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September 1, 2025 30 mins

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Ready to break through your weight loss plateau? You're not alone. Hovering between the same 1-2 pounds can be incredibly frustrating, but this episode brings you two powerful strategies I'm personally using right now to push past that stubborn barrier.

First, discover the transformative power of infrared saunas - not just for weight loss, but for detoxification and that coveted midlife skin glow. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared heat penetrates deeper, raising your core temperature and creating a passive calorie burn while you simply sit and relax. I'll share exactly how I'm incorporating this into my routine and why it might be the missing piece in your weight loss puzzle.

Then we dive into strength training - the secret weapon for women in midlife that too many of us overlook. Forget the myths about "bulking up" - I'll explain why building lean muscle is actually your metabolic best friend, how it reshapes your body in ways cardio alone never can, and why it's crucial for bone health during perimenopause and beyond. As someone who strength trains twice weekly (soon to be three times!), I've seen the transformation firsthand.

The episode also delivers my complete nine-step financial glow-up system - the exact process that helped me pay off $32,000 in debt in just 23 months as a single parent. From creating a values-based budget to automating your financial success, this roadmap provides the structure many women need to finally take control of their money midlife.

Fashion lovers will appreciate our deep dive into Fall 2025 trends - featuring everything from tailored comfort to everyday luxury in rich, warm tones. Learn how to elevate your wardrobe with strategic pieces that make you feel both polished and comfortable.

We wrap with the 20 habits of authentically confident women over 40 - not surface-level tips, but the genuine practices that create unshakable inner strength. From embracing vulnerability to setting clear boundaries, these habits will transform how you show up in the world.

Find me on Instagram and TikTok @JackStyes for daily glow-up inspiration, and remember - midlife isn't about fading away, it's about stepping fully into your power and shining brighter than ever before.

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Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Hello everyone, welcome back to the Midlife Glow
Report.
I'm Jax, your host, and I'mhere to help you glow up your
body, your style, your financesand your entire midlife journey.
In today's episode, I've gottwo weight loss tips I'm
personally using right now topush through a plateau.

(01:23):
Plus, we'll revisit the fullnine-step financial glow-up
series.
I'll share the upcoming fall2025 top style trends for women
and the top 20 traits ofconfident women over 40.
This episode is packed withtips, encouragement and real

(01:46):
strategies you can start usingtoday.
So let's dive in.
All right, let's start ourfirst segment with a weight loss
tip of the week.
I want to talk about somethingI personally just started this
week infrared saunas.
Now we all know that traditionalsaunas make you sweat, but

(02:07):
infrared saunas work a littledifferently.
Instead of just heating the airaround you, infrared heat
penetrates deeper in your body,gently raising your core
temperature.
This does a couple of reallyexciting things for women like
us on a glow-up journey.
First, it can boost yourmetabolism.

(02:27):
When your core temp rises, yourbody has to work harder to cool
itself down.
That means you're burning morecalories just sitting there,
which can support your overallweight loss goals.
Think of it like a passiveworkout, your heart rate
increases, your circulationimproves and you're sweating out

(02:48):
excess water retention.
Second, infrared saunas areamazing for detoxification.
We're constantly exposed totoxins, whether it's from
processed foods, environmentalpollution or even stress
hormones building up in oursystem.
Sweating it out in a saunahelps your body release some of

(03:10):
that burden, leaving you feelinglighter and clearer.
And here's the bonus I promisedskin health, because infrared
heat boosts blood flow andstimulates collagen.
It can help improve skin tone,elasticity and that healthy
midlife glow we're all after.
Many women notice softer,clearer skin after making saunas

(03:34):
a regular part of their routine.
Now let me share why I'm soexcited about this.
Over the past 30 days, I'vebeen a bit on a plateau in my
weight loss journey, hoveringjust one or two pounds up or
down.
If you've been there, you knowhow frustrating it can be.
So I decided to add infraredsaunas into my weekly routine.

(03:57):
I'm hoping this will be thething that helps me break
through that plateau and startseeing a steady decline again.
Of course, this isn't a magicbullet.
You still need your nutrition,movement and consistency, but
adding two or three 20 to30-minute infrared sessions a
week can be a powerful additionto your weight loss and glow-up

(04:20):
plan.
So if you've been curious,maybe give it a try.
So, if you've been curious,maybe give it a try.
It's self-care, recovery andweight loss support all in one
beautiful practice.
Now let's move into our secondweight loss tip of the week, one
that's already a big part of myown routine strength training.

(04:42):
Strength training is simplyworking your muscles against
resistance, whether that's usingdumbbells, resistance bands,
machines at the gym or even justyour own body weight with
movements like squats, push-upsor lunges.
A lot of women shy away from it, especially in midlife, because
they worry about getting bulky.

(05:03):
But here's the truth Strengthtraining is one of the most
powerful things you can do forweight loss, longevity and
overall glow up.
Here's why.
First, when you build leanmuscle, you're also boosting
your metabolism.
Muscle tissue burns morecalories at rest than fat does,
so the more muscles you have,the more energy your body is

(05:27):
using all day, even when you'renot working out.
That means strength traininghelps you break through plateaus
and keeps your metabolismhumming as we age.
Second, it's amazing for bonehealth and hormones.
In perimenopause and menopause,women are more prone to bone
density loss and muscle decline.

(05:49):
Lifting weights or usingresistance helps protect your
bones, keeps you strong andsupports hormonal balance.
This translates to more energy,better posture and less chance
of injuries down the line, andthe bonus benefit confidence and

(06:09):
body shape.
Strength training reshapes yourbody in a way cardio alone
can't.
It tones, firms and gives youthat empowered feeling of being
strong in your own skin.
There's nothing like hitting anew weight on a squat or push-up
and realizing wow, I'm so muchstronger than I thought.

(06:30):
Now, how often should you do it?
The sweet spot for most womenis two to three sessions per
week working all the majormuscle groups.
That's exactly what I'm doingright now.
I strength train twice a weekand I'm planning to add a third
session into my week becauseI've seen such amazing results

(06:51):
from it.
So if you haven't started yet,don't be intimidated.
Begin with body weight moves orgrab a set of light dumbbells
and build up gradually.
Over time.
Strength training cancompletely transform not just
your weight loss results but howyou feel and show up in midlife

(07:13):
.
Okay, ladies, now we're coveringyour nine-step financial
glow-up series.
I'm going to walk youstep-by-step through the
foundations of financial freedom.
I started this series in earlyepisodes and there was a break,
so to make sure nothing ismissed.
I'm starting over and I'm goingto cover all steps in this one

(07:38):
episode.
If you've ever felt behind withmoney, confused or just unsure
of where to start, this seriesis for you.
Think of it as building yourfinancial glow-up checklist.
I used this exact process andpaid off $32,000 in debt in 23

(07:59):
months as a single parent with ason away at college a single
parent with a son away atcollege.
Step one starts with theabsolute foundation knowing your
monthly income and expenses.
You cannot glow up financiallyif you don't know what's coming
in and what's going out.

(08:20):
Grab a notebook or open yournotes app and write down your
total monthly income.
Then list every recurringexpense your mortgage or rent,
utilities, groceries,subscriptions, gas, eating out.
Here's the goal clarity.
When you see the full picture,you gain control.

(08:41):
No more guessing, no moreliving in the dark.
Financial freedom begins withawareness.
Now step two create avalue-based budget.
So now you got clear on yourincome, we're building your
first values-based budget.
A values-based budget isn'tabout restriction.

(09:02):
It's about alignment.
This is where your money startsreflecting the woman you are
becoming.
Instead of asking what do Ihave to cut, ask what do I want
my money to create in my life.
Here's how you do it.
Look at your list of expenses.
Circle the ones that supportyour values Maybe health, family

(09:26):
freedom, travel, security, starthe ones that drain you or
don't match what you want to be.
This goal isn't aboutperfection.
It's progress.
When you spend in alignmentwith your values, your money
works harder for you, for yourhappiness.
Your glow-up step today rewriteyour budget so that it reflects

(09:51):
the future you're building, notjust the bills you're paying.
Step three list all debts andplan a payoff strategy.
In step three we face somethingmany of us avoid debt.
It's time to take your powerback.
First, make a list of your debt.
You have Credit cards, carloans, student loans, medical

(10:13):
bills.
Write down the balance,interest rate and minimum
payment.
See it all in one place ispowerful because once it's on
paper, it stops controlling you.
Now pick your strategy.
The snowball method Pay offyour smallest debt first for
quick wins.
The avalanche method Attack thehighest interest rate to save

(10:37):
more money long term.
Neither is wrong.
The best strategy is the oneyou'll actually stick with.
Debt doesn't define you.
It's simply a number that canshrink every month with a plan.
Your glow up step.
Choose your method and committo one extra payment this month.

(10:57):
Step four decrease spending andincrease income.
So step three you created adebt payoff plan.
To move this process along andfully execute paying off your
entire debt, you shouldconcentrate on doing two
different activities Cuttingexpenses across the board and

(11:17):
increasing your income.
Consider your values-basedbudget and see where you can cut
expenses Maybe changing grocerystores or changing to cheaper
skincare, changing phone plan orhome internet service.
Then concentrate on increasingincome.
Ask for a raise, switchemployment or get a second job.

(11:40):
That's what I did.
I got a second remote job andincreased my income at $1,200
per month, which all wenttowards my debt.
Step five check your creditscore and history.
Step five of your financialglow up is all about your credit
score, your financialreputation.

(12:01):
It impacts whether you can buya home, refinance or even land
certain jobs.
Here's how to glow up yourcredit Get your free credit
report at annualcreditreportcom.
Check for errors, becausemistakes happen and they can
hurt your score.
Pay every bill on time.

(12:22):
Keep your credit utilizationunder 30% of your limit.
This isn't about chasingperfection.
It's about progress.
Improving your credit gives youoptions and lowers your stress.
Imagine being able to walk intoa bank and apply for a loan and
feel confident instead ofanxious.

(12:43):
So when you get a chance, pullyour credit score and look
square in the face.
Knowledge is power and powercreates freedom.
Step six start or grow anemergency fund.
Step six is about peace of mind.

(13:04):
Your emergency fund.
Life throws curveballs carrepairs, medical bills, job loss
.
Without a cushion, emergenciesturn into debt spirals.
Here's the glow-up goal Save atleast three to six months of
essential expenses.
If that number feelsoverwhelming, start smaller.
Even $500 is powerful.

(13:26):
It turns a crisis into aninconvenience.
Here's how to begin Open aseparate savings account just
for emergencies.
Begin, open a separate savingsaccount just for emergencies.
Set up an automatic transfer,even if it's $20 a week.
Treat this fund as untouchableunless it's a true emergency.
An emergency fund isn't justabout money.

(13:49):
It's about confidence.
It's knowing you can handlelife without panic.
So step six is open thataccount and make your first
deposit.
Step seven open and contributeto retirement accounts.
Step seven is for your futureself.
Midlife is the perfect time toprioritize retirement.

(14:12):
Why?
Because women over 40 stillhave 20 to 30 years to grow
wealth.
Here are your options.
If you have a job with a 401k,contribute at least enough to
get the employer match.
That's free money.
If you don't open an IRA or aRoth IRA, increase contributions

(14:32):
by 1% to 2% each year.
You'll barely notice the change, but your future self will
thank you.
Remember, investing isn't abouttiming the market, it's about
time.
In the market, consistencybeats perfection every time.
Your glow-up step if you don'thave a retirement account, open

(14:54):
one this week.
If you do, increase yourcontribution Now.
Step eight set up automaticsavings and bill payments.
Step eight of your financialglow up is about taking stress
out of the equation automation.
Here's the truth.
Discipline is great, butautomation wins every time.

(15:17):
When your bills, savings andretirement contributions are set
up to run automatically, youprotect yourself from
forgetfulness, overspending andlate fees.
Here's how to glow up Scheduleyour bills for auto pay.
Set automatic transfers to yoursavings and emergency fund.

(15:39):
Align paydays with yourtransfers so the money moves
before you're tempted to spendit.
Automation creates consistencyand consistency creates freedom.
Imagine logging into youraccounts and knowing it's all
handled.
That's financial glow-up energy.
So step eight set up one newautomation.

(16:03):
And finally, step nine audityour subscriptions and spending
leaks.
You've built an incrediblefoundation for your financial
glow-up.
Now let's tighten it up with aspending audit.
Go through your bank and creditcard statements.
Look at subscriptions,memberships and small expenses

(16:25):
that sneak in streaming services, delivery apps, beauty boxes.
Ask am I still using this?
Does it align with my values?
Cancel what doesn't serve you,redirect that money towards debt
savings or the life you reallywant.
So this series was never aboutperfection.

(16:47):
It's about awareness, alignmentand action.
Over these past nine steps,you've learned to track your
money budget by values tackledebt, build credit, save for
emergencies, invest forretirement, automate your system
and stop money leaks.
So that's a financial glow upfoundation that will carry you

(17:09):
forward into financial freedom.
Keep going, keep glowing andremember midlife is the perfect
time to rebuild wealth on yourown terms.
This isn't the end.
It's the starting line.
Keep building, keep growing andkeep growing, because midlife
is your time to thrivefinancially, physically and
personally.

(17:31):
Now we're diving into one of myfavorite topics how fashion and
style trends this season cansupport your glow-up journey.
Because, remember, yourwardrobe isn't just clothing,
it's energy, it's confidence,it's how you show up in the
world.
Let's start with tailoring andstructure.

(17:53):
Gone are the days when pencilskirts felt stiff or
uncomfortable.
This season, it's all aboutstretchy, comfortable fabrics
that give you that feminine,flattering silhouette.
Think confidence meets comfort.
Pair it with a tailored blazeror a coat with dramatic draping,

(18:15):
or even one of those cozy scarfpanels built right in, and
suddenly you have taken runningerrands to effortlessly elevated
.
And I don't know about you, butwhen I put on a wide leg
trouser in soft pinstripes Ifeel both polished and practical

(18:36):
, ready to conquer the day.
Now let's add texture and layers.
Autumn is the perfect seasonfor this.
Faux fur is everywhere,especially in those versatile
brown and beige tones.
Just imagine throwing on a softfaux fur coat over your jeans.

(18:57):
It instantly adds luxury.
Lightweight pattern knitwearadds luxury.
Lightweight pattern knitwear.
Asymmetric layering pieces,even a little fringe or tassel
these all add movement and depthand that kind of dimension
makes every simple outfit feelintentional and glow up ready.
Then we've got feminine andromantic touches.

(19:22):
This fall season, lace ismaking a statement in skirts and
blouses and I love it becauseit adds that delicate, romantic
energy.
And for my boho spiritedsisters, flowing maxi skirts,
embroidered jackets and thosenomadic inspired layers are so
in this fall season, one trendI'm loving nighty style dresses

(19:48):
Sheer, soft, flowy and, yes,they've made the leap in daytime
wear Feminine, comfortable anda little bit daring.
Of course, we have to talk aboutcolor and patterns for this
coming up fall season 2025.
This season is rich and bold.

(20:08):
Think chocolate, brown,turmeric, chartreuse, indigo,
deep purples and pale blues.
Pair them with checks andplaids and coats or trousers.
Or add some leopard print for apop of playful energy A
statement coat in animal prints.
That is pure confidence.

(20:31):
Moving on to skirts, dresses andaccessories this fall season,
midi skirts are going to beeverywhere and they're the most
versatile piece you can own.
They're the most versatilepiece you can own.
Pair them with boots and you'vegot nailed autumn chic.
Asymmetrical hems and boldpatterns also give individuality

(20:52):
and personality.
On the footwear side, sneakersare stepping aside to let
loafers, mary Janes, oxfords andsleek ankle boots have their
moment.
These little swabs instantlyinfuse polish into everyday
outfits.
Now for outerwear and statementdetails.

(21:13):
Bomber jackets, matte coats,varsity jackets with a modern
edge they all add stylish warmththis coming season.
They all add stylish warmththis coming season.
Don't overlook crochet tops andhats for comfort and artistry,
or even a vintage blouse layeredunder a draped wool coat.

(21:33):
These are the kinds of detailsthat make people stop and say
wow, she looks amazing.
And finally, everyday luxury.
This is a theme.
I really want you to rememberthis upcoming fall.
We're moving away from harshminimalism and into softness.

(21:55):
Think slouchy handbags, butteryfabrics, cozy knit scarves and
warm brown or beige tones thatlast season after season.
Everyday luxury means choosingpieces that feel good, elevate
your energy and remind you thatyou are worth it every single

(22:16):
day.
Here's a glow-up takeaway.
Fashion is not about followingevery single trend.
It's about asking how do thesetrends support the woman I'm
becoming?
Maybe for you it's adding softfaux fur accessories, maybe it's
a new midi skirt, or maybe it'sswapping sneakers for sleek

(22:40):
loafers.
Small shifts, big energy.
So you're building your autumnwardrobe this coming season.
Think structure, texture,romance, statement and everyday
luxury.
Let your style speak the glowup.
You're living from the insideout.

(23:02):
Now let's pivot to our finalsegment, something deeper the
habits of authenticallyconfident women, because
confidence isn't just about howwe look.
It's about how we live, how wecarry ourselves and how we show
up in this world.
So let's dive into the top 20habits of authentically

(23:25):
confident women.
As you listen, notice whichones already feel natural to you
and which ones you might wantto bring more intentionality
into your own life.
First, authentically confidentwomen practice self-love.
They remind themselves daily Iam worthy.

(23:45):
They choose relationships,routines and even wardrobes that
align with their self-respect.
They also embrace individuality.
Instead of trying to fit intoevery box society gives us, they
celebrate their quirks, theirvoice, their uniqueness.
That's true glow-up.

(24:07):
Energy.
Confidence also comes frompersonal growth.
Authentically confident womenare lifelong learners.
They read, they explore newhobbies, they stretch themselves
, not because they need fixing,but because they love evolving.
They also maintain healthyboundaries.

(24:29):
Boundaries are not walls, theyare clarity.
They protect your inner peaceand make sure your needs are
honored.
And confident women communicate.
Another habit speaking up Evenif their voice shakes.
They express their opinions andfeelings.
They don't need everyone toagree, they just know their

(24:52):
voice matters.
And, yes, they're willing totake risks.
Growth doesn't happen in thecomfort zone.
Authentically confident womenstep forward anyway, trusting
that even failure teaches themsomething.
They practice gratitude, not ina fluffy, forced way, but in a

(25:12):
way that shifts perspective.
Gratitude says I already haveso much and I'm open to even
more.
And they are assertive, notaggressive, not passive, but
clear, direct and respectfulabout their needs.
Here's the big one they owntheir successes.

(25:35):
They don't brush offcompliments or say, oh, it was
nothing.
They stand in theiraccomplishments, knowing it
inspires others when they shine.
Of course, self-care isessential.
Confident women prioritizetheir physical health, their
mental health and theiremotional well-being.

(25:56):
It's not selfish, it'sfoundational.
They also curate supportivecircles.
Who you spend time with is whoyou become.
Confident women choose to bearound uplifting, encouraging

(26:16):
people.
They stay true to their values.
Their decisions line up withwhat matters most to them, even
if it's not popular.
And when life gets messy,they're resilient.
They bounce back with grace,finding the lesson and moving
forward.
Another habit they avoidcomparison.
They don't waste time scrollingor wishing.

(26:37):
They honor their own path.
They also practice mindfulness.
Staying present helps themmanage stress, stay centered and
enjoy the journey instead ofrushing to the destination.
Here's one I love they embracevulnerability.
They're not afraid to admitmistakes, to show their

(26:59):
authentic self or to say I don'tknow, but I'm learning.
That is real strength.
And authentically confidentwomen support other women.
They don't compete.
They celebrate, encourage andmentor.
They're also financially savvy.
Confidence includes being incontrol of your money, planning

(27:23):
wisely and making choices thatsupport your future self.
They trust their intuition.
They balance logic with gutinstinct and they don't second
guess themselves endlessly.
And finally, they celebrateother successes Instead of
jealousy, they feel genuine joywhen other women's win, because

(27:47):
they know there's room foreveryone to shine.
So here's their glow-upreflection.
Which of these 20 habits speakto you most right now?
Which one, if you startedpracticing today, would shift
your energy and elevate yourconfidence?
Remember, confidence isn'tbuilt overnight.

(28:09):
It's built daily through smallactions and choices that honor
who you are and who you arebecoming.
All right, glow Getters.
That's a wrap for today'sepisode of the Midlife Glow
Report.
We have covered so much groundtoday breaking weight loss
plateaus with infrared saunasand strength training,

(28:31):
rebuilding financial confidencewith the nine-step glow-up
series, elevating your stylewith this fall's top trends and,
finally, embodying the 20habits of authentically
confident women.
Remember, your glow up isn'tjust about one area of life.
It's the way you nurture yourbody, your finances, your style

(28:54):
and your mindset together.
Small shifts create bigtransformations, and midlife is
the perfect time to step intothe woman you're becoming.
If you loved today's episode, Iwould be so grateful if you left
a review.
Wherever you're listening.
It really helps more amazingwomen like you find the show,

(29:17):
and I love your feedback too.
Tell me what resonated most orwhat you want to hear more in
future episodes.
Come hang out with me on social.
Find me at Jack Styes onInstagram and TikTok.
I share daily glow up tips,walking chats and behind the
scenes from my own journey and Ilove to connect with you there.

(29:42):
Thanks so much for tuning in,for showing up for yourself and
for choosing to glow up in thisseason of life.
Until next week, keep shining,keep glowing and I'll see you in
the next episode.
Love, jax.
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