For years, millions of women grew up believing that cardio was the best option for staying healthy after age 40. However, a new episode of the podcast *Y Tú ¿Qué Onda?* aims to debunk that myth with information backed by experts and a conversation that could change the way many women approach perimenopause and menopause. You can listen to the podcast HERE.
Titled “If You’re Going Through Menopause and Only Do Cardio… Let Me Tell You That You’re Making a Serious Mistake,” the episode brings together hosts Jimena Aguilar, Areli Insunza, and Karina Zambrano with certified trainer Mara Sarabia to discuss why strength training has become one of the most important pillars of women’s health during this stage of life.
Click on the photo to listen to the podcast
Jimena Aguilar, a renowned journalist and host with extensive experience in radio, television, and digital platforms, leads this conversation alongside Areli Insunza and Karina Zambrano.
They share their own experiences regarding the physical and emotional changes that many women begin to experience even before the age of 40.
The episode on perimenopause on *Y Tú Qué Onda* stays true to the podcast’s signature style: speaking candidly about topics that were considered taboo for decades.
One of the key points of the conversation is that the most challenging phase does not begin when menstruation stops, but several years earlier.
What’s the deal with perimenopause?
Mara Sarabia explains that perimenopause can begin between four and ten years before menopause and that it is precisely during this period that hormonal fluctuations cause symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, loss of muscle mass, metabolic changes, and decreased bone density.
The specialist points out that muscle functions as a metabolic organ and that strength training helps preserve muscle mass, improve insulin sensitivity, strengthen bones, and keep the metabolism active—benefits that are especially important when estrogen levels begin to decline.
In addition, he argues that combining strength training with intense cardio sessions is much more effective than relying solely on traditional cardiovascular exercise.
Another topic covered in the episode is the role of cortisol and stress. Mara Sarabia explains that training for long periods without adequate recovery or with an insufficient diet can have the opposite effect than expected, hindering muscle growth and promoting the accumulation of abdominal fat.
That is why it recommends strategic training, adequate nutrition, and rest as part of the overall health process.
Debunking Myths
The hosts also discuss some of the most common myths among women, such as the fear of “getting too muscular” from lifting weights.
The specialist explains that building significant muscle mass requires very specific conditions and that, during perimenopause, the real goal should be to preserve muscle mass in order to maintain independence, mobility, and quality of life as one ages.
The conversation also includes practical recommendations on how to start working out, the importance of consuming enough protein, the potential use of creatine, strengthening the pelvic floor, the relationship between exercise and sex life, as well as testimonials showing how even people over 60 can significantly improve their mobility and independence by incorporating strength training into their routine.
With this episode, *Y Tú ¿Qué Onda?* continues to establish itself as a platform dedicated to providing information and sparking conversations about wellness, health, and personal development from a relatable, practical perspective backed by experts.
The episode is now available on all audio platforms, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, where you can also listen to other shows promoted by Nueva Onda and Nueva Network, such as *Alex El Genio Lucas*.
Filed under: Perimenopause on “Y Tú Qué Onda”