TBP 274: Dr. Stacy Sims on Climbing Training and Nutrition for Aging Women

Stacy Sims, MSC, PHD, is a well-known exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist who has done groundbreaking research and education for women in athletics. Dr. Sims has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers and several books and is a regularly featured speaker at professional and academic conferences, including those by USOC and USA Cycling.

Stacy currently holds a Senior Research Associate position with SPRINZ- AUT University, supervises PhD students, writes academic papers, and is on the advisory board of some cutting-edge companies, including Tonal Strength Institute, WILD.AI, and EXOS. She also has her own business (www.drstacysims.com), creating and delivering online learning material focused on women training with their physiology across the lifespan.

I highly recommend her book Roar, which first introduced me to the differences in women's vs men's needs in sports performance. It was mind-blowing, honestly, and so validating to learn that a lot of what we've been taught about exercise science doesn't really apply to women. After all, the research was mostly done on men, and that is what Dr. Sims is trying to change. 

I was honored to sit down with Stacy to talk about some really important topics for perimenopausal and menopausal women, and all females in general. She really knows her stuff and speaks quite scientifically, so I asked her a lot of clarifying questions so we can all make use of the information she provided. I hope you enjoy this one! 

What we talked about:

• The real journey she had with menopause herself
• Why running stopped working for her body and what she did instead
• An optimal training schedule for peri- or menopausal females
• Cortisol differences as we age and what it does to our bodies
• How estrogen plays into aging and athleticism
• Which exercises are best for energy levels and body composition for menopause
• The all importance of sleep for aging women
• Carbs and menopause
• Caffeine for menopause
• Intermittent fasting?
• Which supplements are worth it