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Q: Approaching your 50th birthday, you embarked on a personal fitness challenge. What motivated you to set that goal, and how did it transform your life?A. Sports and fitness have always been a big part of my life. After having my two kids at 37 and 39, my workouts became sporadic as I focused on them. During COVID, I found myself eating whatever I wanted, drinking more wine, and leading a sedentary lifestyle. As I approached 50, I realized I wanted to make this milestone an achievement rather than something to fear. I set a goal to get in the best shape possible in one year. I began heavy weight training five days a week, doing cardio four to five times a week, and tracking my macros and nutrition. Prioritizing eight hours of sleep also became crucial. I lost fat, gained muscle, and regained a tremendous amount of energy and positivity.Q: Your midlife transformation led you to create a program specifically for women in this stage of life. What makes your program unique, and how does it address the challenges faced by midlife women?A. Social media often emphasizes appearance, but we sometimes forget the importance of feeling good in our bodies. My program focuses not only on fat loss and muscle gain but also on boosting energy levels, which can be affected by hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause. Alongside weight training, I incorporate mobility exercises to help keep our bodies moving without pain as we age. Positive self-talk is also key, so I include affirmations and meditation to support mental well-being.Q: Many women struggle with fat loss and maintaining energy as they age. What key strategies do you focus on to help women regain vitality and build lean muscle?A. Hormonal changes and aging can make fat loss more challenging, and muscle loss happens at a faster rate. I focus on building muscle through progressive overload and ensuring clients consume enough protein, which many women lack. Prioritizing nutrition and sleep is essential for maintaining energy. For those struggling with sleep, creating a calming bedtime routine, limiting caffeine and screen time, or using natural supplements like melatonin or valerian root can help. Exercise is one of the best ways to boost energy!Q: Balancing a successful fitness career with motherhood must be challenging. How do you juggle your roles as a fitness expert and a mother to James and Violet?A. My children are my top priority, but I%u2019ve learned that I can%u2019t be a great mom if I%u2019m not healthy and energetic. Having kids later in life, I want to ensure I%u2019m around for them as long as possible. It%u2019s important to be a good role model, teaching them healthy eating habits and the importance of being active. I drop my kids off at school and head straight to the gym. When they were babies, it was tougher, and I often worked out at home or ran with a double stroller through the neighborhood for exercise.MOSTMAGAZINEMOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 63 29