Do women really need female-specific workouts? Should every woman be taking creatine? And what actually changes during perimenopause and menopause? Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan separates the science from the marketing and explains how women can use training, recovery, and better data to stay strong and capable across the lifespan. What You’ll Learn In This Episode -How Abbie’s experience with 9 stress fractures shaped her approach to training, fueling, and women’s health -Why body composition data can be a valuable tool for tracking muscle, bone, fat, and long-term health -What the research says about creatine for women, from muscle and hydration to potential cognitive benefits -Why women don’t necessarily need “women-specific” strength training – and when female physiology should influence how you train -How to use high-intensity interval training, recovery, and scaling to get results without turning every workout into an all-out effort Key Highlights Infinite Shelf Recommendation At the end of every episode, we ask our guests to add one thing to the Infinite Shelf – a book, film, album, show, or idea that’s shaped how they think, perform, or see the world. ’90s Rap Music “Windows up, tinted windows, rap music, ’90s rap music on is my infinite shelf. It just, like, fixes everything.” – Abbie Smith-Ryan Connect with Abbie Smith-Ryan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asmithryan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbiesmithphd/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKpzWKqyJYQwjTEQxB-pZYA Website: www.asmithryan.com Sponsors This episode is sponsored by BEDGEAR, a performance bedding brand that creates a cooler, more comfortable sleep environment. From pillows matched to your sleeping position to breathable mattresses, BEDGEAR makes your entire sleep setup work better for you. 👉 Use code TRS20 for 20% OFF: https://bit.ly/TRS-Bedgear This episode is sponsored by Momentous, featuring its Signature Spec Creatine. Made in a pharmaceutical-grade facility, it’s a high-quality way to add one of the most researched supplements to your daily routine. 👉 Use code TRS and save up to 35% on your first order: https://bit.ly/Live-Momentous This episode is sponsored by LMNT, a zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix that supports hydration during training, travel, and long days of activity. 👉 Order through their link to get a free sample pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors: https://bit.ly/Drink-LMNT #WomensHealth #Creatine #StrengthTraining #HealthyAging #HumanPerformance About The Ready State: The Ready State provides athletes, coaches, and humans of all walks of life the tools to relieve pain, prevent injury, and improve physical performance. Subscribe to Mobility Coach for customized mobility coaching, tailored to your body and lifestyle. 👉 Start a 7-day FREE TRIAL today at https://bit.ly/MC-FreeTrial. Connect with TRS: Visit the The Ready State WEBSITE: http://thereadystate.com Follow TRS on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thereadystate/ Like TRS on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/thereadystate/ Follow TRS on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/thereadystate Follow TRS on TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_readystate