Struggling With Stubborn Midlife Belly Fat? Here’s Why More Cardio Isn’t the Answer

I hear this from women in their 40s and 50s every week:

"Lisa, I feel like I’m doing everything right. I’m eating healthy, I’m exercising, but I still can’t lose this belly fat. It feels impossible to get leaner in midlife."

Sound familiar?

The truth is, most midlife women have been taught that the way to shrink their waistline is by cutting calories and spending more time in cardio classes. But if you’re trying to lose body fat—especially the hormonal belly fat that often shows up during perimenopause and menopause—this strategy usually backfires.

If you want to change your body composition, boost your metabolism, and finally feel strong again, it’s time to skip endless cardio sessions and start prioritizing strength training.

Don’t get me wrong—cardio can absolutely be beneficial for your heart and your mental health. I love a good walk outside to clear my head, especially on stressful days. But when it comes to midlife fat loss, building lean muscle is your most powerful tool.

Here’s why:

4 Reasons Strength Training is Essential for Midlife Weight Loss

1. Strength Training Improves Your Mood and Mental Resilience 

 Lifting weights isn’t just good for your body—it’s good for your mind. Resistance training has been shown to boost confidence, ease anxiety, and increase self-esteem. For many of the midlife women I coach, seeing themselves get stronger is life-changing.

2. Strength Training Helps You Burn More Fat (Even at Rest) 

Muscle is metabolically active, which means the more lean muscle you build, the more calories you burn—even while you’re sitting on the couch. This is critical in midlife, when hormonal shifts naturally slow your metabolism. Strength training helps you tap into fat stores (yes, even stubborn menopause belly fat) and reshape your body.

3. Strength Training Supports a Healthy Heart

A study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that people who did at least one hour of strength training per week had a 40–70% lower risk of heart attack. As heart disease risk rises for women after menopause, strength training becomes even more essential.

4. Strength Training Builds and Protects Your Bones

After 40, bone density naturally declines, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Lifting weights not only slows bone loss—it can actually help rebuild bone strength. This is one of the most powerful things you can do for lifelong health and independence.

Are you tired of feeling like your body is fighting you in midlife? It’s time to try a new approach.

Ready to learn how to fuel your body and train in a way that actually works in this season?

📘 Download my free Macros Made Simple Guide to learn how to balance your nutrition for sustainable fat loss and energy.

🏆 Or join my next 6-Week Midlife Reset Challenge —where you’ll get the tools, support, and strategy you need to transform from the inside out.

🎯 Connect with Lisa Coop