Skip to content

Coach Reveals 5 “Power Moves” to Do Over 40

These exercises will help you tone up at any age.

Nikkiey Stott
Copyright nikkieystott/Instagram

Don’t let your age be the excuse you use for not being in shape. You can be strong and fit in at any age, says one expert. Nikkiey Stott, BSN, Fitness Coach and co-founder of Warrior Babe, helps “women manage macros, build muscles, & boost confidence.” In a new post, she reveals the top five exercises you should do if you are over 40 that offer the most bang for your buck. “Do these 5 power moves if you’re over 40,” she writes. “Want to stay strong, fit, and functional at 40, 50, or even 60+? Save these 5 moves to your weekly workouts.”


Squats

The first power move she recommends is a butt-buster: Squats. “Build lower body strength and protect your joints,” she says about the glute and leg exercises, which she also demonstrates in the video.

Pushups

Another effective exercise that offers full-body benefits? Pushups. “Strengthen your chest, shoulders, and arms while improving core stability,” she says.

Deadlifts

Next on her power moves list? Deadlifts. “The ultimate move for a strong back, glutes, and hamstrings,” she says about the exercise, which requires weights.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Standing Shoulder Press

Grab a pair of free weights or a bar and do a standing shoulder press, she suggests. “Keep your shoulders strong and mobile as you age,” she says.

Lat Pulldowns or Dumbbell Rows

Lastly, choose from two exercises, lat pulldowns or dumbbell rows. “Boost upper back strength and posture,” she says.

RELATED:I Got Into the Best Shape of My Life at 50 by Following These 6 "Basics"

10,000 Steps Per Day

In another post, she also recommends walking “10,000 steps per day,” which she says equals “70 marathons per year.” A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Strength Training

And, of course, she also recommends investing time in strength training. “Committing to 3 workouts a week = 156 workouts a year,” she adds. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills
And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

More For You

Nikkiey Stott
Copyright nikkieystott/Instagram

Don’t let your age be the excuse you use for not being in shape. You can be strong and fit in at any age, says one expert. Nikkiey Stott, BSN, Fitness Coach and co-founder of Warrior Babe, helps “women manage macros, build muscles, & boost confidence.” In a new post, she reveals the top five exercises you should do if you are over 40 that offer the most bang for your buck. “Do these 5 power moves if you’re over 40,” she writes. “Want to stay strong, fit, and functional at 40, 50, or even 60+? Save these 5 moves to your weekly workouts.”

Squats

The first power move she recommends is a butt-buster: Squats. “Build lower body strength and protect your joints,” she says about the glute and leg exercises, which she also demonstrates in the video.

Pushups

Another effective exercise that offers full-body benefits? Pushups. “Strengthen your chest, shoulders, and arms while improving core stability,” she says.

Deadlifts

Next on her power moves list? Deadlifts. “The ultimate move for a strong back, glutes, and hamstrings,” she says about the exercise, which requires weights.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Standing Shoulder Press

Grab a pair of free weights or a bar and do a standing shoulder press, she suggests. “Keep your shoulders strong and mobile as you age,” she says.

Lat Pulldowns or Dumbbell Rows

Lastly, choose from two exercises, lat pulldowns or dumbbell rows. “Boost upper back strength and posture,” she says.

RELATED:I Got Into the Best Shape of My Life at 50 by Following These 6 "Basics"

10,000 Steps Per Day

In another post, she also recommends walking “10,000 steps per day,” which she says equals “70 marathons per year.” A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Strength Training

And, of course, she also recommends investing time in strength training. “Committing to 3 workouts a week = 156 workouts a year,” she adds. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills
And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Finding time to hit the gym isn't always possible. Whether it's a busy schedule, lack of transportation, or simply preferring to work out at home, getting a proper back workout without equipment might seem challenging.


Enter Cori Lefkowith, founder of Redefining Strength. With over 800,000 YouTube subscribers trusting her expertise, she's made it her mission to help people build strength wherever they are. Today, she shares her top three back exercises that require nothing more than your body weight and items you already have at home.

Why Your Back Needs Attention

"There's often one muscle group overlooked and underworked in our body weight workouts, especially when we don't have any equipment on hand, and that muscle group is our backs," Cori explains in her post. While we regularly do push-ups for the chest and shoulders or squats for the legs, back exercises often get forgotten in-home workouts.

Exercise 1: The Wall or Floor Scapular Hold

The first exercise requires only a wall or floor. "This move is honestly something I even include for my clients in the gym because of how amazing it is for back activation and scapular control," says Cori. This versatile exercise can be performed as either an isometric hold or with repetitions.

Key technique points:

  • Position yourself against a wall or on the floor
  • Push through your elbows while drawing shoulder blades together
  • Press your chest out
  • Keep your core engaged throughout.

RELATED: 51-Year-Old Coach Loses 6 Sizes in 30 Days With 4 Simple Daily Habits

Exercise 2: The Doorway Row Master

Your doorway or stairwell becomes your rowing station with this exercise. "With this move, your body weight will be your own resistance, and you'll feel not only your back and biceps, but even your legs and core," Cori shares. The key is focusing on driving your elbows back rather than just pulling with your arms.

Options include:

  • Single-arm rows
  • Two-arm rows
  • Anti-rotational variations
  • Rotational pulls.

Exercise 3: The Towel Technique

Don't underestimate the power of a simple towel. "Using a towel, you can actually work your back in so many different ways from rows to flies, to even pull downs," Cori demonstrates. The effectiveness comes from creating self-resistance through the towel.

Towel exercise variations:

  • Self-resistant rows
  • Bent-over rows
  • Pull-downs
  • Single-arm flies.

Making These Moves Work for You

For beginners, Cori recommends starting with wall-based movements. "The wall is a bit easier to control than the floor. And the less you walk your feet away from the wall, the more modified the move is," she advises. This makes these exercises adaptable to every fitness level.

Advanced practitioners can challenge themselves by:

  • Increasing hold times
  • Adding controlled rotations to rows
  • Using towel exercises with increased tension
  • Incorporating dynamic movements.

Form First, Always

To maximize results, Cori emphasizes proper form: "The key is not just pulling with your arms but actually driving your elbows back. You want to feel your shoulder blade move towards your spine, engaging your back to power the pull."

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals 4 Signs You're Eating Too Much Fiber

Last Word From the Trainer

Cori shares her final advice: "There's always a way to get results training with what we have." These three exercises prove that building a stronger back doesn't require a gym membership – just commitment and proper technique. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Coach Tyler Warrior Made WeShape
Copyright WeShape/YouTube

Starting a core workout routine can feel intimidating, especially when you're new to exercise. Finding movements that are both effective and doable can seem like an impossible task. But what if you could build core strength with just four simple exercises from your living room?

"Core exercises are the foundation of your entire body. Every movement you make stems from your core," explains Coach Tyler from Warrior Made. With thousands of success stories from his online training programs, Tyler specializes in helping complete beginners transform their bodies through simple, at-home workouts. "In order to slim down your waistline and get toned, you need to be following the right exercises in a progressive order," he shares.

Master the Reverse Crunch First

Cute girl with dark hair wearing pink snickers, dark leggings and black short top doing reverse crunch at gym, fitness, white wall and wooden floor.Shutterstock

Your core journey begins with the reverse crunch. "The most common thing that people do with reverse crunch is as they bring their legs down, their lower back lifts off the ground," Tyler explains in his post. To perform this correctly, lie on your back and press your lower back firmly into the ground. Make a diamond shape with your hands and place them under your tailbone. Inhale as you lower your heels toward the ground, and exhale while bringing your knees back to your chest.

Build Strength With the Kneeling Plank

Plank on knees. Young woman doing sport exercise.

Shutterstock

The kneeling plank provides a stable foundation for beginners. "Most people plank and they stick their butt up in the air," Tyler notes. Instead, start in a kneeling position with your elbows on the ground. The key is to "squeeze your glute, squeeze your button muscles as tight as you can." This action brings your body into perfect alignment from knees through hips to shoulders. Remember to tuck your chin and think about dragging your elbows toward your hips to engage your core fully.

Progress to Mountain Climbers

Fitness,plank,Mountain,Climber,Exercises,home,fitnessShutterstock

As your strength builds, try the mountain climber. "Start slow and use small range of motion at first," Tyler advises. Begin in a pushup position with hands flat on the ground. Alternate bringing each knee forward, as if running in place. If this proves challenging, Tyler offers a modification: "Try using a chair or the back of a couch to make it even easier for you."

Complete With the Kneeling Inchworm

Athletic 30 woman doing pilates exercise standing in a pose on all fours on gym mat in starting position. Body power training. Concept of active morning ritual. Breathing yoga practice concentration.

Shutterstock

The final exercise, the kneeling inchworm, combines control with core engagement. Start on your knees with hands close by, squeeze your glutes tight, and walk your hands forward. As Tyler instructs, "Keep your elbows as locked as you can, and walk your body out as far as you can." Use your shoulder blades, not your elbows, to control the movement.

Create Your Workout Flow

Uses a fitness watch bracelet. woman sports lifestyle fitness in the city cardio endurance training.Shutterstock

For each exercise, Tyler recommends a 30-second duration. "You can get a great core workout in just two minutes," he explains. This makes the routine perfect for beginners who are just starting their fitness journey. Focus on form rather than speed, and remember that consistency matters more than intensity.

Stay Safe and Progress Gradually

Female doctor filling patient insurance information

Shutterstock

Before starting any new exercise routine, Tyler emphasizes, "You should consult with your personal care provider before you take on any new exercise program." Listen to your body, start slowly, and gradually increase intensity as movements become more comfortable.


Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and these four foundational moves provide everything you need to begin building core strength at home. As Tyler reminds us, "We use similar workouts just like this with thousands of our members to achieve incredible results." Start your core journey today with these proven beginner-friendly exercises. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks

.

Shauna Theresa shaunatheresa
Copyright shaunatheresa/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you over 40, and the same tactics you used to burn fat when you were younger suddenly aren’t working anymore? Shauna Theresa is a women’s fitness and nutrition coach who helps women over 40 “boost metabolism, build strong, sculpted bodies and lose fat for life” using her STRONG method. In a new post, she reveals how she had to adapt her fat loss approach as she got older. “Fat loss was easier in my 40s after I did this,” she writes.

Getting Into a Calorie Deficit and Staying There Didn’t Work Anymore

“A BIG mistake I made for years, and see many women make, is we start eating in a calorie deficit and STAY there,” she reveals. “The big problem with that is your body will eventually adapt to that lower calorie intake.”

It Down Regulate Metabolism

“This means it will down regulate metabolism, making fat loss HARDER and gaining fat EASIER,” she says. “Not to mention, building muscle while in a deficit is NOT easy, which is why maintenance phases are a critical part of creating that ‘toned’ look!”

A Maintenance Phase Is Key

“Without a plan for your dieting phase, especially a starting or exit strategy, you won’t get the results you want. I’ve been there. But here is how I lost fat at age 40, kept it off and maintain it without living on a diet! (Ps. This is how I help clients!)” she writes, heading into the four steps she took.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Step 1: Prime Your Body for Fat Loss

The first step? “Before starting a fat loss phase I primed my body to lose fat by taking a break from dieting,” she reveals. This helped “up-regulate metabolism” and ensured her “body was not in a stressed state.”

Step 2: Time You Fat Loss Phases

Step two? “Fat loss phases were timed, with breaks as needed,” she writes. They also “included prioritizing protein and heavy weight lifting (this sends a signal to the body to preserve muscle and burn fat),” she says.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Step 3: Reverse Diet

The third step may surprise you. “Fat loss phases ended with a reverse diet,” she reveals. This “strategically and slowly increased calories allowing my body to adjust and adapt to a higher calorie amount without gaining fat. (A step most miss.)” she adds.

Step 4: Maintenance Phases

The last step? “My maintenance phases were times I took advantage of more calories,” she reveals. She added that she “put them to use to build more muscle, maybe even eating slightly over with calories with the intention of adding muscle, creating a more ‘toned’ look and improving metabolism.”

You Can Maintain Weight Loss Without Dieting Forever

“This application of steps has helped me lose fat, build muscle, and maintain results while avoiding being stuck in low calorie land! You are NOT meant to live in a deficit. It should be a temporary means to an end. A step in the process,” she adds at the end of her post. “Your plan should include times when you are eating MORE so you can prevent metabolic slow down and crashing hormones. It is possible for you to maintain your weight loss without ‘dieting’ forever. Promise!” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fit mature woman in sportswear lifting a dumbbell during a strength training session at the gym
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Just because you are getting older doesn’t mean you can skip your workout. As you age, it is actually more important than ever to build muscle – especially if you want to avoid injury. Nikolai Puchlov, Head Coach & Founder of Pro Kettlebell, offers Body Network a guide to strength training at age 60 with six moves, all of which can be done with a kettlebell. “Growing stronger with age is a pursuit worth embracing,” he says. “You may be 60 years young, but you don’t need to succumb to atrophy. Let me share with you six invigorating strength training moves tailored for seasoned individuals like yourself.”


The Squat Curl

Nikolai_Puchlov12Nikolai Puchlov

“The squat curl is a fantastic exercise that not only strengthens your biceps but also improves ankle and hip mobility,” says Nikolai. Here’s how to do it:

  • Use a kettlebell with a two-handed grip.
  • Sit down into a deep squat, aiming for the full range of motion.
  • Optionally, use a low stool to assist in maintaining proper form.
  • Perform curls from this position, keeping shoulders, elbows, and wrists aligned.

Narrow Push-Ups

Nikolai_Puchlov14Nikolai Puchlov

Nikolai recommends this exercise for the upper body.

  • Position your hands directly under the shoulders, elbows snug against the ribs.
  • Feel the burn as you perform push-ups, perhaps elevating your hands on kettlebells for an extra challenge.

Twisted Pullovers

Nikolai_Puchlov16Nikolai Puchlov

“Improve lat strength and back mobility with twisted pullovers,” says Nikolai.

  • Lie on your back with knees bent and legs twisted to one side.
  • Hold a kettlebell with both hands and perform a C-shaped motion from overhead to your lower chest.
  • Maintain parallel forearms throughout the movement.

RELATED:#1 Best Cardio Tip For People Over 40

The CPR Crunch

Nikolai_Puchlov15Nikolai Puchlov

No more “jelly belly” with the CPR crunch, says Nikolai.

  • Lie down, legs raised, and grasp a kettlebell with locked arms.
  • Pulse through short crunches, engaging those abs and aiming to lift just enough to feel those shoulder blades leave the mat.

Loaded Stop Squats

Nikolai_Puchlov13Nikolai Puchlov

If you want “legs like oak trees,” do the loaded stop squat, Nikolai recommends.

  • Hold that kettlebell and squat.
  • Pause at the bottom for a moment of reflection before rising again.

Suitcase Deadlifts

Nikolai_Puchlov11Nikolai Puchlov

“Build overall strength with suitcase deadlifts,” says Nikolai.

  • Stand between two kettlebells.
  • Keep the kettlebells between your heels and toes.
  • Maintain a flat lumbar and upright posture as you lift and lower the kettlebells.

Here Is Why Exercise Is Important for Older Adults

Confident old pensioner is spending time in gymShutterstock

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health if you are an older adult. “It can prevent or delay many of the health problems that seem to come with age. It also helps your muscles grow stronger so you can keep doing your day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others,” they say.

RELATED: Andrea Simulus Reveals “Best Program for a Lean and Sculpted Body”

Here Is How Much Exercise You Need

Nikolai_Puchlov_HeadshotNikolai Puchlov

The CDC recommends that adults aged 65 and older get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity, such as hiking, jogging, or running. They also need at least two days a week of activities that strengthen muscles.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are over age 65, aim for two strength training workouts per week.

Kelsey_Rose14
Copyright thekelseyrose_/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Unless you live under a rock, you are well aware that walking is one of the best workouts for losing weight and maintaining your overall health. However, getting the recommended steps to lose weight and burn fat can be difficult, especially if you have a job. Kelsey Rose is a fitness trainer and social media influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers. In a new post, she issues a “PSA” about walking, explaining that “the #1 tool for FAT LOSS for women is literally free!!” According to Kelsey, if you have a “sedentary” job where you only get in 2,500 steps a day, adding a 30-minute walk before and after work will help you burn an additional 260 calories a day, which could help you lose 10 to 15 pounds in 6 months if paired with an 80/20 diet. “10 other hot tips for hitting those daily steps when working a 9-5,” she writes.

1. Turn Your Morning Routine into Movement

Per Kelsey, the first thing you should do is incorporate walking into your morning routine. “Instead of scrolling or lingering over coffee, use 10-15 minutes in the morning to pace around your home, stretch, or go for a quick walk. I wake up in the morning and go outside first thing!” she writes.

2. Take Active Commutes

Turn your commute into a workout, Kelsey encourages. “If possible, walk or bike to work. If you drive, park farther away or get off public transport a stop early to squeeze in extra steps,” she says.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

3. Walk During Meetings

Try and get your steps in while you work by multitasking, Kelsey suggests. “Turn phone calls or virtual meetings into walking meetings. Pop in your headphones and take your call while pacing or walking outside,” she says.

4. Use the Stairs

Turn your office stairwell into a StairMaster, suggests the trainer. “Ditch the elevator! Take the stairs whenever you can to sneak in extra movement,” she writes.

5. Set Hourly Step Goals

Set hourly goals instead of a daily goal to get your body moving. “Set a timer to remind yourself to get up every hour. Walk around the office or do a quick lap at home if you’re working remotely,” says Kelsey.

RELATED:7 Simple Daily Exercises To Shrink Hanging Belly Fat

6. Take Your Lunch Break Outside

Use your lunch break as an opportunity to get fresh air plus exercise. “Go for a brisk walk after eating. It’s a great way to recharge while adding steps to your day,” she says.

7. Use a Smaller Water Bottle

While most experts recommend using large water bottles, a smaller one may help you stay more active. “A smaller bottle means more trips to refill it. Plus, staying hydrated keeps your energy up!” she writes.

8. Walk During Breaks

If you take breaks throughout the work day, use them as an opportunity to take mini walks. “Instead of scrolling on your phone, take a 5-10 minute stroll during your morning or afternoon breaks,” Kelsey writes.

9. Make Errands Active

Multitasking during errands can help you get even more activity in. “Walk to grab coffee, pick up lunch, or drop off documents. Even small tasks can help you rack up steps,” suggests Kelsey.

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

10. End Your Day with a Walk

Finally, use the end of the day as a time to reflect and get a workout in. “Wind down after work with a 20-30 minute evening walk. It’s a relaxing way to hit your step goals and clear your mind,” says Kelsey. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Molly Corcoran mollycorcoran.fit
Copyright mollycorcoran.fit/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you frustrated that the same weight loss tactics you used in her thirties are failing to work in your forties? It may be time to change your approach. Molly Corcoran is a weight loss warrior and coach who lost a total of 20 pounds after she turned 40. Now, she helps “35+ busy moms optimize their metabolism, build muscle, lose belly fat & find confidence again in peri/menopause,” she writes in her Instagram bio. In a new post, she reveals three core habits at the center of her weight loss. “I stopped eating clean, ditched the orange theory classes over 40,” she writes, revealing her secret.

High-Intensity Workouts Were Impacting Her Hormones

According to Molly, high-intensity cardio workouts that worked for her when she was younger were not helping her lose weight. “The truth is ladies, the constant cardio workouts Like orange theory did a number to my hormones in peri/menopause,” she writes.

Eating “Clean” Was Also Working Against Her

Another thing that stopped working? “Paired that with trying to eat ‘clean’ so I called it for most of my life. There is no such thing as clean eating and if you’re still trying to eat clean in your 40s+ that’s exactly why you can’t lose the weight,” she continued.

She Made Three Changes

“When it all changed for me was when I left the intense cardio/weight classes and finally got control of my eating habits. Here are the 3 things I focused on that drive results,” she says.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

She Started Tracking Protein and Calories

“I started tracking my protein and calories in @myfitness pal to educate myself on portions and got good at consistently hitting 140-150g protein daily. Also, eating carbs at every meal and getting a calorie deficit goal that was manageable so I stay consistent,” she said.

She Swapped Group Fitness for Progressive Overload Strength Training

“I left group x classes for good and started to shift my focus to progressive overload strength training. 3-4 strength days a week tracking how much I lifted, set, and allowed rest between sets to push in my lifts,” she writes. “Wanna change your body, leave the random workouts with cardio mixed in because that’s not strength training.”

She Started Walking

And third, she started moving more in general. “I started to monitor my daily movement outside of my workouts, focused on hitting 10k steps, and still do to this day 5 years later,” she writes.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

She Got Serious About Nutrition

She also worked on her nutrition. “Bonus: I got serious about educating myself on adding more to my plate by adding more fruits and veggies to my plate, pairing that with healthy fat, and protein was how I lost the most weight.”

You Need to “Unlearn Everything You Thought Would Work"

“If you finally want to see results in your 40s on up, you need to unlearn everything you thought would work. Have a plan for both nutrition and exercise. I can assure you that the results will come when you get serious about what you put in your mouth!” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Dr. Dan Obesity Expert
Copyright Dr. Dan/YouTube/Shutterstock
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

“Microdosing” is a catchy term that is progressively being used by influencers and mainstream media. The overall concept is that lowering a dose of something – ranging from mushrooms to pharmaceutical drugs – somehow makes it healthier and more acceptable. Recently, people have even been discussing microdosing GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. However, according to one doctor, this isn’t a good idea. Dr. Dan Burton (@theofficialdrdan) is a “pharmacist by training and an expert in obesity management and medicine.” In a new YouTube video, he discusses the trend and reveals exactly why you should avoid it.

There Are Lots of Mixed Messages About Weight Loss Drugs

He starts off by explaining that there are a lot of mixed messages surrounding weight loss drugs. “A number of influencers and alternative clinicians first came out and said, Ozempic and Wegovy are dangerous. Then they started marketing various supplements of their own that naturally increased GLP-1 and are actually better than Ozempic and Wegovy. And now some of them have pivoted and are starting to say that, ‘Oh, you know what? You should actually only microdose Ozempic and Wegovy because that means it's, it's safer for you.’” He notes that the “opinions and marketing tactics” have “changed over time as we've got more and more wallets involved.”

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

The Drugs Mimic the GLP-1 Hormone Naturally Produced by the Body

GDANSK, POLAND - MAY 2022: obese fat man preparing Semaglutide Ozempic injection control blood sugar levelsShutterstock

He continues to explain how the drugs work. “Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and so on are medications that mimic the GLP-1 hormone that is naturally produced by our body. GLP-1 naturally helps to regulate our blood sugars as well as our appetite and satiety feelings,” he said. While they have been “revolutionary not only for obesity management but also diabetes management”, there is a “subset of individuals on the internet that will come out ringing the alarm bells to say otherwise.”

Some People Want to Say the Drugs Are “Dangerous” and “Unnatural” and Are Marketing Their Own Alternatives

Valparaiso, IN USA - January 22, 2024: Wegovy semaglutide pens for treatment of chronic obesity, close upShutterstock

Some of them have “quickly labeled these medications as being dangerous, unnatural, and started marketing and pushing their own natural safer supplements,” he says. “But that really didn't last too long because these medications, Ozempic and Wegovy have been shown to be so effective that the supplements just don't even touch them in terms of the results and benefits that could be had. In fact, some of the supplements don't do anything at all.”

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

And Now, Some Are Recommending Microdosing

Santiago, Chile, august 16th, 2023. Pen injection of semaglutide named \u201cozempic\u201d, is a diabetes medicine to improve blood sugarShutterstock

“Now some of them are pivoting and moving away from this,” he said. Enter microdosing, the concept of using just a little bit of the weight loss drug. “So what exactly is being sold? What is this microdosing of Ozempic actually mean?” he asks. He reveals that the usual starting dose of these drugs is 0.25 milligrams once a week. “What these alternative clinicians and such are saying is to take a dose that's much, much lower than that, but it's still the exact same medication just at a lower dose. It's not at a microdose, just a lower dose than what we usually use.”

While It Sounds “Safer and Fluffy” There Is No Science Backing It

Hands,In,Blue,Surgical,Gloves,Holding,Ozempic,Insulin,Injection,PenShutterstock

The smaller dose is “being branded in a different way to make it sound that it's safer and fluffy and everyone's gonna be happy. So it's not a healthier alternative, it's it's just a dosage adjustment. And there's nothing scientifically special about a micro dose. There is no data insights or anything like that that demonstrates the efficacy or better acceptability in that sort of thing of smaller doses,” he says.

Everybody Needs a Different Dose

WARSAW, POLAND-10 JAN, 2025: Ozempic is an anti-diabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and an anti-obesity medication used for long-term weight management.Shutterstock

He explains that because everybody’s body is different, it’s important to work with your own clinician to determine the proper dose. “Some people are going to get a great response at a very low dose, and it could be less than 0.25 milligrams or whatever the usual starting dose is,” he says. “Some people are gonna need a much higher dose to get a response and get the efficacy that we're trying to get out of the medication. And spoiler alert, that's because everybody is different.”

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

You Want It to Be Effective Without Side Effects

Never fear, your pharmacist is here. Cropped shot of an attractive young female pharmacist working in a pharmacy.Shutterstock

“Ultimately, these medications have gotten so powerful that we want to figure out what's going to work for you so that we get the balance of the benefit of the medication, but it's not causing you to have horrible, terrible side effects that you can't tolerate and are ruining your life. And unfortunately for some people, they just can't tolerate the medication at all.”

He Says That Microdosing Ozempic Is Just “Marketing Fluff”

Cheerful young sportswoman resting after workout at the beach, taking a selfie, drinking water, sitting on a fitness matShutterstock

“So microdosing as a concept sounds really fancy and such like that, but it's actually just marketing fluff. And really we should be using these medications with your healthcare team and various other resources that help you with lifestyle changes in management to find the dosage, the plan, and the thing that works for you,” he continues, adding that it’s “dicey” when “influencers and alternative clinicians who don't have any expertise with the actual medications or how to properly monitor individuals that are on these medications” start promoting their specific microdosing protocol or coaching program.

Consult with Your Doctor

Female doctor filling patient insurance information

Shutterstock

In conclusion, if you have been prescribed a weight loss drug, “you can skip the microdosing consultation with some alternative clinician. You just need to continue working with your healthcare team and provider in order to find the dose and such that works for you as well,” he says.

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

While They Might Lower Doses, It Needs to Be Up to an Expert

Santiago, Chile, august 16th, 2023. Pen injection of semaglutide named \u201cozempic\u201d, is a diabetes medicine to improve blood sugarShutterstock

“And yes, as a caveat, we may use lower doses or adjust things as someone gets to their maintenance weight,” he adds. “It might end up being a very low dose of one of these medications. But again, it should be done by clinicians that have the expertise and knowledge to properly monitor and dose adjust things for you.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.