Lift Heavy (Safely): Kettlebells and Midlife Strength

✨Stay inspired on your health journey: Follow us on Spotify or hit subscribe on Apple Podcasts.Better With Age ProgramWe empower women to reclaim their health and vitalitythrough expert-guided exercise and nutrition. Stronger 💪| Healthier 🥑| Better with Age 😁Website: betterwithage.online📌 Follow us on Instagramfor healthy aging tips: @bwaprogramEducational purposes only. Not intended to diagnose, treat,cure, or prevent any disease.What does “lift heavy” actually mean for women inmidlife—and how do you start if you’ve never touched a weight? In this episode, Lea sits down with Ericka Darst, StrongFirst Elite Instructor and owner of EDK Training, to break down the most common barriers women face around strength training: intimidation, fear of injury, and the beliefthat they’ve “missed the boat.” Ericka shares how kettlebells became a grounding force through major life transitions—and why strength training is about so much more than workouts.Together, Lea and Ericka reframe “heavy” into somethingrelatable (hello, Costco and carrying kids), walk through a safe progression approach (starting with no load, building technique, then adding weight), and explain why kettlebells can be a true one-stop shop for strength, power, endurance, and low-impact conditioning. If you’re navigating perimenopause through postmenopause—or simply want to feel stronger, more capable, and more confident in your body—this episode will meet you right whereyou are. Connect with Ericka / EDK TrainingWebsite: https://www.edktraining.com/Instagram: @edktrainingmn | @erickadarstFacebook: @edktrainingmn Chapter timestamps:00:00 – Welcome + Ericka’s background (EDK Training +kettlebells)02:09 – First kettlebell class + early instructors06:22 – Corporate job → coaching: the career transition10:48 – Grief, resilience, and why training became grounding16:07 – Midlife muscle: what “lift heavy” really means18:04 – “Heavy” examples: kids, Costco, daily life strength24:39 – Starting safely: no weight first, then progressive load26:49 – “I missed the boat” myth + training later in life31:06 – Gym intimidation + belonging + why kettlebells help34:20 – Grease the Groove: fitting training into real life35:58 – Why shorter sessions can work better (30 min training)38:36 – Why kettlebells work so well: strength + cardio + low impact45:39 – When to progress: comfort vs results + investing in growth46:00 – One mindset shift for women: stop the limiting chatter47:46 – How to connect with Erika (links + socials)#BetterWithAgeProgram#WomensHealth #StrengthTrainingForWomen #MidlifeHealth #Perimenopause#MenopauseFitness #MuscleHealth #HealthyAging #ResistanceTraining#KettlebellTraining #StrongFirst #FunctionalStrength #BoneHealth#MetabolicHealth