Why Women NEED to Bulk for Long-Term Strength and Longevity (Niki Sims) | Ep 292

Download my free Strength Training for Hormone Health guide to optimize your hormones, boost your metabolism, and maintain muscle mass for life. — Are you worried that lifting heavy will make you "too bulky"? What's holding you back from building muscle as a woman? I'm joined by Nikki Sims, strength coach, and Chief Experience Officer at Barbell Logic, to break down why most women are leaving huge muscle and strength gains on the table and how understanding the science of muscle growth can change your fitness journey. Nikki also shares her journey from skinny to strong, her experience with bulking and cutting phases, and the biggest lessons she's learned from coaching women for over a decade. Today, you’ll learn all about: 02:09 - Why do many women fear their physical potential? 03:58 - The influence of media and beauty standards 07:12 - From aesthetics to strength and performance 10:49 - Strength training as a gateway to confidence 19:11 - Can you be "too strong" or "too muscular"? 27:17 - Nikki’s personal bulking and cutting experiences 32:39 - Gaining weight vs "getting fat" 39:31 - How long should you bulk? 50:33 - Building muscle even when you can't squat or deadlift 56:20 - The surprising mental health benefits of lifting heavy 1:06:19 - Why every woman should get a strength coach 1:10:00 - Outro Episode resources: Beast over Burden Podcast Instagram: @barbell_logic Youtube: @BeastOverBurden Get a free coaching consultation with Barbell Logic: barbell-logic.com/experience Support the show 📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN ). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance. 👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram