Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin is the podcast for women who want to age powerfully and enjoy the best chapter of their lives.
It’s YOUR turn now to focus on n...
Building Mental Grit and Physical Power After 40 with Gabby Reece and JJ Virgin
"The minute I put a little pressure on you in your life, you freak out. So what I want to do is figure out how to get this pressure and try to get calmer." - Gabby Reece In this powerful episode, I sat down with volleyball legend and wellness pioneer Gabby Reece to unpack her evolution from professional athlete to wellness entrepreneur. At 54, Gabby shares her refreshingly practical approach to aging powerfully, revealing how she has adapted her training methods to focus on longevity, while still maintaining the discipline that made her a champion. She opens up about her innovative training approach, combining underwater workouts, heat exposure, and strategic strength training—designed not solely for physical gains, but also for building mental resilience. What truly sets this conversation apart is Gabby's candid discussion about navigating her marriage to fellow athlete, Laird Hamilton, raising three daughters in today's sometimes overwhelming world, and finding the delicate balance between being a powerful woman and embracing vulnerability in her relationships. What you'll learn: How Gabby transformed her professional athlete training routine into a sustainable lifestyle focused on longevity The game-changing benefits of underwater training for both physical and mental resilience Why building muscle becomes increasingly crucial for women as they age The surprising truth about how she maintains her physique through simple nutrition principles Her refreshing perspective on marriage dynamics when both partners are high achievers Practical strategies for training smarter, not harder, as you age The importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth  Full show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/highperformanceliving Learn more about Gabby Reece: https://gabriellereece.com/XPT - Extreme Performance Training: https://www.xptlife.com/ Shop Oura Rings: https://ouraring.com/ Reignite Wellness™ Bars: https://reignitewellness.com/collections/bars Dumbbells: https://amzn.to/3wVXDYf Kooru Cold Plunge: https://www.koorucoldplunges.com/ and use code JJVIP500 for $500 off. Download my free Resistance Training Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/resistance Sunlighten Sauna: https://get.sunlighten.com/JJVirgin - use promo code JJVIRGIN when requesting pricing information for $600 off. Download my FREE Best Rest Sleep Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/sleep Episode Sponsors: Try Timeline: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/shop?rfsn=7082975.4b75243 Use code JJ10 for 10% off all products Go to qualialife.com/VIRGINWELLNESS to try Qualia risk-free for up to 100 days and code VIRGINWELLNESS for an additional 15% off Â
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1:07:34
Weight Training for Women Over 40 (What to Do, Step by Step) with JJ Virgin
In this game-changing episode, I'm tackling a topic that's close to my heart and crucial for every woman over 40: strength training. Drawing from decades of experience (I started at 16!), I'm sharing my evolved approach to building muscle and strength that's specifically tailored for midlife women. We're diving deep into why traditional cardio isn't enough and how proper resistance training can transform your body composition, boost your metabolism, and enhance your daily functionality. I'm breaking down everything from how to measure your starting point using DEXA scans to implementing a practical, progressive training routine that works for your lifestyle. Plus, I'm sharing my personal insights on why grip strength matters and how simple tools like a rucking vest can accelerate your results. What you'll learn: How to accurately measure and track your body composition beyond just the scale The critical connection between grip strength and overall health for women over 40 Why walking 8,000 steps daily is a foundation for success (and how to make it happen) The 4 essential movement patterns that will transform your strength training routine Why muscle building works differently in midlife and how to adapt your approach The truth about rest and recovery for optimal muscle growth after 40 Essential nutrition strategies to support your strength training goals  Full show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/weighttraining 7-Day Eat Protein First Challenge: http://jjvirgin.com/proteinfirst Shop Apple Watches: https://amzn.to/43dn8QV Shop Oura Rings: https://ouraring.com/ Reignite Wellness™ Collagen Peptides Powder: https://reignitewellness.com/products/all-systems-glow-collagen Dumbbells: https://amzn.to/3wVXDYf Try SHEatine: https://reignitewellness.com/collections/all/products/sheatine-capsules Hand Grip Dynamometer: https://amzn.to/48OI2a1 Epsom Salt: https://amzn.to/3IxgmMm Download my free Resistance Training Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/resistance Sunlighten Sauna: https://get.sunlighten.com/JJVirgin use promo code JJVIRGIN when requesting pricing information for $600 off. TRX Resistance Training Equipment: Free Shipping on all orders $99+: https://trxtraining.sjv.io/EKrvrP Episode Sponsors: Try Timeline: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/shop?rfsn=7082975.4b75243 Use code JJ10 for 10% off all products Go to qualialife.com/VIRGINWELLNESS to try Qualia risk free for up to 100 days and code VIRGINWELLNESS for an additional 15% off Â
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20:32
How to Finally Lose Stubborn Belly Fat After 40 with Dr. Ashley Lucas
"Once we fully collapse the belly fat, visceral fat, then we find the metabolism does become more fast and efficient." - Dr. Ashley Lucas In this episode, Dr. Ashley Lucas—former professional ballet dancer turned PhD in sports nutrition—breaks down the surprising science behind visceral fat. She reveals how this type of fat acts like its own organ, secreting hormones that actively resist your weight loss efforts. Drawing from her clinical work and success as the founder of PhD Weight Loss, Dr. Lucas challenges the common advice to “eat everything in moderation” and explains why it might be setting you up for failure. Tune in for a paradigm-shifting discussion on how understanding the true role of visceral fat is key to sustainable weight loss, especially for women over 40. What you'll learn: Why visceral fat acts like a "tumor" in your body and how it sabotages your metabolism The surprising truth about carbohydrate tolerance and why it's different for everyone How to identify and manage your personal food triggers for lasting success Why the habits needed for maintaining weight loss are different than those for losing it The critical mindset shifts required for sustainable transformation How stress perception impacts your ability to lose belly fat The reason you need to "collapse" visceral fat completely to prevent regain  Full show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/ashley Shop Oura Rings: https://ouraring.com/ Oxiline bioimpedance scale: https://oxiline.shop/product/scale-x-pro/?ref=mza2ntv Omron Body Composition Scale: https://amzn.to/3IzidAc Track your protein & macros with Cronometer App: jjvirgin.com/cronometer Reignite Wellness™ Plant-Based & Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Shakes: https://reignitewellness.com/collections/shakes Download my FREE Resistance Training Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/resistance Download my FREE Best Rest Sleep Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/sleep Tape Measure: https://amzn.to/3wQw4Q2 Dr. Ashley Lucas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyLucas  PHD Weight Loss on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PHDWeightLoss Dr. Ashley Lucas on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_ashleylucas/ PHD Weight Loss on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phdweightloss/ Dr. Ashley Lucas on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drashleylucas Get Ashley’s FREE ebook: 5 Steps to Reset the Scale: https://myphdweightloss.com/reset-the-scale-ebook/ Episode Sponsors: Try Timeline: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/shop?rfsn=7082975.4b75243 Use code JJ10 for 10% off all products Go to qualialife.com/VIRGINWELLNESS to try Qualia risk-free for up to 100 days and code VIRGINWELLNESS for an additional 15% off Get Ashley’s FREE ebook: 5 Steps to Reset the Scale Â
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45:32
These 10 Foods Decrease Cortisol Naturally to Reduce Stress Hormones
Today, I dive deep into the fascinating world of stress-fighting foods that can naturally lower your cortisol levels. As women navigating midlife, managing stress becomes increasingly crucial for our overall well-being and weight management goals. I’ll share my personal strategies for incorporating these powerful foods into daily life, from my morning ritual with dark chocolate (yes, chocolate can be healthy!) to simple ways to sneak stress-busting greens into your meals. You’ll discover how specific nutrients work to calm your body’s stress response and learn practical tips for making these foods a regular part of your routine. Whether you’re facing midlife hormonal changes, career pressures, or family responsibilities, these natural solutions can help you find more balance and peace in your busy life. What you'll learn: The surprising connection between specific foods and cortisol reduction Which everyday snacks can actually help calm your nervous system How to properly use dark chocolate as a stress-management tool The vital role of specific nutrients in supporting adrenal health Simple ways to incorporate stress-reducing foods into your daily routine Why gut health is crucial for managing your stress response Key evening rituals that combine nutrition and relaxation FULL show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/lowercortisol Living Ratio chocolate: https://livingratio.com/?sca_ref=2747593.vgty26M7uP&utm_source=2747593&utm_medium=jj-virgin&utm_campaign=4533 Reignite Wellness™ ElectroReplenish: https://reignitewellness.com/products/electroreplenish Reignite Wellness™ Amino Power Powder: https://reignitewellness.com/products/amino-power-powder Reignite Wellness™ SHEatine: https://reignitewellness.com/products/sheatine-capsules Vital Choice wild-caught seafood: https://vitalchoice.sjv.io/daKYGy Reignite Wellness™ Omega Plus: https://reignitewellness.com/products/omega-plus Reignite Wellness™ Collagen Peptides Powder: https://reignitewellness.com/products/all-systems-glow-collagen Epsom Salt: https://amzn.to/3IxgmMm Reignite Wellness™ Magnesium Body Calm: https://reignitewellness.com/products/magnesium-body-calm Reignite Wellness™ Plant-Based & Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Shakes: https://reignitewellness.com/collections/shakes Get 60 FREE delicious, protein-packed shake recipes in my Eat Protein First Smoothie Guide: https://jjvirgin.com/smoothie Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Cacao Nibs: https://jjvirgin.com/recipe/chocolate-avocado-mousse-cacao-nibs/ Study: Effect of Polyphenol-Rich Dark Chocolate on Salivary Cortisol and Mood in Adults: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/8/6/149  Episode Sponsors: Try Timeline: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/shop?rfsn=7082975.4b75243 Use code JJ10 for 10% off all products Go to qualialife.com/VIRGINWELLNESS to try Qualia risk-free for up to 100 days and code VIRGINWELLNESS for an additional 15% off Â
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12:15
Transform Your Energy: From Metabolism to Mitochondria with Dr. Casey Means
"Good energy is fundamentally about giving your body what it needs to thrive. When we do this, our cells work better, our hormones balance, and we feel absolutely incredible." - Dr. Casey Means In this eye-opening episode, I sat down with Dr. Casey Means, Stanford-trained physician, #1 New York Times bestselling author of "Good Energy," and co-founder of Levels, to unpack the truth about America's metabolic health crisis—and more importantly, how we can naturally optimize our body's energy systems. As women over 40, understanding our metabolic health is crucial not just for weight management, but for sustained energy, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Dr. Means shares groundbreaking insights about how we can naturally boost our body's production of key hormones like GLP-1 (the same hormone in popular weight loss medications) through simple dietary and lifestyle changes. Her approach proves that we don't need expensive prescriptions to feel our best—we just need to work with our body's natural wisdom. What you'll learn: Why 93% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy and what this means for your health The three key factors of "bad energy" that drive metabolic dysfunction Natural ways to boost your body's production of satiety hormones without medications Simple food combinations that help stabilize blood sugar and increase energy How continuous glucose monitoring can help you personalize your diet and lifestyle The surprising power of post-meal movement for blood sugar control Key tests to request from your doctor to understand your metabolic health Full show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/goodenergy Shop Apple Watches: https://amzn.to/43dn8QV Shop Oura Rings: https://ouraring.com/ Theia Health Continuous Glucose Monitor: https://join.theiahealth.ai/c/jj Download “The Ditch List: 7 Foods Harming Your Health”: http://jjvirgin.com/ditchlist Reignite Wellness™ Extra Fiber: https://reignitewellness.com/products/extra-fiber Vital Choice wild-caught seafood: https://vitalchoice.sjv.io/daKYGy Reignite Wellness™ Glutamine Powder: https://reignitewellness.com/products/glutamine-powder Timeline Mitopure (Urolithin A) - Save 10%: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/partners/jj-virgin Download my free Resistance Training Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/resistance Download my FREE Best Rest Sleep Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/sleep Sugar Impact Diet: https://reignitewellness.com/products/sugar-impact-diet-paperback-book The Virgin Diet: https://reignitewellness.com/products/the-virgin-diet-paperback Good Energy book: https://www.caseymeans.com/goodenergy Casey Means newsletter: https://www.caseymeans.com/newsletter BYOzempic by Dr. Casey: https://www.caseymeans.com/learn/byozempic-naturally-increase-glp-1-through-3-approaches Dr. Casey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcaseyskitchen/ Dr. Casey on X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/CaseyMeansMD Dr. Casey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caseymeansmd Dr. Casey on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyMeansMD Dr. Casey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-means-md/ Episode Sponsors: Try Timeline: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/shop?rfsn=7082975.4b75243 Use code JJ10 for 10% off all products Go to qualialife.com/VIRGINWELLNESS to try Qualia risk free for up to 100 days and code VIRGINWELLNESS for an additional 15% off Get Dr. Casey’s FREE Ultimate Food List Â
Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin is the podcast for women who want to age powerfully and enjoy the best chapter of their lives.
It’s YOUR turn now to focus on nutrition, wellness, fitness, mindfulness, and beauty.
Refuel your body. Reignite your wellness. Renew your passion. Fall (back) in love with your life, and discover what it means to age powerfully.
Every information-packed episode combines cutting-edge science, pearls of wisdom from JJ’s four decades as a health and wellness leader and the world’s leading experts on weight loss, metabolism, menopause, life transitions and much more. We dive deep into topics like cultivating mindfulness, building strong relationships and setting boundaries, and choosing health…in a nutshell, how we can AGE POWERFULLY into this second half of our lives.
At Well Beyond 40, we empower women in their 40s, 50s, 60, 70s (and beyond!) to defy stereotypes and say, “It's my time now. It's my turn now. It’s my opportunity to step into my best life!”
For four decades, JJ Virgin has helped people lose weight and stop weight regain by eliminating hidden food intolerances and lowering their sugar impact. As a triple-board certified nutrition expert and Fitness Hall of Famer, JJ helps you stay fired up and focused on being your healthiest rockstar self.
In addition to hosting Well Beyond 40, JJ is a prominent TV and media personality. She was co-host of TLC’s Freaky Eaters and the on-camera nutritionist for Weight Loss Challenges on Dr. Phil.
Over the years, JJ has made numerous appearances on PBS, Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, Access Hollywood, and the TODAY Show. She also speaks regularly and has shared the stage with notables including Seth Godin, Lisa Nichols, Gary Vaynerchuk, Mark Hyman, Dan Buettner, and Mary Morrissey.
JJ is the author of 4 New York Times bestsellers: The Virgin Diet, The Virgin Diet Cookbook, The Sugar Impact Diet, and The Sugar Impact Diet Cookbook.
JJ is also the author of Warrior Mom: 7 Secrets to Bold, Brave Resilience. She regularly writes for major blogs and other publications including mindbodygreen and Medium.
Visit jjvirgin.com for hundreds of free recipes and resources, plus state-of-the-art programs, products, and plenty of support to help you rev up your metabolism, reignite your wellness, and step powerfully into the second half of your life.
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