Are you afraid of “bulking up”? Do you think lifting heavy will make you look masculine? Or maybe you’re exhausted… and can’t imagine adding one more thing to your plate?

In this week’s Brave Table conversation, I sit down with strength expert Holly Perkins to unpack a truth most women have never been taught:

With every passing birthday… you are losing muscle.

If you’ve ever said:

“I’m already tired.”

“I don’t want to get bulky.”

“I just want to feel strong again.”

This episode is your wake-up call. Because muscle isn’t about aesthetics; it’s medicine.

What you'll get out of this episode…

Why strength training is NOT about bulking

The hidden reason you’re feeling fatigued

How muscle optimizes testosterone and estradiol naturally

The truth about inflammation and nervous system health

Why cardio and Pilates alone won’t get you there

The specific protocol women 30+ should follow

How strength training may even delay menopause

The surprising connection between muscle and visceral belly fat

Connect with Holly

FREE 3-day Workshop “Muscle for Life” / https://www.hollyperkins.com/bravetable

IG / https://www.instagram.com/hollyperkins

The Holly Perkins Health Podcast / https://www.hollyperkins.com/podcast

BOOK / https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Health-Lift-Get-Lean/dp/1623364787

This Episode is Sponsored by Chai Tonics

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Follow along for more tips, community, and resources to brave a better you!

YOUTUBE / @TheBraveTable

IG / @neetabhushan

IG / @thebravetable

TIKTOK / @neeta.bhushan

WEB / https://neetabhushan.com

If you loved this episode, check out…

Ep. #375: Perimenopause: The Hormonal Rollercoaster We Don’t Talk About Enough with Dr. Mariza Snyder: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/375-perimenopause-the-hormonal-rollercoaster-we-dont/id1608226580?i=1000733702697

Ep. #381: Your Body Already Knows How to Heal – The Ancient Wisdom We Forgot with Nidhi Pandya: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/381-your-body-already-knows-how-to-heal-the-ancient/id1608226580?i=1000737097354

Ep. #393: The 6 Most Powerful Health Shifts You Must Embrace in 2026: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/393-6-health-myths-were-finallyletting-go-of-in-2026/id1608226580?i=1000743062229

To receive a free gift, email a screenshot of your 5-star review of The Brave Table to support@globalgrit.co 😘

Dr. Neeta Bhushan is a 5x award-winning author, emotional health advocate, and host of The Brave Table podcast. CEO of Highest Self Institute and author of That Sucked, Now What, she’s been featured in Forbes, ABC, and more. A former dentist turned global speaker, Neeta’s work blends psychology, ancient wisdom, and resilience from her own life experiences. She's also a mom, wellness lover, and chai enthusiast.