Are you grappling with persistent belly fat? Are the hormonal shifts typically experienced by women over 40 posing challenges to your fitness journey?Today, Philip (@witsandweights) speaks with fitness expert Megan Dahlman, the sought-after trainer for women over 40 who want to feel their physical best for years to come.We discuss the fun yet frustrating topic of belly fat in women over 40, including the physiological and hormonal changes that affect belly fat and common myths about it, plus 4 surprising, evidence-based strategies for fat loss.With a degree in Exercise Science and as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Megan has an uncanny ability to take complicated aspects of your body and make them simple, doable, and actually sustainable.Through her top 1% podcast, Self Care Simplified, and online training programs and courses, Megan genuinely cares about every woman she interacts with and coaches. Her mission is to empower every woman to feel strong, pain-free, and body-confident, regardless of age.Get an EXCLUSIVE bonus interview with Megan on the 6 BEST core exercises for women of all stages of life & 3 exercises to avoid if you have a weak coreToday, you’ll learn all about:2:34 Her philosophy on building muscle6:31 The gap between the general population and athletes8:41 Why belly fat is talked about so much14:32 Hormonal changes during peri and postmenopause on belly fat17:57 Science behind belly fat accumulation in women over 4019:55 Belly fat myths23:48 Sleep and its relation to cortisol and inflammation26:09 Stress management and the importance of saying "no"30:20 Nutrition for reducing belly fat35:02 Tracking and how to eat39:54 Strength training versus cardio for muscle building43:31 One question Megan wished Philip had asked her47:53 Learn more about Megan and her workEpisode resources:Self Care Simplified podcast@megandahlman on IG5-day Core Tune Up: FREE program that safely strengthens your tired, flabby core muscles and restores proper function to your entire midsection!? Win a prize by taking our Listener Survey! ? Support the show? Apply for 1-on-1 coaching!?‍? Schedule a FREE results breakthrough call with Philip? Join our Facebook community for accountability, live training/Q&As, & free challenges✉️ Join the FREE email list with insider strategies, bonus content, and exclusive articles!? Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS. The only food logging app that adjusts to your metabolism!? Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social and follow/tag @witsandweights? Love the podcast? Leave a 5-star review? Send a Q&A voicemail