Next Level

Yay!! In the past I’ve had to cobble together information about nutrition and training for young people and menopause information for women who don’t train and try to “mesh” it all together for my specific case (post menopausal athlete). Thankfully, Sims and Yeager have researched and written all of the information we women need in one place. This book is so thorough! From the training and staying fit aspect, nutrition, keeping strong and healthy, there is so much excellent practical advice and specific information, I’m overwhelmed in the best way! I made so many highlights and now I’m eager to put the advice into action! I will definitely recommend to my other female athlete friends! Highly recommended!

This is a book that needed to be written (much earlier!). Loaded with information and targeted for athletes, this book is perfect for all women who are going through menopause or pre-menopause whether they are athletes or not. Highly recommended.

Powerful information in a sea of books that otherwise tell you there's nothing you can do about menopause, so get comfy and drink your tea, old lady! This is marketed towards athletes, but I suspect the information is useful to all women wanting to transition into their later years with less discomfort and loss of vitality.

Excellent background and actionable information for women in midlife and beyond (and their trainers). The last chapter, Putting it All Together, lays out a weekly plan for training and fueling -- read that first, then go back to the beginning of the book to get the science behind the plan. Highly recommended.

I am a nutritionist and also post menopausal and was interested to read this book. The author encourages 50 plus women to eat more protein than is the conventional wisdom in order to maintain muscle mass. This makes a lot of sense to me. She also encourages strength training and sports like walking, running, dancing and tennis to maintain bone density as well as muscle mass and strength. A number of exercises are included in this book. It would be an excellent overall resource for women over age 40 who want to be assertive in maintaining their health for a long life. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

The philosophy behind ‘Next Level’ is to bring your health and training to the next level as you reach the next level of your life. This level is the second half of a woman’s (and people with a uterus’) life span and encompasses the peri and post menopausal transitions. It is a great book. Stacy Sims’ voice is positive and affirming. She doesn’t use the term hormone replacement therapy because we are not replacing hormones we are using a transitional therapy to help us even things out at a time when our hormones are at their most imbalanced.
She explains female biology and our hormones to the reader. She then explains how and why adaptogens work, the medical options, and she explains what training needs to look like. Women (etc) need to do bursts of high intensity training - to reduce insulin sensitivity, balance hormones, boost mitochondrial function and more. We need to lift heavy - to boost our metabolic rate, for bone health and immune function and so much more. We need to jump - for power and strength and to help build bones. We need to focus on our core strength - for pelvic floor health. She suggests supplements that may be worth trying - vitamin D, Magnesium, DIIM, Creatine, Caffeine.
And she covers the stuff that everyone else talks about - eating for gut health and focusing on sleep hygiene.
I will refer to this book often it is a brilliant resource. I do hope that for the second edition they think about using an older model - perhaps a woman in her early fifties? I also worried about the model’s elbow alignment (slight hyperextension) in some of the foam rolling images - but this is my niggly perspective as a movement coach.
Still a five star read.

I am not an athlete by any stretch of the imagination but I found this both informative and useful. The exercise and diet advice, while not new to me, was presented in a way that felt fresh. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Wish I'd had this sooner.

This book is a must-read for all women. I am (hopefully) many years away from menopause, but it was SO nice to learn more about what to expect and how to combat some of the negative effects. The authors empower women with not only knowledge but encouragement. Women don't have to passively accept menopause, but can be as strong as ever, with a little planning and the right approach. Highly recommend.

Perfect timing!! I am two years into menopause and have needed this book! It all makes sense and has information I will immediately use in my life as it relates to nutrition and exercise. I feel like there are lots of books out there about health and fitness but appreciate the focus and specialization of this one for women like me confronted with new way our bodies are reacting snd “being”. Thanks to Penguin Random House for the advanced copy!

Are you tired, sluggish, fighting weight gain or having hot flashes? Do you struggle on your daily run or in the gym? Are you in perimenopause or menopause? If you answered yes to any of these questions or if you are just interested in improving your eating, sleeping or exercise habits, Next Level is for you. Full of well researched information, Next Level will help you understand the affects of menopause on your body. Sleep habits, weight distribution, loss of muscle and depression are discussed here. Most of the solutions involve both medical and alternative medicine solutions. Next Level describes menopause as a positive change for the active woman. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rodale Books, Stacy T. Sims, PhD and Selene Yeager for this ARC.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book.

Wonderful addition to any meno lady that is already using exercise to stay healthy and fit.
This book is a great guide for those women who are transitioning thru the last stage of womanhood. Lots of great information health-wise, food-wise and exercise-wise. This book should be on every ladies radar.

As a woman whom has already gone through menopause at an early age, I think that this book Next Level should be a keeper on every women's bookshelf and read at some point in their lives. I enjoyed reading this insightful and informative menopause book which includes ways to help you transition through the stages of having menopause and making you understand that your life is just beginning again, not ending!


*Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion/review.