19 Comments
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The Midst's avatar

Great insights. We'll spread the word!

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Maryann Jacobsen's avatar

Thank you!!

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Susan Campbell's avatar

This article explains why I so much prefer to take longer, slower runs than shorter, quicker runs! Thank you for explaining!

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Maryann Jacobsen's avatar

I'm with you on that!

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Karen Parsons Russin's avatar

I am looking forward to this series. As a midlife woman, it is hard to navigate all the noise as to the best way forward. Dealing with an injury at the moment challenging to focus on the long game for exercise, but right now I am trying to focus on doing what I can do and be patient.

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Maryann Jacobsen's avatar

Injuries are tough. I plan to address injury prevention too. The long game is so important!

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Cara Bradley's avatar

As a strength coach to midlife women, I really appreciate this deep dive and grounded approach. It's too easy to scroll through Instagram and believe the "do's and don't do's."

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Maryann Jacobsen's avatar

Thanks Cara!!

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Dr Jen | Syringa Wellness's avatar

Really appreciate this clear, nuanced look at how neural decline drives early muscle loss. The analogy to iron deficiency anemia is smart as so much happens before it’s visible.

Curious, though, given how inconsistent the research is, what do you think midlife women should focus on first to protect fast-twitch fibers? Is there any consensus (even tentative) about whether volume, intensity, or velocity matters most?

Looking forward to reading more.

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Maryann Jacobsen's avatar

I’ll be talking about specific exercise research in the next post so stay tuned. And if it doesn’t answer your question, leave a comment!

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maria peevey's avatar

So important to keep up the strength training as we age!

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Maryann Jacobsen's avatar

Yes it is! More on that in the next post.

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Shelby Tutty, MHA's avatar

Love this... great job! I have long suspected that I have more type 2 muscle fibers then type 1 based on the types of activities I'm good at and enjoy (power and strength over endurance) so it will be interesting to see how I age knowing that more type 2 fibers convert to type 1. Like will a higher baseline slow it down or accelerate it? Ask me when I'm 80 and I'll let you know. Looking forward to your next article on this!

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Maryann Jacobsen's avatar

Ha ha! I’m the opposite. Great endurance but not so much for speed and power. But working on it!

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I Hate this Timeline's avatar

I'm new here and would appreciate your definition of mid life. Thanks

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Maryann Jacobsen's avatar

I use what is often cited in studies: 40-65 (ish). That being said, health information still applies as we get older. No hard and fast rules.

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KB's avatar

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6kQTaFyPuf8cUoUMVslNF8?si=ufw3H4D4SXmsDnSZNgodew.

This is an excellent podcast with experts and research / science based info. I can’t remember which episode covered this issue to power, but I’d recommend all of them.

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