278 The Muscle-Longevity Connection: Strength Training Supports Metabolism, Bones, and Healthy Longevity with Jeanne Phares

What role does muscle strength play in healthy aging, longevity, and independence? In this episode, Dr. Gillian Lockitch speaks with Jeanne Phares about why maintaining and building muscle becomes increasingly important for women during and after menopause. Drawing on her personal experience as a leukemia survivor and decades of strength training, Jeanne explains the connections between muscle mass, metabolism, bone health, resilience, and recovery. Listeners will learn practical strategies for strength training, nutrition, and lifestyle habits that support vitality and healthspan at every age. Jeanne Phares is Founder of Sage Lifestyle Collective and creator of the Sage Strength Transformation Program. She is a Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Strength Trainer, and author specializing in women's health after 50. Prior to entering the health field, she enjoyed a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant and executive mentor. Her work focuses on strength training, nutrition, menopause education, and healthy aging for women. She helps women build muscle, improve metabolic health, and maintain independence throughout midlife and beyond. A leukemia survivor, she credits decades of strength training with helping her withstand intensive treatment and recovery.  Episode Timeline  00:00 – Welcome and introduction  03:00 – Why muscle strength predicts healthy aging and longevity  04:36 – Jeanne's journey from CPA to health and wellness coach  05:30 – Leukemia diagnosis and the role of physical resilience in recovery  09:30 – Stem cell transplant and rebuilding strength after illness  13:15 – Turning health challenges into opportunities for growth  15:46 – Common misconceptions about lifting weights after 50  18:35 – Why walking and yoga alone may not be enough  20:00 – Muscle health, bone strength, and menopause  23:53 – Strength training as the foundation of healthy aging  25:15 – Nutrition mistakes women commonly make after menopause  28:49 – Hydration, electrolytes, and healthy aging  30:23 – Whole foods nutrition and listening to your body  34:44 – The one simple change that supports lifelong health  36:23 – Final thoughts and key takeaways  Connect with Jeanne Phares Sage Lifestyle Collective  www.sagelifestylepress.com Free Gifts for Listeners: Each guest will receive all three: 1. Free Chapter Download: "Your Body Changed the Rules. Here's the New Playbook" from Eat for Strength for Women Over 50 2.Free Starter Guide: The Sage Strength Starter Guide 3.Lottery Entry: A chance to win one of 10 discount codes for the 8-Week Sage Strength Transformation Program or one of 10 free audiobooks of Eat for Strength for Women Over 50 Books: The Beginner's Guide to Strength Training for Women Over 50 Eat for Strength for Women Over 50  Sage Strength Transformation Program : Free strength training and healthy aging resources  Connect with Your Host: Dr. Gillian Lockitch Email: [email protected] website: https://askdrgill.com