65. The Power of Muscle: Why Strength Is the Secret to Aging Powerfully (with Dr. Stuart Phillips)

Episode supported by Starbucks Protein at Starbucks Canada @starbuckscanada

https://protein.starbucks.ca/

When it comes to aging powerfully, there’s one thing we can’t afford to lose: muscle.

In this episode, Melissa sits down with one of the world’s foremost experts on muscle health and aging — Dr. Stuart Phillips, Professor of Kinesiology at McMaster University, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health and Aging, and Director of the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence. With over 400 scientific papers and 31,000 citations, Dr. Phillips is one of the most cited researchers in the world when it comes to how nutrition and exercise shape our bodies over time.

Together, Melissa and Dr. Phillips unpack why building and maintaining muscle is essential for women — not just for strength or appearance, but for metabolic health, independence, and longevity. They dig into:

• The truth about muscle loss through menopause — and how to fight it
• What the data actually says about how to build muscle after 40
• Why protein and resistance training matter more than endless cardio
• The biggest myths and misconceptions women have about strength training
• How just a little bit of movement can make a massive difference in aging well

Because when it comes to longevity, strength isn’t optional — it’s powerful.

As Melissa says, there are those who “do their research,” and then there are those, like Dr. Phillips, who are doing the research. This is your chance to hear directly from the scientist changing how we think about aging, health, and the power of muscle.

Resources

• Learn more about Dr. Stuart Phillips’ research:
• https://mira.mcmaster.ca/our-faculty/stuart-phillips/
• Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE) –
• https://pace.mcmaster.ca/home/about-pace/

Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner

Producer: Melissa Grelo