Why Women Over 50 Need “Strength” not “Skinny”

Summary:You were not designed to shrink. You were designed to get stronger. In this episode, we sit down with elite athlete, coach, and founder of The Golden Age, Heather Dees, a 6x IFBB Olympian who has spent two decades helping women understand that real transformation starts from the inside out. We talk about why strength training is the single most important thing women can do as they age, why the scale is lying to you, and why you are never too old, too out of shape, or too far gone to start. If you have been putting off getting back into your body because life keeps getting in the way (or because the gym feels intimidating, or because you think cardio is enough), this conversation is your sign to stop waiting and start building.Learn More About Heather:Heather Dees is not just a coach; she is living proof of the "Rebuild" philosophy. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Heather has spent over two decades mastering the intersection of external beauty and internal power. Her career began in 2003 as a Master Aesthetician and Cosmetologist. For 17+ years, she specialized in helping women feel beautiful in their own skin. But she knew that true radiance couldn't be achieved with skincare alone—it had to be built from the inside out. At age 24, Heather stepped onto the competitive stage, earning her Pro Card at the 2010 NPC Nationals. Her rise in the IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding) was meteoric.• 6x IFBB Olympian (Top 4 finisher in 2012 & 2013)• 2x Arnold Classic Runner-Up (2013, 2014)• California Governors Cup Champion (2012, 2013)• Competed in over 40 Professional ShowsHer journey wasn't without setbacks. After a severe car accident threatened her career, Heather didn't just recover—she rebuilt. She returned to the highest level of competition, proving that the human body is capable of extraordinary resilience when given the right tools.Today, Heather combines her elite athletic background with her deep knowledge of aesthetics and women's health. She founded The Golden Age to bridge the gap that the fitness industry ignored: the connection between metabolic health, nervous system regulation, and self-worth.Key Takeaways:00:00 Welcome and introducing Heather Dees, 6x IFBB Olympian, master aesthetician, coach, and founder of The Golden Age03:37 How Heather went from running half marathons to stepping on a competitive bodybuilding stage, and what weight training taught her about mental and emotional discipline08:55 How Heather's clientele has shifted toward women in their 40s to 60s, why the mental barrier is the biggest obstacle, and why one hour a week is still worth showing up for16:11 Cristie opens up about her own fitness journey, shifting from chasing a stage goal to simply wanting to move without pain, and how hormones changed everything21:06 The biggest misconception about weight training for women, and why you are not accidentally going to wake up bulky23:07 What to do if you cannot afford a trainer, why Heather's app exists, and why strength training is literally cheaper than Botox29:55 Heather at 16 weeks postpartum, practicing what she preaches, and what she would tell her 16-year-old self: everything is temporary, and you are going to make it throughResources Mentioned in This Episode:Heather's InstagramHeather's WebsiteCustomized Workout and Nutrition Monthly Plan#1 Surgeon's Advice to Look & Feel Younger (Dr. Vonda Wright at The Mel Robbins Podcast)Refinery Gym - Sandy, UtahAre video podcasts more your style? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.Do you want your next vacation to be in luxury? Book your exclusive retreat here.Thanks for Listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the Podcast:If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast app.Leave Us an Apple Podcast Review:Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.