The Flipping 50 Show

• What’s Best Total Body or Split Routine in Menopause

  Which is the best workout routine for you right now – total body or split routine in menopause? This episode unpacks a recent study by Brad Schoenfeld comparing results from total body or split routine in menopause.  The study did not actually address menopause. But if we know we are capable of making the same relative strength gains as males, then I’m considering this study as still relevant for us to consider in menopause.    How the study was done: Untrained males, no resistance training in the previous 6 months. Exercise consists of 16 sets per muscle group per week per both groups    Total Body Routine Trained each muscle group 4 per week (MTThF)  4 sets each: bench press cable triceps pushdown shoulder press seated row biceps curl squat  leg curl.   Split Routine Session A Mondays & Thursdays 8 sets each: bench press inclined bench press cable triceps pushdown triceps kickback shoulder press  front dumbbell raise.  Session B Tuesdays & Fridays 8 sets each: seated row lat pulldown biceps curl hammer curl squat  Leg curl.  Study Conclusion Training Volume for Strength Strength gains derived from frequency manipulation are driven by the increase in training volume. When constant, increased frequency does not seem to provide additional benefits. However, most studies suggest a resistance training frequency of 3 or fewer days per muscle group per week. A schedule of 4 days per week provides no additional strength gains relative to 2 days per week. Ideal or excessive training volume can be unique to each individual. Time The biggest challenge for most humans is Time. Disrupted or irregular schedules (MTTHF) can happen. Rest & Recovery Ideally 1-2 minutes rest between sets. Recommended 48 hours minimum to recover between use of same muscle groups.  Muscle mass and hypertrophy could be built by either, but fat loss may benefit more from total body routine - based on greater muscle protein stimulus and EPOC.    A Quick Overview on Total Body or Split Routine in Menopause Total Body Workouts Pros: More flexible with schedule. Easier to fit in and stay consistent with—especially helpful if life gets unpredictable. Higher metabolic boost. One study showed 8x more metabolic benefit from total body training than split routines. Efficient muscle protein synthesis. Stimulates multiple muscle groups at once, increasing post-exercise recovery benefits. Better for fat loss. However, recently Brad Schoenfeld showed that as long as volume is equal they can provide the same results.  Cons: Challenging to manage volume. Hard to include enough exercises for each muscle group within one session. Fatigue if overdone. Doing total body workouts too frequently (e.g., 4x/week) without proper rest can backfire. Not always optimal for specialization. Doesn’t allow focused work on one muscle group (e.g., building glutes or shoulders).   Split Routine: Pros: Allows for more focused volume per muscle group. Easier to do 2+ exercises per muscle group and more sets—important in post-menopause. Can be energizing per session. Training just the upper or lower body can feel lighter and more focused. Useful for variety and advanced training. Great for incorporating more complex splits and periodization. Cons: Harder to stay consistent. If you miss a day, it’s harder to make up and can throw off the weekly balance. Time-dependent. Requires more days per week and more planning—can be a challenge for busy midlife women. May lack full recovery. Without intentional spacing (e.g., Monday/Thursday vs. back-to-back days), results can suffer. Not ideal if energy is low. During menopause, fatigue can make it harder to consistently do split routines.   Total Volume if equal can both produce results in Total Body or Split Routine in Menopause   Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Autoimmune Disease in Menopause and Changing Treatment Status Quo Next Episode - Women's Wellness Adventure Travel After 50 More Like This - Cortisol and Exercise in Menopause   Resources:  Get your lean, clean Flipping 50 Protein Powders to maintain muscle and support metabolism. Book a Discovery Call with Debra to talk about your own menopause or becoming a coach.  

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• Autoimmune Disease in Menopause and Changing Treatment Status Quo

  Why is autoimmune disease in menopause becoming more prevalent? And why are college-age patients a growing autoimmune demographic?  In your 60s, when the world is thinking of retirement, would you ever consider being a founder of a new business instead of spending days on the golf course or traveling?  Answers to the increase in autoimmune disease in menopause and more in this special episode I think you may find both alarming and fascinating; both a shot of reality and hope.    My Guest: Dr. Bonnie Feldman, 69, Co-founder and Chief Patient Officer of Rheumission, is an entrepreneur, health practitioner, researcher, financial analyst, digital health advisor and autoimmune patient and advocate.  Since 2010, Dr. Feldman integrates digital tech, virtual-first care, and lifestyle interventions with conventional care to improve outcomes for autoimmune patients. She spent the past decade raising awareness of the underserved and growing autoimmune market opportunity for private investment. Her experience as an autoimmune patient have fueled Bonnie’s passion for prevention, earlier diagnosis and improved care for all autoimmune patients.   Questions We Answer in This Episode: [00:04:50] Tell me about your own journey - why become a startup founder at an age (now 69) that most people are already in retirement? [00:09:16] What are autoimmune diseases? [00:13:18] What do people not understand about autoimmune disease? [00:18:21] Why do you say that autoimmune disease is a women's health crisis? [00:22:39] What is fundamentally wrong and needs to change in the way autoimmune patients are treated and diagnosed? What are doing to change this? [00:24:42] What is biologics? What are the negative side effects of biologics?  [00:33:04] What is the legacy you hope to leave (for your 10 grandchildren)?   Know if You May Have Autoimmune Disease in Menopause   What is Autoimmune Disease? Old Definition When the immune system attacks itself. 100 different kinds e.g. multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, all sort of colitis and Crohn's New Definition Now includes the inflammatory spectrum and autism spectrum   Autoimmune Disease Is a Women’s Health Crisis 80% of autoimmune patients are women, around 40 million people Hormones influence during puberty, pregnancy, menopause Late-onset autoimmune diagnoses are on the rise. The biggest growth is in young adult women who are college age.   Treatment for an Autoimmune Disease Patient Conventional Medicine The patient sees different kinds of specialized doctors that do not necessarily talk to each other (e.g. dermatologists, rheumatologists, etc.) Rheumission A Care Team is provided under one virtual roof with access to the patient digitally 24/7 if needed. This includes lifestyle medicine physician, an autoimmune psychologist, an autoimmune dietitian, an exercise program, and a care coordinator. Uses lifestyle medicine as the first lever of defense like diet, sleep, psychological, etc. Medicines are used in the lowest dose when needed.   Connect with Dr. Bonnie: Dr. Sharon’s Website - Rheumission Facebook - rheumission Instagram - @rheumissionhlth YouTube - @rheumission   Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Supplements I Take in Menopause Next Episode - What’s Best Total Body or Split Routine in Menopause More Like This - How to Have and Still Thrive with Autoimmunity in Menopause   Resources: GYROTONIC® Feldenkrais Gait Therapy Pelvic Floor Therapy Short & Easy Exercise videos in this 5 Day Flip Challenge. Don’t know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra.  

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  35:52
• Why I Take These Supplements in Menopause

  If you’ve wondered what supplements I take and why I take these supplements in menopause, this episode if you backstage pass inside my pantry! I'm talking through everything I'm using for energy, muscle, metabolism, and aging optimally — and why.  This isn’t about hormone therapy; this is about all the “extras” that make a powerful difference in daily vitality, sleep, and workouts. Know the WHY I take these supplements in menopause.   Magnesium  ~300 enzyme actions in body many of them related to metabolism  Stress depletes magnesium Responsible for all the enzyme actions in your body Bone (requires it or will leach calcium from bone)  Headaches / migraines  Quality sleep Irregular bowel movement Unmotivated to move Types: Citrate - irregular bowel movement Glycinate - muscle cramps, headaches (in the morning) L-Threonate - cognitive function When: at night with dinner, split doses for Glycinate Dosage: sprays and baths 200-400 mg, depends on condition and stress (exercise, emotional, etc)   Vitamin D3 Directly related to muscle, particularly fast twitch muscle & metabolism Dosage: 60-80 IU, depends on test results   Omega 3 Fatty Acids Reduce inflammation  Muscle (or reduced joint inflammation to eliminate obstacles for using muscle)  Healthy joints Dosage: 1000 mg, combination of EPA and DHA 2-3 times per day if exercising or high stress   Vitamin B-12 (or B complex)  Thyroid function  Stress depletes B12   Essential Amino Acids Maintain lean muscle mass (low protein intake when travelling) Dosage: capsule When: at night   Creatine Muscle Brain Bone Dosage: 5 mg per day Types: Monohydrate - affordable and with more research Hydrochloride (HCL) - better absorption and faster recovery   Why I Take These (Additional) Supplements in Menopause    Digestive Enzymes  10-20% of the stomach acid at 70, we had at 20 Lack the enzymes to breakdown food: we lack the nutritious food we think we’ve eaten  You might be low on Digestive Enzymes if you experience:  Lack the enzymes to break down food. Lack of nutritious food we think we’ve eaten. Chronic stress (and standing, computer surfing, scrolling while eating)   Betaine HCL  Higher stress levels = difficulty breaking down proteins into absorbable nutrients 10-20% less stomach acid at 70 than at 20 You might be low on Betaine HCL if you experience heart burn, acid reflux, burping, and bloating.   Maca Root  Energy and stamina without the crash Mental clarity and focus Hormonal balance Adrenal function for stress Perimenopause: improves fertility and menstrual regulation Menopause: reduce hot flashes and night sweats   Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Stress Isn’t All Bad? Use Stress to Thrive Next Episode - Autoimmune Disease in Menopause and Changing Treatment Status Quo More Like This - How Much Magnesium – The Missing Link to Total Health More Like This - Everything You Didn’t Know About Your Menopause Gut Health (and Need to)   Resources:  Get your lean, clean Flipping 50 Protein Powders to maintain muscle and support metabolism. Biohack your health with Body Health’s Perfect Amino Powder. Step into your power with SHEatine™ Powder Creatine Trifecta for Powerful Aging.

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  25:12
• Stress Isn’t All Bad? Use Stress to Thrive

  No, stress isn’t all bad.  “Stress” is generally seen as negative and harmful.  How can you use stress to thrive and live longer? In this episode, learn how to create good stress for bursts of happiness and live longer. Our guest will tell us more on The Stress Paradox and share the 5 key good stressors to use stress to thrive. Understand it here, stress isn’t all bad.   My Guest: Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist, MD, is an award-winning physician, healthcare leader, and visionary researcher renowned for a science-based approach to applying lifestyle as medicine. She has helped lead clinical trials, including the Emory Healthy Aging Study and the NIH funded Emory Healthy Brain Study. Dr. Bergquist has contributed to over 200 news segments, including Good Morning America, CNN, ABC News, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR. She hosts The Whole Health Cure podcast and her popular Ted-Ed video on how stress affects the body has been viewed over six million times.    Questions We Answer in This Episode: [00:07:51] How can new science challenge the traditional understanding of stress as harmful? [00:11:04] Why is stress important for our health? [00:12:55] How do stressors work to prevent or manage such conditions like common chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes? [00:15:43] Many people may feel overwhelmed by chronic stress. How can they begin incorporating mild to moderate "good" stress into their lives without feeling more burdened? [00:22:34] What are the five key stressors?. How should someone choose the right type and dosage of these stressors for their individual needs? [00:33:47] In your book, The Stress Paradox, you describe how hormetic stress can lower a person’s biological age. How does good stress play a role in this?   The Surprising Science Behind Why Stress Isn’t All Bad The Stress Paradox was released March 25 2025. Find it anywhere books are sold.   Your Body With Stress Our bodies are designed for brief intermittent stressors, followed by recovery. It's in recovery that we're reconfiguring our mind and body to handle future stress and better.   What is “Good Stress”? Goldilocks Zone: Mild to moderate everyday stressors. You’re just a little bit outside your comfort zone but not overwhelmed. Over time, you are building adaptations that are making you more resilient. You learn how to recover from repeat stressors, and can increase your human potential 60% to 90%.   Function of Cellular Stress Responses (The Four R’s) Resist oxidative and inflammatory damage Recycle damaged components through autophagy Recharge mitochondria Repair protein and DNA   The Five Key Stressors Plant toxins Exercise Heat and cold exposure Circadian fasting Psychological challenges Connect with Dr. Sharon: Dr Sharon’s Website Facebook - The Good Stress Doctor Instagram - @thegoodstressdoctor X -  @TheGoodStressDr TikTok - @thegoodstressdoctor   Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Save Your Knees and Shoulders Without Surgery Next Episode - Supplements I Take in Menopause More Like This - How to Use Stress as a Tool for Hormone Balance   Resources: Join the Hot, Not Bothered! Challenge to learn why timing matters and why what works for others is not working for you. Short & Easy Exercise videos in this 5 Day Flip Challenge. Don’t know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra.

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  47:45
• Save Your Knees and Shoulders Without Surgery

  Save your knees and shoulders from the little discomfort doing usual activities or some swelling and inflammation. If you aren’t sure whether you need physical therapy, you should get a referral, just need a massage or to lay off for a few days, this is your episode.  I’m no stranger to physical therapy, but I am a foreigner in seeking support for any issues I’ve got. Mine have all come from some acute trauma or injury. I knew it and the answer was obvious, maybe for you too — to save your knees and shoulders without surgery!   My Guest: Dr. David Middaugh is a specialist physical therapist who helps people avoid unnecessary surgery while getting back to being healthy, active, and mobile. He coaches people online and has a clinic where people are treated in person. His contrarian treatment approaches are focused on addressing the root cause of problems like arthritis and tendon tears so that people have the most control over their health. Questions We Answer in This Episode: [00:10:58] What makes you different from other physical therapists? [00:14:12] Is it actually possible to heal osteoarthritis without surgery? [00:20:28] What is unique about how you help people with knee pain? [00:37:30] What about people with shoulder pain?   What is Manual Physical Therapy? Hands-on body work to manipulate the soft tissues like your muscles, tendons, ligaments tend to be pretty good at moving the joints. Fixing the root problem of knee and shoulder pain issues through movement. Focused on fascia techniques and fascia related treatments.   What Really Works to Save Your Knees and Shoulders?   Knees What to work on? Glutes. If you have weakness in the glutes, that’s when the quads get over dominant. The Science: Quads have been overused causing knee arthritis or meniscus tear. What to do? Do your exercises primarily with your glutes. Your hamstrings and quads will still work – they just need to work secondary. Can you figure out how to make your glutes contract apart from your thigh muscles? It's more gaining mental control over your muscles. Stop walking. Turn on your glutes first.   Shoulders  What to work on? Upper traps (trapezius). If you have weak traps, there is more stress and tension holding the weight of the arm, shoulders and maybe chest.. The Science: Rotator Cuff tears are one of the biggest problems because of weak upper traps. What to do? Shrug every time you reach up to use your traps. This preserves your ball and socket joint. If you don’t shrug, the socket faces outwards and compresses tissues.   Connect with Dr. David: Get the Manual Therapy for a 50% discount for a one-time purchase OR the first payment on membership Link: http://flippingfifty.com/manualtherapy Code: FLIPPING50 Instagram - @elpasomanualpt YouTube - @epmanualphysicaltherapy   Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Clean Eating, Fasting and Eating Disorders in Menopause Next Episode - Stress Isn’t All Bad? Use Stress to Thrive More Like This - Overdoing Exercise in Menopause: The Struggle to Scale Back Resources: Join the Hot, Not Bothered! Challenge to learn why timing matters and why what works for others is not working for you. Short & Easy Exercise videos in this 5 Day Flip Challenge. Don’t know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra.

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  48:26

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