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.
--------
46:54
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.
--------
57:16
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.
--------
1:01:00
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.
--------
38:49
Over and Underrated with Brad Jensen
In this episode of Training Age, hosts Heather Adams and Valerie Lusvardi sit down with Brad Jensen (@thesoberbodybuilder) for an insightful and candid conversation about his journey through addiction, fitness, and personal growth. Kicking things off with lighthearted banter about skiing in Utah and everyday adulting moments, the conversation quickly shifts to Brad’s milestone of turning 40—complete with humorous reflections on aging and its inevitable aches and pains.Brad shares his powerful story of struggling with substance abuse despite growing up in a supportive family. He opens up about how fitness became a transformative outlet at age 15, helping him overcome childhood bullying and weight challenges. Through raw and honest storytelling, he walks listeners through the rock-bottom moment that led to his recovery and the profound realization that choosing the hard path often leads to lasting growth and fulfillment.Heather, Val, and Brad explore the parallels between addiction recovery and fitness, emphasizing the importance of a firm resolution for change. They discuss the delicate balance of supporting loved ones through struggles while allowing them to find their own way. The conversation also delves into the role of empathy in coaching, where Brad’s personal experiences with addiction and weight struggles have shaped his approach to helping others. He shares practical wellness strategies, including breath work for stress management and how fitness and nutrition tools impact decision-making.As the episode wraps up, the discussion takes a fun turn, tackling fitness myths, the role of resistance bands and rucking, and a playful debate on the pros and cons of eating kiwi skin. This conversation is filled with honesty, humor, and valuable takeaways on resilience, self-improvement, and the mindset shifts necessary for meaningful transformation.
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.
USA