{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/60fb27e2f767d70012dbfa56/6aea8618dc2860cef4d75645?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Wednesday Q&A – Squat Struggles, Strength Training in Menopause, & Breaking a Core Plateau","description":"<p>Welcome to Wednesday Q&amp;A, where you ask questions and we answer them!</p><p>In this episode, Lara and Kristin answer your questions on why squats can feel so challenging (even for runners and CrossFitters), how to strength train and use the LYT platform effectively during menopause, and what to do when a Pilates routine stops feeling like it’s working. Drawing on their backgrounds as physical therapists, they share practical, easy-to-apply guidance for building strength, power, and core control.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Your Questions:</strong></p><ul><li>Hi Lara and Kristen, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on why squat movements (front squats, back squats, thrusters, etc.) always seem to feel so challenging for me. I’m a regular CrossFitter, but I feel like I’m not making much progress when it comes to lifting heavier weights. I also have some ongoing low-back soreness, although it isn’t necessarily present when I’m lifting. One thing I’ve noticed is that I have to be very mindful of my squat depth because I don’t always naturally get very deep. And when I drive up out of the squat, I feel weak and slow. I really notice it in my hips– they almost feel like they don’t want to move quickly. What makes this especially frustrating and confusing is that I’ve been a runner for many years and am an occasional cyclist, so I feel like I have strong legs. <u>Why, then, do squats feel so difficult, and what might be limiting my ability to produce force and move weight? I&#39;m sure it&#39;s a mobility issue not just a strength issue, something related to my hips or back, or simply a movement pattern I need to work on?</u> Thanks for any insight!</li><li>Strength training is important especially now that I&#39;m menopausal. <u>Can you discuss how to use the LYT platform to effectively strength train at this age?</u> Hypertrophy is my goal: I want my muscles to have definition. The answer to cellulite is hypertrophy, don&#39;t you think? <em>[Summary of the rest of the text:]</em> I believe it&#39;s recommended that women in menopause lift heavy, i.e., toward failure, at least twice a week. I&#39;ve been doing that and I know to switch it up every 4 weeks. So could I do Set with Weights class 3x/week for 4 weeks, then pick three different ones for the next 4 weeks? Or can I do a variety of strength classes from the platform ones 3x/week. Will that keep my bones and muscles healthy? </li><li>I&#39;ve been doing mat Pilates for over 5 years but feel like I&#39;ve plateaued– <u>is it possible that my core muscles aren&#39;t getting stronger? Suggestions?</u> I am looking to shake up my routine! BTW, I am 44, not menopausal so can&#39;t attribute my bored belly to that LOL </li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Classes Mentioned:</strong></p><ul><li>LYT Strength Circuit collection <a href=\"https://practice.lytyoga.com/programs/collection-strength-circuit\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://practice.lytyoga.com/programs/collection-strength-circuit</a></li><li>Maria&#39;s LYT Load series <a href=\"https://practice.lytyoga.com/programs/collection-lyt-load\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://practice.lytyoga.com/programs/collection-lyt-load</a></li><li>Lara&#39;s SET with Weights #20 - Intermediate <a href=\"https://practice.lytyoga.com/programs/set-with-weights-20-intermediate\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://practice.lytyoga.com/programs/set-with-weights-20-intermediate</a> (one option of many SET with weights classes)</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Have a question for the show? Email us</em> <em>at <a href=\"mailto:support@lytyoga.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">support@lytyoga.com</a> or send us a DM</em>.</p><p><em>No question is off the table— keep submitting your questions!</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><strong>Connect with LYT, Lara, and Kristin:</strong></p><p><br></p><ul><li>LYT on Instagram - <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/lytyogamethod/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@LYTYogaMethod</a></li><li>Lara on Instagram -<a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/lara.heimann/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> @Lara.Heimann</a></li><li>Kristin on Instagram - <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/kbwilliams99/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@kbwilliams99</a></li></ul>","author_name":"LYT®"}