Perimenopause, Cortisol & Weight Gain: What to Do When Harder Workouts Stop Working

If you've been pushing harder in your workouts but seeing fewer results, this episode is for you. This week I'm joined by Katie, a fitness professional and host of the Wellness After 40 podcast, to break down exactly why exercise needs to change in your 40s, and what to do instead.We're talking about the real reason HIIT workouts can backfire during perimenopause, why cortisol and insulin resistance make certain workouts work against your goals, and the specific fitness shifts that support your hormones instead of stressing them further.Katie also shares her simple framework for choosing workouts that fit your life, plus her full weekly movement recipe for women navigating midlife hormonal changes.Whether you're a devoted HIIT class-goer or just starting to wonder if your current routine is serving you, this conversation will completely shift how you think about movement after 40.➡️ In this Episode, You’ll Learn:Why HIIT workouts can spike cortisol and stall fat loss in perimenopauseThe three types of movement every woman over 40 needs in her weekly routineWhy recovery is as important as the workout itselfThe truth about cold plunging for women Why walking is more powerful than most women realizeHow to start strength training if you've never done it, and why heavy weights matter➡️ Connect with KatieWebsiteInstagramListen to Katie's Podcast: Wellness After 40