Next Level

Stacy T. Sims, Selene Yeager

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4.6(2,299 Ratings)
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cover backgroundNext Level

About this book

Menopause doesn't have to sideline your active life. From Dr. Stacy Sims, author of Roar, comes Next Level, the essential guide for active women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Discover how to understand your changing physiology and work with your body to maintain peak performance.

Tired of battling new symptoms, diminished strength, and frustratingly slow recovery times? Next Level delivers science-backed strategies to minimize hormonal fluctuations, combat common symptoms like bloating and fatigue, and confidently communicate with your doctor.

Inside, you'll find:

  • Expert guidance on hormone therapy, supplements, and recovery techniques.
  • Customizable exercise routines and fueling strategies, including meal plans and macronutrient charts.
  • Real-world case studies of women thriving through menopause.

Next Level provides the knowledge and tools to conquer this transition and continue crushing your fitness goals. Reclaim your body, redefine your limits, and unleash your next level.

Summary of Key Ideas

  • Embrace Female-Specific Physiology

    Understanding Female Physiology: The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique physiological changes women undergo during perimenopause and menopause. It highlights how hormonal fluctuations affect energy levels, muscle mass, bone density, and overall athletic performance. This understanding forms the foundation for tailoring training and nutrition strategies to support women's health and fitness goals during this life stage.

  • Fueling Through Hormonal Changes

    Optimizing Nutrition for Hormonal Shifts: "Next Level" provides specific dietary recommendations to counter the effects of declining estrogen levels. Key strategies include prioritizing protein intake to preserve muscle mass, timing carbohydrate consumption to optimize energy levels, and incorporating healthy fats for hormone production and overall well-being. The book debunks common nutrition myths and offers practical guidance on fueling the body for optimal performance during this transitional phase.

  • Prioritize Strength and Power

    Strategic Strength Training: The book advocates for prioritizing strength training to combat muscle loss and maintain bone density, both of which are crucial for long-term health and athletic performance. It provides detailed guidance on exercise selection, proper form, and progressive overload, empowering women to build and maintain strength safely and effectively. It also highlights the importance of lifting heavy and incorporating plyometrics for bone health.

  • Stress Management and Recovery

    Managing Stress and Recovery: "Next Level" emphasizes the significance of stress management and adequate recovery for women experiencing hormonal changes. It discusses how stress can exacerbate hormonal imbalances and negatively impact performance. The book provides practical strategies for managing stress, improving sleep quality, and optimizing recovery through techniques such as yoga, meditation, and proper nutrition. It underscores the need to listen to the body and adjust training accordingly.

  • Redefine Your Limits

    Challenging Age-Related Limitations: A core theme of "Next Level" is challenging societal expectations and limiting beliefs about aging and athletic performance. The book empowers women to redefine their potential and continue pursuing their fitness goals with confidence and determination. It showcases inspiring stories of women who have thrived during and after menopause, demonstrating that age is not a barrier to achieving peak performance.

  • Navigating Hormone Replacement Therapy

    Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Considerations: The book offers an unbiased and informative discussion of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), presenting the potential benefits and risks based on current scientific evidence. It encourages women to have informed conversations with their healthcare providers about whether HRT is the right choice for them, considering their individual health history and goals. It emphasizes that HRT is a personal decision and should be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional.

  • Prioritizing Restorative Sleep

    Optimizing Sleep for Hormone Balance: Recognizing the critical role of sleep in hormonal regulation and overall well-being, "Next Level" dedicates significant attention to sleep hygiene. The book provides practical strategies for improving sleep quality, such as establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimizing the sleep environment. It underscores the importance of prioritizing sleep as a foundational element of health and performance.

  • Embrace Individualization

    Individualized Training Approaches: The book champions an individualized approach to training, recognizing that every woman's experience with perimenopause and menopause is unique. It encourages women to monitor their symptoms, track their progress, and adjust their training plans accordingly. It promotes self-awareness and empowers women to become active participants in their own fitness journey.

Chapter Recap

1: The Stats. The Stigma. The Silence.Stacy T. Sims highlights the significant portion of a woman's life, nearly 40 percent, spent post-menopause, underscoring the negativity surrounding it for centuries. Historically, menopause was viewed negatively, from Hippocrates' era, where it was seen as a weakening phase, to the Puritan times, a
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About The Author

Stacy T. Sims

Main Quotes

"The things that have always kept you fit and healthy just seem to stop working the way they used to."

"Menopause doesn't have to be the end of you kicking ass at the gym, on the trail, in the saddle, or wherever you work out."

"Once you understand the physiology of menopause, you can take your performance and your life to the Next Level."

"This is about figuring out how to train and fuel smarter to align with your physiology, so you can continue to achieve your athletic goals."

"You absolutely can adapt, rebuild, and come back stronger during and after this time."

"It’s about learning to work with your body instead of fighting against it."

"When estrogen is low, your stress response is amplified, and your ability to handle carbohydrates diminishes."

"Lower estrogen also means reduced muscle mass and strength."

"Prioritize protein."

"Adapt your training to match your hormonal environment."

Who Should Read This Book

Women athletes in perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause.

Women seeking guidance on exercise, nutrition, and hydration during and after menopause.

Women looking to maintain or improve their fitness and overall well-being through menopause.

Readers of Stacy Sims' previous books who are interested in women's health and fitness.

Individuals interested in science-based information about how menopause affects the female body and athletic performance.

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