#594: Not All Women Are Trying To Lose Weight

Last week's case study episode got such a strong response that I wanted to go deeper with a different scenario: the woman who is already lean, doesn't have weight to lose, and is trying to build muscle and look more athletic. This one's for her — and honestly, it was me at certain points too. In this episode, I cover: Why the advice to "eat less and do more cardio" is almost never the right answer for lean women The three phases of body composition: Build → Reveal → Maintain How long to actually spend in the build phase (hint: longer than you think — 4–12 months depending on your training history) Sample nutrition targets for a lean woman looking to build: ~2,000 calories, ~150g protein, ~220–230g carbs, ~60g fat Why a "dirty bulk" approach often backfires for women A sample 4-day strength training split (2 lower, 2 upper) with exercise selection guidance The importance of tracking weights to turn warmup sets into real working sets Volume targets: 10–20 quality sets per muscle group per week Cardio guidance during the build phase: steps, Zone 2, and why HIIT is NOT necessary right now What a mini cut (reveal phase) looks like: 6–10 weeks, 10–20% caloric reduction, protect the protein How to reverse diet back to maintenance — the phase no one talks about but everyone needs The mindset piece: most women spend 90% of their year in a deficit while saying their goal is to build muscle   Let's dive in! Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special! Click here to listen: Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERESpotify – CLICK HERE   This episode is sponsored by: St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15  Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for "subscribe & save" option Free Resources: Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20" Metabolic Guide | jennpike.com/metabolic-guide Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE" *code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale* Programs: Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/ Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman Connect with Jenn: Instagram | @jennpike Facebook | @thesimplicityproject YouTube | Simplicity TV Website | The Simplicity Project Inc. Have a question? Send it over to [email protected] and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.