The Shana Leigh Podcast | Women's Health & Fitness After 40

Shana Leigh
  • 4.6 (11)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

The Energized Lifestyle Podcast is a show dedicated to helping women over 40 navigate nutrition, metabolism, hormones, and the changes that come with midlife using practical, science-backed strategies. Each episode explores topics that support sustainable weight loss, healthy aging, increased energy, and overall wellness—without fad diets or unnecessary restrictions. Whether you're in perimenopause, menopause, or simply looking to feel your best, you'll find realistic education and actionable tools to help you build lasting health. Grab your ear buds and let's go!

  1. Jan 2

    Ep 24 // Creating Your Legendary Year

    Why Your 2026 Decision Changes Everything What if this year wasn’t built on resolutions—but on a decision? In this powerful episode of The Energized Lifestyle, Shana Leigh breaks down what it truly means to create a Legendary Year—one rooted in clarity, commitment, and embodied leadership. You’ll learn why traditional New Year’s resolutions fail, why sprinting toward goals burns women out, and how easing into aligned habits creates sustainable momentum instead. This episode explores the psychology of decision-making, identity-based habits, and why framing your vision as a 2026 Decision—not a fleeting goal—changes how you show up in July, October, and beyond. Shana shares how high-performing women can shift out of all-or-nothing thinking, regulate their nervous system, and design success that actually lasts. If you’re a woman over 40 navigating personal growth, fitness + wellness, leadership, or lifestyle evolution, this episode offers a grounded, strategic approach to goal setting that honors your biology, energy, and long-term vision. Perfect for women seeking sustainable habits, personal growth, mindset shifts, and a powerful new year reset—without burnout. This isn’t about trying harder. It’s about deciding differently. Learn more at: www.shanaleigh.com/join

  2. 11/05/2025

    Ep 23 // Link Between Blood Sugar Stability & Weight Loss for Women

    In this episode of The Energized Lifestyle Podcast, we dive into one of the most overlooked keys to sustainable weight loss and vibrant energy for women — blood sugar stability. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, or navigating perimenopause or menopause, balancing your blood sugar is essential for hormonal health, metabolism, mood, and fat loss. You’ll learn how glucose fluctuations impact hunger, cravings, sleep, and energy levels — and the exact habits that help you burn fat efficiently, reduce inflammation, and eliminate energy crashes. Shana breaks down the science in simple, practical ways so you can create a more balanced body and mind without restrictive dieting. If you’ve struggled with stubborn weight, hormone imbalances, fatigue, or constant cravings, this episode will help you understand the “why” behind it all — and what to do next. For more info on the Metabolism Mastery Membership or to sign up, visit: www.shanaleigh.com/membership

  3. 08/18/2025

    Ep 22 // Muscle, Metabolism & Midlife: The Untold Truth About Strength Training

    If you’re a woman in perimenopause or menopause who’s noticed stubborn weight gain, a slowing metabolism, or frustrating changes in energy, sleep, and body composition—this episode is your wake-up call. In Muscle, Metabolism & Midlife: The Untold Truth About Strength Training, we break down the real science behind why muscle is so much more than “toning” or aesthetics—it’s your body’s most powerful tool for hormonal balance, metabolic health, and long-term vitality. Hosted by Shana Leigh, certified strength trainer, women’s health specialist, and menopause specialist, this episode dives deep into how building and preserving muscle during your 40s, 50s, and beyond can protect your metabolism, reduce menopause symptoms, and help you feel stronger than ever—physically, mentally, and hormonally. We’ll cover: Why women in midlife lose muscle faster (and what estrogen has to do with it) How strength training influences metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and fat-burning potential The critical link between muscle and hormone regulation—including cortisol, testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin The overlooked benefits of muscle for bone density, joint health, and injury prevention during perimenopause and menopause How to train smarter, not harder to maximize results without overtraining or burning out This is not another “lift weights to get toned” conversation. It’s a science-backed, midlife-specific strategy session for women who want to optimize health, manage weight, and keep energy levels high despite the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause. You’ll learn exactly why the traditional diet-and-cardio approach can stall your progress—and why strategic resistance training is the missing link for so many women over 40. Whether your goals include fat loss, muscle definition, symptom reduction, or simply maintaining your health span, you’ll walk away knowing how to approach strength training with purpose and confidence. Shana breaks down the myths that keep women stuck, explains the physiological shifts happening in midlife, and offers actionable tips you can start today to build muscle and support your metabolism for years to come. If you’ve been told your changing body is “just aging” or that your metabolism is doomed after menopause—this episode will empower you with the truth, the science, and the steps to take control of your strength, health, and future. For more info on the membership, check out: www.theenergizedlifestyle.com/membership

  4. 08/14/2025

    Ep 21 // Pelvic Floor Health 101: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

    Your pelvic floor is more than just “muscles down there.” It’s the foundation for core stability, bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and even posture. But during perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes—especially declining estrogen—can weaken these muscles and connective tissues, leading to symptoms many women either ignore or think are “just part of aging.” The truth? Pelvic floor dysfunction is common, but it’s not inevitable—and it’s absolutely treatable. In this episode, we dive deep into pelvic floor health for women in midlife, breaking down the science in an approachable, down-to-earth way so you can understand what’s happening in your body and how to fix it. You’ll learn: The real causes of pelvic floor issues during perimenopause and menopause—from hormonal shifts to muscle imbalances, chronic stress, pregnancy history, and lifestyle habits. Common symptoms you might not recognize as pelvic floor–related, including urinary leakage, urgency, prolapse, painful intercourse, lower-back pain, hip discomfort, and even core instability. Proven solutions—from targeted strength training and breath work to posture correction, physical therapy, and everyday habit adjustments—to restore function, improve confidence, and protect long-term health. We’ll also talk about the connection between strength training, hormone health, and pelvic floor function, so you can see how your workouts can support recovery and prevention. You’ll walk away with practical tips to integrate into your daily life—whether you’re lifting weights, going for a walk, or just sitting at your desk. If you’re a woman in perimenopause or menopause who wants to stay strong, energized, and free from pelvic discomfort, this episode is your essential guide. Whether you’ve experienced symptoms for years or are starting to notice changes now, you’ll learn how to take charge of your pelvic health instead of letting it limit your lifestyle. Your pelvic floor doesn’t have to weaken with age—you can retrain and strengthen it at any stage. This conversation will empower you with the knowledge and tools to protect one of the most important, yet overlooked, areas of women’s health. For more info on The Energized Lifestyle Membership visit: https://www.theenergizedlifestyle.com/membership

  5. 08/10/2025

    Ep 20 // Why Women Should Take Creatine Daily

    If you’re a woman in your 40s, perimenopause, or menopause, creatine might just be the most important supplement you’re not taking yet. In this episode of The Energized Lifestyle Podcast, we dive deep into the science-backed reasons why creatine for women over 40 is a game-changer for strength, energy, bone health, and hormonal balance. Creatine is often marketed to young male athletes, but research now shows it offers unique benefits for midlife women—especially during the hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause. We break down how daily creatine supplementation can: Support muscle preservation and metabolism when estrogen declines Improve bone density and reduce risk of age-related muscle loss Enhance cognitive function and memory Boost training performance and workout recovery Support mood stability and overall vitality during midlife We also discuss exactly how much creatine women should take, the safest and most effective form (creatine monohydrate), and how to incorporate it into your daily wellness routine—whether or not you’re an athlete. Plus, we highlight a recent systematic review looking specifically at creatine supplementation in active females, including women in perimenopause and menopause. You can read the study here: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020238 If you want to feel stronger, support your hormones, and protect your health in this stage of life, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to start. Here are more links I promised: TEL Membership Info https://www.theenergizedlifestyle.com/membership Momentous Creatine & Supplements (use my discount code: SHANA) https://crrnt.app/MOME/K_j4kxDx

  6. 07/31/2025

    Ep 19 // Tired but Wired: How to Reset Your Nervous System in Menopause

    If you’re constantly exhausted but can’t seem to slow down—wired at night, foggy in the morning, and stuck in an endless loop of fatigue—this episode is for you. In Tired but Wired: How to Reset Your Nervous System in Menopause, we unpack one of the most overlooked reasons women in perimenopause and menopause feel so off: nervous system dysregulation. This isn’t just about stress. It’s about how your body responds to stress—on a cellular and hormonal level. Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: Why you feel “on edge” even when nothing is wrong How a dysregulated nervous system interferes with sleep, hormone balance, and fat loss What it means to live in chronic fight-or-flight (and how to finally shift out of it) Practical, science-backed strategies to help your body feel safe again so it can heal, rest, and reset You’ll walk away understanding the real connection between cortisol, estrogen, and your energy patterns—and why pushing harder isn’t the answer in this phase of life. We’ll also explore why traditional approaches to menopause often miss the mark, and what it really takes to recalibrate your system so you can sleep deeper, feel more grounded, and finally start to restore your vitality. This episode is essential listening for high-performing women who are ready to embrace a new approach to health—one that honors the wisdom of the nervous system and helps you regulate from the inside out. Whether you're in the thick of perimenopause or navigating postmenopause, this conversation will give you the tools and insight to stop the burnout cycle and build true resilience.

  7. 07/30/2025

    Ep 18 // Nutrition For Menopausal Women

    Nutrition during menopause is not a one-size-fits-all formula—and if you’re still eating the way you did in your 30s, you might be unintentionally working against your hormones. In this episode, we dive into the science of menopause nutrition and what your body actually needs in this next chapter. Whether you're in perimenopause or fully menopausal, your metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and muscle mass are changing—and your nutrition strategy needs to evolve with it. You’ll learn: The top nutritional shifts women over 40 need to make to support hormone health and body composition How protein timing and muscle preservation play a vital role in metabolism and fat loss Why blood sugar balance is key to reducing belly fat, hot flashes, and energy crashes The truth about carbs in menopause—when to eat them and why you still need them The connection between micronutrients, estrogen metabolism, and detoxification How to nourish your nervous system, reduce inflammation, and fuel your workouts What most diet plans get wrong about women’s health in midlife This episode is designed to help you stop guessing and start fueling your body with confidence. Nutrition is not just about calories—it’s about communication with your hormones. Whether your goal is hormone balance, sustainable weight loss, or more daily energy, this episode gives you the foundational tools to create a menopause-supportive nutrition plan that works with your body.

  8. 07/24/2025

    Ep 17 // Menopause & Muscle: Pt. 2

    In this empowering episode of The Energized Lifestyle Podcast, we dive deep into the often-overlooked connection between muscle health and hormone balance—specifically during the perimenopause and menopause transition. Did you know that your muscles do more than just support movement and strength? They’re actually powerful endocrine organs that play a crucial role in hormone production, metabolism regulation, and even blood sugar stability. This conversation is essential for women navigating their 40s and 50s who feel like their bodies are changing despite eating clean and exercising. Inside this episode, we break down: The surprising ways skeletal muscle supports hormone balance Why building and maintaining lean muscle mass is critical in midlife hormone health How estrogen decline impacts muscle tissue, metabolism, and fat distribution The difference between how your body responds to strength training in perimenopause vs. menopause Why muscle is key to insulin sensitivity, thyroid health, and inflammation reduction The truth about cardio vs. resistance training in this stage of life This is not just a fitness episode—it’s a hormone education episode that connects the dots between your muscle system and endocrine system, giving you science-backed tools to protect your energy, mood, metabolism, and longevity. Whether you're in early perimenopause, deep in menopause, or postmenopausal, understanding the muscle-hormone connection will help you reclaim your strength, confidence, and body composition without burnout or confusion. Tune in if you're ready to: Break through weight loss plateaus Reduce hormonal symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and belly fat Feel strong, stable, and more in control of your health Learn how to train smarter, not harder, for hormonal success This episode is perfect for high-performing women, midlife professionals, wellness seekers, and anyone wanting to age with strength, clarity, and hormone harmony. If you’ve been wondering why your workouts aren’t working anymore or why your energy tanks despite clean eating, this is the missing piece. Don’t skip this one. To learn more about The Energized Lifestyle Membership, visit: ⁠www.theenergizedlifestyle.com⁠

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4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Energized Lifestyle Podcast is a show dedicated to helping women over 40 navigate nutrition, metabolism, hormones, and the changes that come with midlife using practical, science-backed strategies. Each episode explores topics that support sustainable weight loss, healthy aging, increased energy, and overall wellness—without fad diets or unnecessary restrictions. Whether you're in perimenopause, menopause, or simply looking to feel your best, you'll find realistic education and actionable tools to help you build lasting health. Grab your ear buds and let's go!

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