ROAR by Dr. Stacy Sims Will Change How You Think About Women's Health—Here's Why
Let’s face it: most health advice has been written with a male body in mind. If you’ve ever followed a fitness plan to the letter only to feel exhausted, off-track, or like it just wasn’t clicking—there’s a reason. Dr. Stacy Sims’ groundbreaking book ROAR delivers the truth we should have been told from the start: "Women are not small men."
And once you understand that? Everything changes.
As a wellness coach for high-performing women, I believe ROAR should be required reading. It bridges the gap between science and everyday life, offering practical insights for aligning your workouts, nutrition, and recovery with your hormonal rhythms. Here's what every driven woman needs to take away from it:
1. Your Cycle Is Your Superpower
Your energy, strength, and metabolism all shift with your menstrual cycle—and that’s not a problem. It’s an opportunity. In the follicular phase (the first half of your cycle), you’re primed for high-intensity workouts and new personal records. In the luteal phase (the second half), your body needs more recovery, more protein, and a different pace.
“The menstrual cycle is your body's report card. It gives you vital information every single month—if you’re willing to listen.” —Dr. Stacy Sims
Learning to adapt your training and fueling to your cycle doesn’t hold you back—it gives you an edge.
2. Hydration Isn't One-Size-Fits-All
Here’s something most women aren’t told: your hydration needs fluctuate with your hormones. In the luteal phase, you retain more fluid, your core temperature rises, and you’re more susceptible to dehydration. Dr. Sims suggests strategic electrolyte support—not just plain water—to stay sharp and resilient.
3. Fuel to Thrive, Not Shrink
ROAR debunks the outdated advice that women should eat less and exercise more. Instead, it highlights the importance of nutrient timing: carbs before workouts, protein right after, and never training fasted during certain cycle phases. The goal? Support your metabolism, preserve lean muscle, and avoid hormonal burnout.
4. Strength Training Is Non-Negotiable
If you're not lifting weights, you're missing out. Resistance training builds more than muscle—it fortifies your bones, stabilizes hormones, and boosts long-term metabolic health. And no, lifting won’t make you bulky. It will make you resilient.
Why This Matters for Women
Women are often told to “push through” exhaustion, mood swings, or underperformance. But ROAR offers a smarter approach: work with your biology, not against it.
As someone who coaches high-performing professionals, I use many of the strategies Dr. Sims outlines. Whether it’s identifying energy leaks, optimizing training schedules, or supporting recovery, this book gives us the science to back what our bodies have been telling us all along.
You don’t have to choose between ambition and well-being. You can have both—if you’re willing to ditch outdated rules and listen inward.
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