Ep 153: “Longevity = Training to Lift Weight, Not to Lose Weight” with Niki Sims

For many Gen X and Millennial women, fitness was introduced through the lens of diet culture—workouts were about burning calories and getting smaller. But as we've grown older, we’re realizing that those outdated messages aren’t serving us anymore.

In this episode of the podcast, we explore a powerful shift: moving away from exercise as a means to shrink ourselves and instead embracing fitness as a way to enhance our quality of life and longevity.

This week, I sat down with strength coach Niki Sims of Barbell Logic to dive into the world of barbell training and why women should be lifting weights for strength, not just for weight loss. We discuss the misconceptions around fitness, why building muscle is the best investment for long-term health, and how strength training can be seen as a "401k for your quality of life."

The conversation also touches on our personal journeys—from struggling with body image and punishing exercise habits to fully embracing sustainable strength training as a source of empowerment. We unpack the barriers women face in strength training, including mobility challenges and myths about what it takes to be "successful" in the weight room.

In addition, we explore the balance between training and life, the importance of prioritizing recovery, and how learning to manage stress can help women thrive in midlife and beyond.

This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on what it truly means to train for longevity. If you’re ready to rethink your approach to fitness, this conversation is for you!

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Here’s Why We’re Obsessed with This Episode

🔥 Strength is for Every Woman – Niki and Alison break down why strength training isn’t just for athletes or bodybuilders but is crucial for every woman at any stage of life.

💪 Muscle is an Investment – The discussion highlights how lifting weights isn’t about aesthetics but about autonomy, longevity, and quality of life.

🚫 Say Goodbye to Diet Culture – They unpack the damaging cultural messages that have kept women away from the weight room and how shifting the focus from weight loss to strength gain is a game changer.

🏋️‍♀️ Lifting is Empowering – Whether it’s adding more plates to the bar or simply feeling more capable in daily life, the benefits of barbell training extend far beyond the gym.

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Don’t Miss This Episode If…

✅ You’ve ever felt intimidated by the weight room.

✅ You’re curious about barbell training but don’t know where to start.

✅ You’re in midlife or post-menopause and want to maintain strength and independence.

✅ You’re tired of fitness being solely about shrinking your body and want to focus on gaining something meaningful.

✅ You want to future-proof your health and avoid the pitfalls of aging without strength training.

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What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The difference between training for weight loss vs. training for strength and longevity.

• Why muscle is your best insurance policy for health, mobility, and independence as you age.

• How lifting weights helps with blood sugar regulation, metabolism, and overall energy levels.

• Why recovery is just as important as training (and how to do it right).

• How strength training changes the way you see your body—moving from dissatisfact