Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by the knowledgeable and inspiring Claire Zai, a strength coach with Barbell Medicine and a competitive powerlifter with her bachelor’s degree in physiology & neuroscience and her master’s degree in physiology with a focus on biomechanics. They discuss myths and evidence-based information about women & strength training, including these topics: How societal gender stereotypes influence how we view women’s and men’s bodiesStrength training around the menstrual cycle – is this something women should think about?What role do hormones like estrogen and progesterone play in our ability to generate force and strength train?Strength training and menopauseDoes our metabolic rate (i.e. our metabolism) decrease when we reach menopause?Strength training and osteoporosisAre claims that yoga can improve bone density evidence-based?Strength training and pregnancyDoes strength training make women “bulky”?…And much more!Enjoy this engaging and eye-opening discussion for yoga, movement, and fitness geeks! Resources mentioned in this episode: Follow and learn from Claire Zai, MS: Instagram / website / email Jenni’s email newsletter Strength for Yoga Remote Group Training – ongoing, interactive monthly strength program for yogis designed by Jenni & Travis Online yoga class library & yoga anatomy workshops with Jenni Strength for Yoga email newsletter Research article: The Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Exercise Performance in Eumenorrheic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Research article: Variations in Strength-Related Measures During the Menstrual Cycle in Eumenorrheic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Research article: The Impact of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Athletes’ Performance: A Narrative Review Research article: The effect of the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives on acute responses and chronic adaptations to resistance training: a systematic review of the literature To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella.