RenewHer is a podcast dedicated to empowering women over 50 to embrace bold new challenges and cultivate a mindset focused on growth and resilience. You’ll hear inspiring stories of women who have stepped beyond their comfort zones, and gain practical brain health strategies to sharpen focus, boost energy, and build resilience. If you’re ready to grow, stretch, and rediscover what’s possible, RenewHer will guide you every step of the way.
52 | What Do Your Muscles Have to Do With Your Brain?
When we think about maintaining muscle as we age, we usually focus on strength, balance, mobility, and independence. But what if our muscles are doing more than helping us move?
Researchers are discovering that our muscles communicate with other parts of our body, including our brain, through a process called muscle–brain crosstalk. This emerging area of research is revealing fascinating connections between muscle activity, memory, mood, and cognitive health.
In this episode of RenewHer, we explore what scientists are learning about this connection, why strength training may benefit more than just our muscles, and what these discoveries could mean for women over 50.
What We'll Discuss
What muscle–brain crosstalk is and how it works
How muscle activity may influence memory, learning, and mood
What research suggests about strength training and cognitive function
Why maintaining muscle becomes increasingly important as we age
Practical ways to support muscle strength and brain health
Key Takeaway
Our muscles do much more than help us move. They're part of a complex communication system that may also influence our brain health. While researchers are still uncovering exactly how this connection works, maintaining muscle strength is another important way to support healthy aging.
If this conversation encouraged you to embrace a new challenge or rediscover a passion, I'd love for you to:
Follow RenewHer so you never miss an episode.
Leave a rating and review—it helps more women discover the show.
Share this episode with a friend who may be wondering what's next after 50.
Remember, it's never too late to learn something new, chase a dream, or begin again. Your next chapter may be your most fulfilling one yet.
Connect with Genell
Subscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters (https://renewherwellness.com/newsletter-sign-up#newsletter-opt-in).
Subscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell (https://www.youtube.com/@RenewHerwithGenell)
Schedule a free Discovery Session (https://renewherwellness.com/discovery-call-appointment-calendar) with me.
Get my free guide: Fog to Focus (https://renewherwellness.com/opt-in-fog-to-focus): 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental Edge
Check out my website: RenewHer Wellness (https://renewherwellness.com/)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/)
Email: genell@renewherwellness.com (mailto:genell@renewherwellness.com)
Research & Resources
Muscle–Brain Crosstalk Mediated by Exercise-Induced Myokines (2024) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39687518/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Crosstalk Between Skeletal Muscle and the Brain During Physical Activity (2025) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41277875/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Resistance Exercise on Cognitive Function in Older Adults (2025) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41503279/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Resistance Training Improves Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Different Cognitive Status (2022) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33325273/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
CDC: Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults (https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
21 Oct 2026
51 | What Happens to Your Brain When You Sit Too Much?
You exercise regularly, but how much of the rest of your day do you spend sitting?
Emerging research suggests that meeting recommended exercise guidelines may not tell the whole story when it comes to brain health. Studies have found associations between prolonged sedentary behavior, changes in brain structure, cognitive functioning, and dementia risk—even among physically active adults.
In this Brain Notes episode of RenewHer, Brain Health Coach Genell Lemley explores what researchers are discovering about sedentary behavior, whether regular exercise can offset the potential risks of prolonged sitting, and why she's rethinking her own daily routine.
What We'll Discuss
The difference between being physically active and being sedentary
What recent studies reveal about sitting, memory, and brain health
Why the hippocampus may be particularly relevant
Whether regular exercise can compensate for prolonged sitting
Simple ways to incorporate more movement throughout your day
Key Takeaway
Regular exercise is important for brain health, but it may not tell the whole story. Paying attention to how much time you spend sitting between workouts—and finding opportunities to move more throughout the day—may be another meaningful way to support your overall health.
Research & Additional Resources
Alzheimer's & Dementia (2025)
Increased Sedentary Behavior Is Associated With Neurodegeneration and Worse Cognition in Older Adults Over a 7-Year Period Despite High Levels of Physical Activity
Read the study (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12070248/)
JAMA (2023)
Sedentary Behavior and Incident Dementia Among Older Adults
Loved This Episode?
If this conversation encouraged you to embrace a new challenge or rediscover a passion, I'd love for you to:
Follow RenewHer so you never miss an episode.
Leave a rating and review—it helps more women discover the show.
Share this episode with a friend who may be wondering what's next after 50.
Remember, it's never too late to learn something new, chase a dream, or begin again. Your next chapter may be your most fulfilling one yet.
Connect with Genell
Subscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters (https://renewherwellness.com/newsletter-sign-up#newsletter-opt-in).
Subscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell (https://www.youtube.com/@RenewHerwithGenell)
Schedule a free Discovery Session (https://renewherwellness.com/discovery-call-appointment-calendar) with me.
Get my free guide: Fog to Focus (https://renewherwellness.com/opt-in-fog-to-focus): 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental Edge
Check out my website: RenewHer Wellness (https://renewherwellness.com/)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/)
Email: genell@renewherwellness.com (mailto:genell@renewherwellness.com)
15 Oct 2026
50 |The Power of Awe: Why Wonder Matters More Than We Think
When was the last time something truly stopped you in your tracks and filled you with awe?
After hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, I found myself reflecting on more than the breathtaking scenery and sense of accomplishment. The people, culture, history, and experiences along the way reminded me of the power of awe and wonder—and how much there still is to discover.
In this RenewHer Reflections episode, I share highlights from my journey and explore what research tells us about awe, how it influences our attention and perspective, and why we don't need extraordinary adventures to experience its benefits.
What We'll Discuss
My journey along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the experiences that made it memorable
What awe is and why it goes beyond simply appreciating something beautiful
How awe can shift our attention, broaden our perspective, and foster connection
Why awe and wonder matter for our mental and emotional well-being
How to recognize opportunities for awe in everyday life
Key Takeaway
Awe isn't reserved for extraordinary destinations or once-in-a-lifetime experiences. By staying curious, paying attention, and remaining open to new perspectives, we can create more opportunities for wonder in our everyday lives.
Loved This Episode?
If this conversation encouraged you to embrace a new challenge or rediscover a passion, I'd love for you to:
Follow RenewHer so you never miss an episode.
Leave a rating and review—it helps more women discover the show.
Share this episode with a friend who may be wondering what's next after 50.
Remember, it's never too late to learn something new, chase a dream, or begin again. Your next chapter may be your most fulfilling one yet.
Connect with Genell
Subscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters (https://renewherwellness.com/newsletter-sign-up#newsletter-opt-in).
Subscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell (https://www.youtube.com/@RenewHerwithGenell)
Schedule a free Discovery Session (https://renewherwellness.com/discovery-call-appointment-calendar) with me.
Get my free guide: Fog to Focus (https://renewherwellness.com/opt-in-fog-to-focus): 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental Edge
Check out my website: RenewHer Wellness (https://renewherwellness.com/)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/)
Email: genell@renewherwellness.com (mailto:genell@renewherwellness.com)
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