for those of us with eating disorders.

[@FitMDAtl]

If you were training two hours a day, you are in a constant catabolic state that exceeds recovery capacity. It is about properly dosed intensity with appropriate rest between sessions. People who think they’ll get lean by doing hours of cardio have been brainwashed.

[@brendabrosig7249]

Exercising less has caused me to develop muscle atrophy. I need more.

[@genxbts5315]

Been “exercising” for almost 30 years, turning 50 next year. Always kept a steady mindset that keeping active is a lifestyle CHOICE , not a CHORE. Developed a six pack and toned physique at 46. Always been 96-110 lb , but a balanced healthy diet and weight training were key to a lean physique. Never gullible to try fad diets. Now turning half a century, I have reaped the benefits of long term fitness and never felt healthier and stronger! Great video!

[@JenniferClark]

aww, nice humble brag! Everyone's experience with hormonal transition is not the same.

[@Atlantavideo]

I"m in my early 50's and working on toning my body. What exercises are you doing, and how many reps etc... I workout 5 days a week with free-weights and also vary my physical workouts too.

[@stephaniegrable2612]

I often remind myself how fortunate I am to be working out. I have feet, legs, arms etc. It’s a paradigm shift that really works for me, too. Unfortunately, lifting weights leaves me completely exhausted for the entire day. I’m a personal trainer! Long Covid can cause this as well as hormonal problems 😢

[@lisamccolly2787]

I can't sleep and don't feel at peace unless I hike regularly, go to yoga. I "forest bathe" everyday for my half hour at lunch, and the green-space reinforces my sense of well-being in this weird pandemic work. Walking after dinner or after full meals is great advice! I am almost 54, and I have a "sitting" job. Moderate exercise helps relieve pain, assists in sleep, and refreshes me, just like a good night's sleep. I do agree some people over-train to exhaustion or injury.

[@lisamccolly2787]

I eat when I am hungry, not "lunch" time.

[@shellyslioneyes]

You must likv in warm climate

[@SJGFitness]

Those are some good points. As an online trainer, I work with plenty of women who are menopausal. Cardio is definitely abused when some strength training could be more beneficial. Furthermore, I also hear of indiviudals who only do lower body exercises when they want to strength train. This will lead to muscle imbalances all they way up your body. Yes, comparing yourself to a young man in his twenties is not advisable.

[@Atheria444]

I am 55+ and a size 0 (sometimes 00). I am finally (as of May) in menopause. I've done various HARD workout regimens. They have backfired. Now, I stay active. I walk. I do jog on my treadmill on some days for 30 minutes but ENJOY it. I do some push ups and squats, randomly. Granted, I also am a whole foods vegan and don't stuff myself, but I've found that over exercise backfires in terms of injuries and metabolism.

[@mrsblue3011]

🫣

[@MonicaSancio]

Congrats for being vegan 🎉

[@denisedoscher5549]

Okay, so what information did she really tell? There is no specific information on why this works? No scientific proof spoken of. She just basically said don’t exercise much and do not diet. So how exactly does this work?

[@erikamiller2294]

Loved this, Debra! Your TedxTalk highlighted everything I've been going through for 2 years, and I had to reprogram my thinking and approach to working out during this menopausal phase of life. Thank you!!!!

[@tzk121]

Great information! I got fitter, reduced my resting heart rate and increased my strength in only 20 minutes a day average for 6 months. It also reduced my BP and cholesterol. Sometimes less is definitely more💪🏽👍🏽.

[@1SarahFern]

I disagree in part, I’m 56 fit and healthy, at my fittest I’ve been in my life and I have always been fit. I exercise every day but mix this up between yoga, cardio, archery, walking, kayaking and cycling. I eat very well, following a plant based diet with the proper replacement of animal based proteins, no alcohol and no smoking and always cook from scratch. The women mentioned needed a work life balance and to stop dieting. They were quite likely to have been doing the wrong exercise, eating the wrong type of food at the wrong time of day with large portion sizing and snacking on the wrong things.

[@pastichehaus]

This was so helpful. I was forced into menopause 2 years ago and it’s been a struggle.

[@loveishappiness7330]

Read medical medium book 🙏😊

[@crh251]

Read the book Estrogen Matters. It’s been an eye opener.

[@pastichehaus]

@@crh251 thank you 🙏🏻

[@BlackDogArtworks]

@loveishappiness - what if you can’t have estrogen (due to estrogen positive b cancer)

[@mariadejucilene7659]

Another resource is Menopause Barbie Taylor on KZbin. This education helped me immensely. All the best 🌷🌿🌿🌷🌷🌿🌷🌿

[@lorinichols9996]

This is good info, but ... I have long defined myself as being very fit for my age, though not at triathlon level by any stretch. As I've gotten older (57), I've naturally had to slow things down a bit, but I'm still pretty darned fit compared to probably most 47 year olds. What I have actually found most helpful is adopting a low carb/fasting lifestyle with very intentional, clean eating. That mid-60s picture of Jennifer looks to me like someone who is in quite poor metabolic health, and there's a lot that could probably be improved with nutrition and fasting/time restricted feeding. I agree with the basic premise of exercising less and eating more (assuming it's quality food), but I think there are a lot more helpful levers to be pulled here. Also, Debra's own example is one of starting out at an extreme, so not surprising she'd have a tough time of it during peri-menopause. I largely sailed through it, while keeping up my fitness and avoiding injuries. I'd give this advice a solid B grade. Along with missing the nutrition piece, she also didn't mention the importance of avoiding muscle loss with age or what kinds of exercise are most appropriate and effective. If that Jennifer is her big success prototype, I'm not all that impressed....

[@beth572]

I totally agree with you

[@colleen2051]

Debra knows what she's talking about. So grateful to have her expert guidance, specifically for my demographic!

[@thaiszeuch2793]

I need to exercise not only for my body but for my mind. I really enjoy doing it. I also have issues with exercising less. But perhaps I need to be more mindful to add more rest days or less intensity days at least.

[@lisalyons4462]

This lecture has just solidified what I realized on my own recently. I did a workout program, 645 by Amelia Cesar. His workout have a lot of breaks, long warmups,and a day of mobility and stability training. He stresses being there for yourself and listening to your body. It was 13 weeks. I took a week off because I needed it and I feel great. No guilt over relaxing. I have been riding my bike and fun stuff. Movement is the key. I make sure I get it daily. It just doesn’t need to be intense like I was when I was 20. I’ll be 56 in. 3 weeks

[@createamenopauserecovery]

She is not saying get you Hormone Replacement Therapy. But you need it for overall health. It stops 159+ menopause symptoms. You won’t lose weight or build muscle without testosterone. And your food intake is regulated by estradiol. Use high dose transdermal estradiol, micronized progesterone and transdermal testosterone. All critical and nothing else can replace it.

[@birdlover7776]

👍🍷

[@anab4952]

HRT is incompatible for women with heart issues. Women should exercise knowledgeable caution.

[@ezodragon]

i dont understand the concept of hrt for menopausal women. you're telling me women's bodies are all defective upon entering this natural stage and all have to be suppleme ted hormones for a better quality life? i think you're slapping a plaster on a wound, like all doctors do, instead of treating the problem you are treating the symptom. no wonder.

[@birdlover7776]

@@ezodragon don’t judge until you get there ( menopause) Hrt is seriously life changing. No one should suffer from sleeplessness and major hot flashes and muscle loss when modern medicine helps . And I speak from experience

[@Nonie_Jay]

Won't lose weight without HRT? Sorry but I disagree. I eat a low carb, whole food diet and fast. Light cardio and strength training a few times a week for about 45 minutes, at home. Have lost over 20 kg and built muscle with this lifestyle since I hit menopause. Now 55, I'm fit, strong and weigh less than I did 10 years ago. No menopausal symptoms, no medication, no HRT.

[@frankyforever4980]

People have to remember that food provides energy to your body, so the more you consume of it the less tired or fatigued you'll be. As I aged, I got more fatigued and out of shape and the one thing that has helped me feel less tired is consuming more food. If I don't have food, then I feel tired and don't want to do anything. Walking is a good enough exercise for anybody, but make sure you've consumed some food in your body hours before you walk. BTW, great outfit here from Debra love the sleeveless dress matched with the cowboy boots.

[@BodyIQGirl]

It’s about time someone tackles this issue… over exercising is encouraged by woman 👩🏽 and men alike. And worse the profession of exercise along with university programs are often based on junk science with poor controls and poor population sampling. Exercise and type , time and intensity is relative to the individual needs. Great topic, needs more attention in the professional arenas. However, this speaker is not telling the full story. She is speaking to that class of neurotic exerciser and fitness professionals, not the normal exerciser or couch potato ( which most people are)… and of course, her last name is Palmer so hopefully someone will take notices. Good talk.

[@purplefireweed]

Her last name is Atkinson.

[@ginnyscott7255]

I am 62, was using the treadmill regularly, last week I got dizzy, fell off the treadmill, broke my arm.

[@firecrackerNJ2CA]

Hope you are recovering!

[@jenilynneful]

No way man! I have to spend too much time with other ppl as it is. I need my exercise time to be just me! I deserve me time-it’s not all about other ppl and serving other ppl. As women that’s all we do anyway. My fitness is for me and my time is my own.

[@littletez85]

She is telling the truth! I had gained weight during the pandemic, like many people did. But on 2021 my husband said to me you are 50 years old and you cannot train like you did when you were younger! I had always turned to diet and exercise for most of my life and my weight went up an down as i was never consistent with either. I was scared that I'd struggle with my weight in my 50's and I had also experienced surgical menopause since I was 47. My husband found a KZbinr that did workouts for women 50 years old and up. She also said that less exercise was more and I did it but struggled mentally to wrap that around my head but I submitted to it. i started also to eat healthy and cut out the sugars and although it took many months before the end of 2021 I reached my goal weight. I learned to work out less, eat right and be consistent with both! It's 2022 and I have kept up my life style and my good habits and kept off the weight!!! I used to work out for an hour to an hour and a half when I was younger and now I do 20-30 minutes of weight workouts or cardio or a mixture of both 5-6 days a week. I'm not killing myself working out like crazy and I'm not stressing about my weight. Menopause weight gain is a myth! At least it has proven to be so in my life. I don't starve and I don't over exercise and I've been maintaining my weight loss. Try it! It works!!!

[@loskiwesoloski97]

That’s quite a lot of exercise!

[@nuesm]

I really need to see these kind of messages once a while especially when I get too anxious for not being able to workout

[@LaSpastica90]

This confirms my suspicions about all of the weight loss articles I’ve read. I’ve gotten so frustrated that I just gave up. I probably still should give up the nightly ice cream, but I don’t want to.

[@kaitrichardsonrd]

Registered dietitian here. Curious if some of the weight loss and looking leaner was related to stress... I always drop weight when I am stressed, dumped, etc? I don't argue with the research being unfavorable towards woman (esp menopausal woman), just something I notice with many of my clients.

[@ae31860]

You drop weight when you're stressed?! My body stubbornly holds onto every calorie I look at.

[@barb9990]

Some do lose weight with stress, but more often I see the women I know pile the pounds on when they’re going through a divorce or facing ongoing work stress.

[@JahleeyahKalonji]

@@ae31860 yup

[@heybejaybe809]

I lose weight with stress. But conversely a lot of people gain due to cortisol release.

[@Getitgirl816]

I lose hella weight when stressed too probably because my heart rate is accelerated as if I'm working out and I have no appetite.

[@llisagomez5706]

What they leave out is that every woman is different. She may have a faster metabolism. Believe me, this won’t work. “Honoring yourself” will cause a 20lb weight gain.

[@kimwarburton8490]

Having ME/CFS, chronic fatigue, i have learnt that there is a significant subgroup (not the largest) of people who develop MECFS from intense exercise, including many athletes. Intense exercise is a stressor. Too much of it means the body stores stress hormones, including insulin, which stops the body from breaking down fats. IMO women in generic terms accumulate more stressors, being care givers and worrying more about others, yet feeling powerlessness and lack of agency. again in generic terms. Stress also accumulates and compounds over one's life, if you dont have an effective way to discharge it (meditation etc) SOME stress can be positive for the human, but it can easily tip over into damaging stress, inflammation, insomnia and weight gain and of course, eventually MECFS among other auto-immune/inflammatory chronic conditions, because the body goes into a 'cell danger response' and triggers epigenetics which forces us to stop because we were not listening to our bodies' signals and needs at an earlier phase.

[@runswithhorses1]

Hmmm. ... I'm 53 and still love running and also compete up to half marathons. Since reaching menopause I have lost 10 pounds. I have added weight training going heavy with low reps and am really hooked on it. I have never had an energy problem, actually I still use running to burn off excessive energy. I think this video is good informaiton, but I really do not relate to it. The more I exercise, the more I want and am enjoying the results.

[@hadassah6085]

We are all different, good to remember :) thank you

[@KristenKras]

Who knew?! In any case, I'm perimenopausal but I'm going to the gym and its definitely helping. I do my pace and go 6x per week and it is great :)

[@cynthiathurlow3564]

Such an important talk...women in middle age need to approach exercise completely different than their younger counterparts

[@CarynConnolly]

I was told not to exert myself by my mother. It’s one of the things I remember most from my childhood.

[@renbur8223]

Pahla B's videos and water help me. I've been in menopause for almost 13 years now. It's all genetics. My mother went through it, her mother, and so on.

[@nassimabenzitouni4797]

True. Without knowing anything i start walking 3 days à week for 1 hour for my mental well being and i started loosing weight. Crazy.

[@dillonbarr9828]

Fascinating information, even as a 30 year old male! Thank you for sharing

[@fancyoo8670]

I loved pushing myself.. my last push into years of adrenal fatigue. Daily Exercising or hiking plus long walks. I was my boot camp class and My body just stopped. It burnt me out. iF is also a body stressor. I hear so many women stressing their bodies to be thin with intermittent fasting.. I wish I had my energy back.. my body still refuses. I'm in years of restore mode. It's all about cortisol

[@heidijones580]

What if I don't exercise to begin with? What do you suggest?

[@jeanninesonnenberg4852]

Simple walking is an exercise even if you start by just taking a leisurely walk around the block. You won't need a pedometer if you slowly increase your time/ distance walking. Start slowly, maybe three times per week and you will find within a month that you will experience a rebound effect of wanting to be more active in other areas of your life. Walking is especially good after meals and "first thing in the morning" to get your eyes seeing natural daylight. Natural daylight, even on a cloudy day, will reset circadian rhythms allowing you to sleep better at night, resulting in more energy to walk farther, perhaps faster and may lead you to try other, newer forms of exercise. I wish you well..., J : )

[@heidijones580]

@@jeanninesonnenberg4852 thank you 😊 🙏

[@Catty19748]

She's right. It happened to me in my mid to late 30s, so not really in to menopause yet but still saw something similar happen. Was up at 6am every morning despite not getting enough sleep, running like a lunatic for 45 mins, and never saw no results (I was actually doing it for this reason). Used to scratch my head. Then I went on a short break for 3 weeks, routine changed, and hardly ran only 1 or 2 times a week, slept properly, was able to control my appetite more as before I was always hungry and didn't always eat the right things, spent time relaxing with family and finally lost the weight I wanted to lose.

[@superlazylowcarblife]

I couldn't agree more about what you said in regards to most health research NOT being based on women and mainly just focusing on men. I hope moving forward our society can start placing more focus on research specific for women!

[@sarahgiax]

This actually applies to everyone, and some older good books with lots of info are: The 4-Hour Body, and The Schwarzbein Principle.

[@rajinigupta1534]

Can anyone explain what she is meaning to say. I went through the entire video twice but I have absolutely no clue what she is talking about 🤨