In the final episode of Season Two, co-hosts Heather Adams (@heatheradams.fitness) and Valerie Lusvardi (@valerielusvardi) reflect on the often unexpected and humorous realities of perimenopause. From surprise hair changes to rethinking deodorant strength, they share personal stories that highlight the evolving nature of aging—and the freedom in embracing it. They also discuss shifting beauty standards and the choice to go gray with confidence and humor.As summer approaches, the conversation turns to travel and how to maintain health goals without sacrificing the joy of the experience. Heather and Valerie offer practical tips for staying active, prioritizing protein, and choosing accommodations that support simple, nourishing meals—while still enjoying the indulgent moments that make travel memorable.The episode wraps with a refreshing look at mindset: how to step away from rigid food rules, tune into hunger cues, and release the guilt around enjoying local treats. Whether you’re sipping espresso in Italy or trying new foods in Greece, this conversation is a reminder that mindful choices and a little planning can lead to both a joyful vacation and a grounded return home.
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The Feel of Intensity (Strength Training vs. Cardio)
In this episode of Training Age, co-hosts Heather Adams (@heatheradams.fitness) and Valerie Lusvardi (@valerielusvardi) reflect on the intersections of parenting, personal growth, and strength training. They share recent experiences that highlight the importance of advocating for family needs, supporting one another through life’s responsibilities, and modeling healthy boundaries. It’s a candid look at how the values we bring to our workouts often show up in how we show up at home.The conversation then shifts to the concept of training intensity—what it is, how to measure it, and why it matters. Using personal anecdotes from the gym, including sessions with Ellis, Heather and Val break down how discomfort, tempo, and muscle fatigue all play a role in effective training. They emphasize how tuning into your body and managing intensity with intention can lead to better performance and fewer injuries.Wrapping up, the episode highlights stories of client transformation through hypertrophy training and strategic nutrition. These stories underscore the long-term value of consistency, balance, and a sustainable approach to fitness. Whether you’re a parent, a beginner in the gym, or someone looking to refine your training, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical encouragement for building a strong, healthy life.
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Keep Calm and Menopause On!
In this episode of Training Age, co-hosts Heather Adams (@heatheradams.fitness) and Valerie Lusvardi (@valerielusvardi) open up about their own journeys through perimenopause, using humor, honesty, and personal stories to break the silence surrounding menopause. From early memories shaped by cultural taboos to their current experiences with hormone shifts and changing bodies, Heather and Valerie aim to reframe menopause as a natural—and even empowering—phase of life.They reflect on how previous generations, like Heather’s mother, navigated menopause and hormone therapy, and how those stories shape the way they parent and approach aging today. With an emphasis on strength training, nutrition, and sustainable wellness, they push back on the quick-fix solutions often marketed to women at this stage.This episode also explores how open conversations across generations can create space for support, empathy, and better-informed decisions. Whether you’re in the thick of it or just curious about what’s ahead, this conversation offers practical tools and a fresh perspective for embracing the menopause journey with confidence.
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Life After Contest Prep with Teresa McDonald
In this episode of Training Age, hosts Heather Adams (@heatheradams.fitness) and Valerie Lusvardi (@valerielusvardi) sit down with returning guest Teresa McDonald (@mrs.t_mac) to explore the multifaceted world of physique competitions—from show day glam to the mental and physical shifts that come with the post-show phase.Teresa shares her firsthand experience competing across multiple divisions, offering insight into the dynamic, high-energy environment of a show weekend. The conversation highlights the vital role of presentation—posing, makeup, hair, and styling—and how these elements complement physical preparation. Valerie lends her expertise with practical beauty tips, while Teresa reflects on the meaningful community among competitors and the value of thoughtful feedback from judges.Now 12 weeks into her maintenance phase, Teresa opens up about the transition from contest prep to everyday life. She talks about adjusting her nutrition, navigating shifting hunger cues, and embracing a more flexible routine while staying consistent. With honest reflections and actionable tips, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes not just to compete—but to thrive in the seasons that follow.
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Fit Tech: Friend or Foe?
In this episode, Heather @heatheradams.fitness and Val @valerielusvardi explore the role of FitTech in our health journeys—where it helps, where it hinders, and how to find a sustainable middle ground. They break down how tools like the Oura Ring and tracking apps can support awareness around patterns like weight fluctuations, menstrual cycles, and sleep, offering helpful insights for long-term well-being.But with that data comes a caution: technology should enhance, not override, our ability to listen to our own bodies. Heather and Val emphasize the importance of balancing external feedback with internal cues, and they offer practical ideas for self-tracking that prioritize movement, recovery, and intuition over rigid metrics. Whether you’re deep into fitness tech or simply curious, this conversation is a thoughtful guide to using it without losing touch with yourself.
In strength training, "training age" refers to the total time and experience dedicated to developing your skillset. In life, with increased age comes increased experience. As moms, personal trainers and coaches, Val and Heather know a thing or two about both. Fitness and health can seem complicated but it doesn't have to be! Listen as they simplify fitness and biomechanics while contemplating the importance of consistency, mental resilience, and mindset. Val and Heather are here to teach you about the things that matter most in order to build your strongest self at any Training Age.