Compression Training, Muscle, and Menopause: Redefining Strength After 40 - Alex Birks

Starting around age 30, we lose about 1% of our muscle mass each year. But during perimenopause, that number can jump to a staggering 10%. Muscle is one of our most powerful tools for blood sugar balance, bone protection, strength, and longevity. So what do we do when building muscle gets harder—but we need it more than ever? Enter Targeted Compression Training —a game-changing approach to fitness that helps us maintain and build muscle, even with lighter weights. In this episode, I sit down with Alex Birks, founder of Suji, a tech-forward company that's making smart, safe compression training more accessible. We cover: What's the difference between Blood Flow Restriction and Targeted Compression Training (TCT)? How TCT boosts growth hormone, improves vascularity, and supports brain health Why it's ideal for midlife women dealing with hormonal shifts, injuries, or joint issues What the research says about compression training  and menopause Who shouldn't use this technology (contraindications you should know) How Suji is making training safer, smarter, and more affordable as we age Alex Birks is a robotics engineer, athlete, and founder of Suji, a breakthrough company bringing smart, safe targeted compression training to everyone from pro athletes to everyday movers. A top graduate from Heriot-Watt University with advanced study at Oxford, Alex combines cutting-edge tech with a deep passion for human performance and recovery. Suji's compression technology is already used by one-third of U.S. professional sports teams, and now their consumer products are making waves in the wellness and longevity space. Alex's mission? Help people move pain-free, train smarter, and build strength for life—especially as they age.   10% off code ZORA https://www.trysuji.com/?ref=ZORA Check the website FAQ for contraindications https://www.trysuji.com/apps/frequently-asked-questions CONTACT Email: [email protected]  Website: https://trysuji.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/trysuji Facebook: https://facebook.com/trysuji   Give thanks to our sponsors: Qualia senolytics and brain supplements. 15% off with code ZORA here. Try Vitali skincare. 20% off with code ZORA here https://vitaliskincare.com Get Primeadine spermidine by Oxford Healthspan. 15% discount with code ZORA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Get Mitopure Urolithin A by Timeline. 10% discount with code ZORA at https://timeline.com/zora Try Suji to improve muscle 10% off with code ZORA at TrySuji.com https://trysuji.com Get Magnesium Breakthrough by Bioptimizers. 10% discount with code HACKMYAGE at https://bioptimizers.com/hackmyage Try OneSkin skincare with code ZORA for 15% off https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2685556&u=4476154&m=102446&urllink=&afftrack= Join ⁠⁠⁠Biohacking Menopause⁠⁠⁠ before May 1, 2025 to win a bottle of Accelerated Health iodine and Essential Amino Acids! 10% off with code ZORA at AcceleratedHealth.com   Join the Hack My Age community on: Facebook Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Hack My Age⁠     Facebook Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Biohacking Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠  Private Women's Only Support Group: https://hackmyage.com/biohacking-menopause-membership/ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠HackMyAge⁠    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HackMyAge.com⁠