Episode #17
Less Is More: Xandra Kirkman on Strength Training, Hormones, and Getting Back to Fitness at Any Age
September is back-to-school season. And Dr. Sohee Jun is making it a back-to-fitness season too. In this practical, no-fluff, deeply relatable conversation, Dr. Sohee sits down with her personal trainer Xandra Kirkman — NCCPT certified strength trainer who specializes in women who are premenopausal, in menopause, postpartum, or simply trying to figure out where to start. Whether you've never set foot in a gym, had a decade-long breakup with working out, or are a seasoned gym-goer hitting a plateau — this episode meets you exactly where you are. They talk about why strength training is the single most important investment you can make in your body right now, why you do not need to break up with rice, and why less — counterintuitively — is almost always more. This one is practical, empowering, and full of tips you can actually use tomorrow. What You'll Learn in This Episode Where to start if you've never worked out or haven't in years — the exact first steps, no overwhelm required Why strength training is non-negotiable for women as they age — and what it actually does for your hormones, bone density, and metabolism The truth about bulking up — and why it's virtually impossible for women to get "too big" from lifting Why less is more — and how over-exercising may actually be working against you The 80/20 nutrition rule — and why you don't need to eliminate anything (especially not rice) How to eat for your workouts — including what to eat before and after, and why fasted workouts may be holding you back What Zone 2 cardio is, why it's particularly powerful for women, and how to find your Zone 2 heart rate Xandra's decade-by-decade fitness guide — what to focus on in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s How to strength train safely during and after pregnancy The one tip for fitting fitness into a packed schedule — anchor it next to a habit you already have Why protein is your best friend — and how much you actually need (hint: it's less than you think) How meal planning for just one hour on the weekend can change everything Quotes From This Episode "Strength training allows women to unleash the inner strength they've always had — but they find it when they're able to push themselves in the gym." — Xandra Kirkman "It's not about aesthetics. It's about being able to feel strong and do all the things I want to do independently as my kids grow older." — Dr. Sohee Jun "Don't break up with rice. Rice is a great, clean fuel source — especially paired around your workouts." — Xandra Kirkman "The best time to work out is next to a habit you already have in place." — Xandra Kirkman "Less is more. Your body needs rest to grow stronger." — Xandra Kirkman Xandra's Decade-by-Decade Fitness Guide In your 20s: Explore. Find the workout you love and build the habit of moving consistently. In your 30s: Implement strength training. This is the time to start progressive overload and Zone 2 cardio before the hormonal shifts of your 40s begin. In your 40s: Make fitness a lifestyle. Work with a trainer to keep things intentional, focus on form, and balance training with all your other responsibilities. In your 50s: Prioritize balance work, core strength, and recovery. Joint health becomes the focus — and rehabilitation work becomes part of the program. The Back-to-Fitness Starter Plan Complete beginner: Start with a 15-30 minute walk daily Add 30 minutes of bodyweight or band work twice a week Progress to one hour of strength training once a week Experienced but inconsistent: Cut back, not up — less is more Focus on progressive overload and intentional sessions Add deload weeks to let your body recover and come back stronger Nutrition basics: Lead with protein — make it the largest portion on your plate Keep carbs as a supplement, not the centerpiece Load up on vegetables — especially Asian vegetables which are naturally nutrient-dense Follow the 80/20 rule — 80% nourishing foods, 20% living your life Don't skip eating before your workout — a small carb snack fuels better performance About Xandra Kirkman Xandra Kirkman started her business at 25 with a mission to help women reach their goals, understand their bodies, and feel back in control of their health. That mission is deeply personal — shaped by her own struggles with hormonal imbalances, restrictive eating, stress, overtraining, and feeling disconnected from her body. Xandra knows what it's like to do everything "right" and still not feel good, which is why her coaching is rooted in empathy and real experience. To Xandra, personal training is more than just a tough workout. It's about guiding each client through the parts of the journey that are hard to navigate alone — building strength, supporting hormonal health, and implementing conditioning that promotes fat loss while preserving muscle. Her approach prioritizes longevity through sustainable training, helping clients not only reach their goals but feel strong, confident, and empowered in their body along the way. About Dr. Sohee Jun Dr. Sohee Jun is the founder of "asian, like me…" — a podcast and community for the modern Asian woman redefining what it means to thrive. A Korean immigrant, executive coach, author, and entrepreneur, Sohee has spent over 20 years helping high-achieving women navigate culture, career, and identity. She is also the founder of EVRten, a wellness brand for women who are ever curious and growth focused. Resources & Links Learn more about Xandra Kirkman: www.xandrafit.com Follow Xandra on Instagram: @xandrakirkman Explore Dr. Sohee's books — The Aligned Mindset & Mommytracked: https://soheejunphd.com/books Connect with Dr. Sohee to explore 1:1 coaching: www.soheejunphd.com Connect with Dr. Sohee to explore speaking: https://soheejunphd.com/contact SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: https://soheejunphd.com/insights Enjoyed This Episode? Share this with your workout buddy, your work wife, your WhatsApp group — anyone who needs a push to get back to fitness Leave a review — it helps the community grow Subscribe to Dr. Sohee Jun's newsletter at www.soheejunphd.com Follow "asian, like me…" on your favorite podcast platform