I’m so excited to introduce myself as The Midlife Maven!
I’m turned 50 this year (2023) and have never felt better. My goal is to inspire women at this time in their lives when roles might be shifting and they feel a little lost in the mix. This is YOUR time!!
I enjoy all things beauty, fitness and health. I’m a recent empty nester with both of my daughters out of state in college. I live with my husband and two doggies in the beautiful Washington state.
If you haven’t applied SIT to your weekly routine this might be some magic you need!
Sprint Interval Training (SIT) is highly effective because it maximizes fat loss, improves cardiovascular fitness, and builds muscle efficiency in a fraction of the time compared to long-duration cardio. Here’s why it’s superior in many ways:
1. Greater Fat Loss & EPOC (Afterburn Effect)
SIT triggers excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), meaning your body burns calories at an elevated rate for hours post-workout.
Compared to steady-state cardio, SIT preserves muscle mass while promoting fat loss, making it ideal for body recomposition.
2. Improves Cardiovascular Health Faster
SIT improves VO2 max (aerobic capacity) and cardiovascular efficiency in a shorter time frame than long-duration cardio.
A study found that just 4-6 all-out sprints (30 seconds each) were as effective as 45 minutes of steady-state cardio for improving endurance.
3. Increases Muscle Power & Strength
Sprinting recruits fast-twitch muscle fibers, which are responsible for power, explosiveness, and muscle growth.
Unlike long-distance cardio, which can lead to muscle breakdown, SIT supports strength retention and hypertrophy.
4. Time Efficiency
You can get the same or better results in 10-20 minutes of sprint intervals as you would in 45-60 minutes of traditional cardio.
This makes SIT ideal for busy individuals who want maximum results in minimal time.
5. Metabolic & Hormonal Benefits
SIT increases insulin sensitivity, helping with better glucose regulation and fat metabolism.
It also boosts growth hormone and testosterone levels, which aid in muscle growth and fat loss—whereas excessive long-form cardio can elevate cortisol and lead to muscle breakdown.
6. More Engaging & Sustainable
Many find SIT more engaging than long, monotonous steady-state cardio, making it easier to stick to over time.
The variety of sprint workouts (treadmill, hill sprints, bike sprints, sled pushes, etc.) keeps training fresh.
When Is Long-Form Cardio Useful?
For endurance-specific goals (e.g., marathon training), steady-state cardio is necessary.
It’s also a good option for active recovery or stress management at low intensities (like walking or easy cycling).
SIT Options: assault bike, step mill, treadmill incline or regular, battle ropes, sled push/pull, elliptical, hill sprints, burpees, jump squats, jump lunges, box jumps, rowing machine. Try 20-30 going at 80-100% effort followed by 1.5 – 2 minute recovery. Repeat for 10-12 minutes 1-2 rimes per week!
For fat loss, athletic performance, and time efficiency, Sprint Interval Training is hands down the better choice. It builds strength, burns more fat in less time, and keeps your metabolism revved up long after your workout.
How long have you been in a calorie deficit? Could it be time for a break?
Taking breaks from a calorie deficit (also called diet breaks or refeed periods) can help maintain metabolism, muscle retention, and adherence while cutting. The ideal frequency depends on the size of your deficit, training intensity, and how lean you are.
General Guidelines for Diet Breaks:
Every 4-8 Weeks:
If you’re in a moderate to aggressive deficit (300-600 calories below maintenance).
You may think it’s crazy, but I’m telling you RIGHT NOW!! Start repeating these to yourself daily and watch your life begin to change! Put in the work alongside it and you become a new woman!! I love you so big and want the world for you!!!
I am strong, capable, and getting better every day.
My body is powerful, and I honor it by moving and nourishing it well.
Every workout is a celebration of what my body can do, not a punishment.
I am strong, capable, and getting better every day.
My body is powerful, and I honor it by moving and nourishing it well.
Every workout is a celebration of what my body can do, not a punishment.
I embrace this season of life with energy, confidence, and strength.
My health is a priority, and I choose habits that support my well-being.
I am worthy of feeling vibrant, healthy, and strong at every stage of life.
Age does not define my strength—my dedication does.
I fuel my body with love, knowing it deserves care and nourishment.
Tell me about your workout programs. Which one best suits me?
You can find all information about my programs/subscriptions available through this link. Each program has a description—whether it’s the amount of days you need per week, the type of equipment, or the skill level. I have one time purchases and subscription options available. One time purchases are not included in subscriptions however you will can find a program in subscriptions similar to any of my one time purchases. All information is through this link!
Progressive overload is a principle used in strength training and fitness that involves gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts to challenge your muscles and promote growth and strength. The idea is to push your body beyond its current capabilities by progressively increasing one or more variables over time. This could mean:
Increasing weight: Lifting heavier weights over time.
Increasing reps or sets: Doing more repetitions or sets of an exercise.
Increasing frequency: Working out more often or doing more volume per week
The key is to make small, incremental changes to avoid injury while consistently forcing your body to adapt and improve. If you stick to the same weight, reps, or intensity for too long, your progress will plateau, so progressive overload is crucial for continuous gains.
Do you do cardio?
Walking is my cardio! I get about 10k-14k steps a day. My goal is to get in one hike per week as well! Sometimes I will incorporate SIT (Spring Interval Training) sessions. No more that 2 per week at 10 minutes tops each session.
How did you lose fat?
Through a caloric deficit. I used THIS calculator to determine what my macros should be in order to lose weight, and tracked them daily to match up. I was in a caloric deficit for about four months, and lost about 15 pounds.
What are macros?
Check out my blog post where I explain all of the details on macros!
Yes! I am on Bioidentical HRT. I take progesterone in pill form and estrogen/testosterone in a compounded cream form. I also get a lot of questions asking if HRT affected how I built my physique. I started taking HRT in July of 2024, well after my physique was built! I see a functional medicine doctor. I have heard amazing things about Midi Health for women in perimenopause/menopause!
Link to your outfit or beauty products?
99% of the clothing/beauty products/gym products/shoes/anything else you see on my page is linked either HERE in my LTK or HERE in my Amazon storefront. If after looking through these links you can’t find the product you’re looking for, feel free to message me!
I eat whole foods all day every day! I live in the 80/20 rule. 80% of my food comes from whole food sources and 20% foods I enjoy that are not necessarily whole foods. I have not cut out carbs at all—I always use the analogy that protein is the nail, and carbs are the hammer. I have cut out specifically two things: alcohol and processed sugars.
How much protein do you eat per day?
I eat around 130-140 grams of protein per day.
I have loose skin—how do I fix this?
The best way to help loose skin is by building muscle! This fills in any “empty” areas.
Can I still transform my body using only home gym equipment?
Yes you can! You will just need to invest in heavy enough weights to progress your lifts!
What happens if I injure myself lifting? How do I prevent this?
The best way to prevent injury is to make sure your form when lifting is absolutely perfected. Technique is first priority before going heavier! Listen to your body and rest when needed!
Tips on going alcohol free?
Here’s a link to my blog post I wrote all about my sober journey!
When I learned how to unlock my subconscious EVERYTHING changed for me. I learned how to do this when I cut out alcohol. I then applied it to cutting out processed sugars. Once you have mastered this tool you can pull it out and apply it to any and every scenario in life and CRUSH IT!!!
Understanding the Conscious vs. Subconscious Mind
Conscious Mind: The logical, analytical part of your brain that sets goals, makes decisions, and thinks critically.
Subconscious Mind: The deeper part of your brain that holds habits, emotions, beliefs, and past experiences. It runs 95% of your daily actions automatically.
The problem: If your subconscious beliefs don’t align with your conscious goals, you will struggle to create lasting change. The solution: Reprogram your subconscious mind to align with your conscious desires.
Step 1: Identify Your Limiting Beliefs
Ask yourself:
“What are my current beliefs about fitness, health, success, or self-worth?”
“Where did these beliefs come from? Were they taught to me, or did I assume them based on past experiences?”
“Do these beliefs serve me or hold me back?”
Common Limiting Beliefs in Health & Fitness
“I’m too old to build muscle.”
“I’ll never lose weight because my metabolism is slow.”
“I don’t have the discipline to stick to a plan.”
Once identified, challenge these beliefs.
Step 2: Reframe the Narrative
Old belief: “I’m too old to build muscle.”
Reframed belief: “My body is capable of strength and transformation at any age.”
Old belief: “I always fail when I try to get in shape.”
Reframed belief: “I am learning and evolving. Every setback is a lesson, not a failure.”
Affirmation hack: Turn “I can’t” into “I am in the process of…” Example: Instead of “I can’t stay consistent,” say, “I am in the process of becoming someone who trains consistently.”
Step 3: Rewrite Your Subconscious Through Repetition
Your subconscious learns through repetition and emotion—not logic. Here’s how to reprogram it:
A. Daily Affirmations (with Emotion!)
Say them out loud with conviction: “I am strong, capable, and committed to my goals.”
Feel the truth of the words as if they are already happening.
B. Visualization
Close your eyes and imagine yourself already living in alignment with your goals.
See yourself lifting heavier, feeling confident, eating nourishing foods effortlessly.
The more vividly you visualize, the more your subconscious accepts this as reality.
C. Environment & Identity Shift
Surround yourself with people, content, and habits that align with your goal.
Example: If you want to be a fit, strong woman, follow people who embody that.
Identity shift question: “What would the best version of me do today?” Act like that version NOW, not later.
Step 4: Challenge Your Subconscious in the Moment
Every time an old belief surfaces, catch it and challenge it:
Old thought: “I’m too tired to work out.”
Challenge: “Is that true, or is it just a habit of thought?”
Action: “I will start with 5 minutes and see how I feel.”
Each time you override an old belief, your subconscious rewires itself to support new patterns.
Step 5: Take Aligned Action
The fastest way to reprogram the subconscious is through action.
If you want to identify as a strong, fit woman—train like one, eat like one, think like one.
Your actions signal to your subconscious: ‘This is who I am now.’
Mantra: “I don’t need motivation, I need momentum.” Small actions build belief faster than just thinking about change.
Step 6: Be Patient—Subconscious Reprogramming Takes Time
Think of your subconscious as a muscle. It strengthens with daily repetition and action.
Old beliefs may still pop up, but over time, your new beliefs will become your default mode.
If you’re wondering what kind of shoes you should wear for lifting, I got you! I will wear a certain shoe depending on upper or lower body days! Here’s a link with a breakdown of all of my faves!
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Lower Body Days (Squats, Deadlifts, Lunges, etc.):
If you are a GenX woman you get the mentality around BURNING off all the extra indulgences you participated in over the holidays. Are you experiencing this now? Thinking you just need to do a bunch of cardio and starve yourself to make it right? I want this to change for you! This next year is your year to make it happen. Focus on changing your body composition. Adding muscle so that you operate in a completely different way!
I am not tracking this season. I’m enjoying meals with family! I will add that I still do not consume alcohol ever and I don’t do processed sugars. I enjoy foods sweetened with honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, stevia and monkfruit. This is where I feel my absolute best with mental and physical energy and clarity. I choose this way of life because it makes me feel amazing. Who doesn’t want to wake up every day feeling amazing?
When you have muscle on your body, your body utilizes extra calories differently compared to when you have less muscle.
HERE’S HOW!
Higher Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): Muscle tissue requires more energy to maintain than fat tissue. Even at rest, muscle burns more calories. The more muscle mass you have, the higher your BMR, meaning you’ll burn more calories even when you’re not active. This is one of the reasons why people with more muscle tend to have an easier time maintaining or losing weight compared to those with less muscle.
Caloric Usage During Activity: When you’re active, muscle mass contributes to a greater calorie burn. More muscle means your body can exert more force during physical activity, which increases your energy expenditure during both strength training and aerobic exercises. A person with more muscle will burn more calories when doing the same activity as someone with less muscle.
Storage of Excess Calories: When you eat extra calories, if you’re in a calorie surplus (i.e., you’re consuming more calories than your body needs), the body will store the excess as fat if it doesn’t have enough muscle mass to put it to use. However, if you have more muscle, some of those extra calories can be directed to support muscle growth or repair, rather than being stored as fat. This is why people with more muscle can tolerate higher calorie intakes without gaining as much fat.
Post-Exercise Calorie Burn: After a strength training session, the body enters a period known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), during which the body continues to burn calories at an elevated rate as it repairs muscles and restores energy levels. More muscle means a greater EPOC, so people with more muscle tend to burn more calories after a workout compared to those with less muscle.
In contrast, if you have little muscle, your body burns fewer calories both at rest and during activity. Extra calories consumed will be more likely to be stored as fat because there’s less muscle mass to use them for maintenance, repair, or growth.
Change your body, change your life! Add muscle, eat delicious food, build confidence and strength. Run like a fine tuned machine. YES you can do this in your 40’s, 50’s and beyond. It is never ever too late. Get your mind right and lock in! Give it an entire year and see where you’re at next holiday season! You just might shock yourself!
My goal is for you to feel strong, empowered, powerful, properly fueled and crushing it in midlife! This next year is going to be one of change and transformation for you I just know it!
I would love for you to join me in my app and start a lifting program, enjoy some delicious recipes and learn how to thrive in midlife. You can CHECK IT OUT HERE!!