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Do THIS 2 Days a Week to Build Muscle, Look & Feel Younger, and Stay Strong Forever

2026-05-18 Education
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Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins
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Description

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t have time to take care of myself,” or “this is just part of getting older,” this episode is for you. Today, you’re going to learn exactly what to do to start feeling better and getting stronger, with results you'll see and feel in as little as 4 weeks. In this episode, renowned orthopedic surgeon and longevity expert Dr. Vonda Wright, MD returns to give you the wakeup call of a lifetime and share her brand new, complete, science-backed protocol to build muscle, strengthen your bones, restore your balance, and reverse the effects of aging, no matter where you're starting from. Dr. Wright is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon and one of the world’s leading experts on mobility, musculoskeletal aging, and longevity. She’s also one of your favorite expert guests ever to appear on The Mel Robbins Podcast, which is why Mel invited her back on the show to share all new insights. Dr. Wright has treated over 100,000 patients and studied thousands more, and she is here to sum up what she has learned: No matter when you start or how small the steps, it’s not too late; your body can rebuild, and you have far more control over how you age than you think. In just 4 weeks, you will start feeling better. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: -The biggest lies you’ve been told about aging (and why they’re holding you back) -Why the time between age 44 and 60 is the most critical window of your life and the exact steps to take right now to protect your future -How women silently lose up to 20% of their bone density in the years around perimenopause and what to do to stop it -Why muscle is your most powerful anti-aging tool and how to build it in just 2 days a week -What every woman needs to know about bone health, menopause, and strength to become “unbreakable” -The longevity formula: The 4 simple steps you can start today to feel younger in just weeks -Why it’s never too late to rebuild strength, balance, and energy (even if you sit all day) -How to go from 0 to strong: Dr. Wright's protocol is specifically designed for people who feel too tired, too busy, or too far behind to begin Whether you or someone you love is feeling stiff, tired, or worried about how you’re aging, this episode will change how you think about your body and what’s possible. If you’re ready to feel stronger, more energized, and more in control of your future, this episode is where you start. Whether you're 30 and want to get ahead of aging, 45 and in the thick of perimenopause, or 65 and convinced it's too late, this episode will give you a clear, science-backed roadmap to staying strong, mobile, and independent for life. For more resources related to today’s episode, click here for the podcast episode page: https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-396/ Follow The Mel Robbins Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themelrobbinspodcast I’m just your friend. I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. Got it? Good. I’ll see you in the next episode. Visit your local Ashley store or head to ashley.com to find your style. In this episode: 0:00 Introduction 2:30 Why Movement Is the #1 Anti-Aging Habit (Especially for Women) 8:02 You Can Build Strength at Any Age (Even Starting From Zero) 17:36 One Fall Can Change Everything: Hip Fracture Risks for Women 21:00 Bone Density 101: How to Protect Bone Health as You Age 27:19 The 4-Step Fitness Plan: Walk, Lift, Balance, Cardio (Beginner-Friendly) 35:03 How to Exercise With Pain: Joint-Safe Training That Works 37:38 Why Muscle Is So Important: Metabolism, Blood Sugar, and “Feeling Strong” 44:40 Protein for Women: Simple Daily Targets + Why It Matters 49:43 The Critical Window (35–45): Perimenopause, Muscle Loss, and Prevention 55:47 What Every Woman Needs to Know About Menopause and Aging 1:04:13 How to Train During Menopause: Strength, Cardio, and Recovery 1:07:08 HRT Explained: Hormone Therapy Facts + Myth Busting — Follow Mel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melrobbins/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@melrobbins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melrobbins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melrobbins Website: http://melrobbins.com​ — Sign up for Mel’s newsletter: https://melrob.co/sign-up-newsletter A note from Mel to you, twice a week, sharing simple, practical ways to build the life you want. — Subscribe to Mel’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/melrobbins​?sub_confirmation=1 — Listen to The Mel Robbins Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop every Monday & Thursday! https://melrob.co/spotify https://melrob.co/applepodcasts https://melrob.co/amazonmusic — Looking for Mel’s books on Amazon? Find them here: The Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/3IQ21Oe The Let Them Theory Audiobook: https://amzn.to/413SObp The High 5 Habit: https://amzn.to/3fMvfPQ The 5 Second Rule: https://amzn.to/4l54fah

Top Comments (10)

@Dizzy5878 2026-05-18

Lots of regret not keeping up with exercise over the years. I’m not consistent but I’m trying to be now. I’m 62 so if I can do it so can you.

129 9 replies
@MargaretWheeler-r7q 2026-05-18

Wow what an Episode… I am 80 and still exercising… walking and strength training .. Dr. Vonda Wright tells it with passion 🇮🇪☘️

98 1 replies
@karenalexander1119 2026-05-19

At 49 I was filled with multiple medications and told I was aging. I’m so grateful that I became my own health advocate. Lost 50 pounds and eliminated all medications. I’m 64 kept the weight off and no medications. I feel so good. It scares me to think about where I could have ended up. We as women have to believe we are worthy of being happy and healthy. ❤️

88 2 replies
@Neuroshiftdaily 2026-05-18

The best starting point is the body you have today. Strength, mobility, and confidence don’t come from waiting until life is perfect. They come from small daily reps that prove you’re still capable of changing.

51 4 replies
@briceniacicilia9816 2026-05-18

I'm gonna start today the 7 days walk. I will let you know how it went. Wish me luck😂

42 3 replies
@debbieernst3518 2026-05-19

I listened to this at the gym while working out. I left the dishes in the sink to take care of myself. Thank you for the insightful information!

42
@Shareewood1875 2026-05-18

I started running in my late 30s and 1 month in, I sustained a tibial plateau fracture. I never fell, landed incorrectly, or anything but I did feel a sharp pain. For the following 2 weeks, I walked in pain all the time. X-ray was normal. I had an MRI and it showed the fracture and my leg was so weak due to osteopenia. I was shocked! I was very healthy. I am a nurse and was normal BMI. Ortho told me to never run again and no impact sport…..you can only bicycle. Fast forward 15 years later and now I am being told that I wasted to many years not doing anything for my bone health except vitamin D, calcium, and walking. I started CrossFit 5 months ago and I jump rope, jump on boxes, and lift weights. Hopefully I’ll have increased my bone density when I have a DEXA in 6 months. Thank you for all you do and supporting women’s health.

22 4 replies
@DonnaBurns-l1m 2026-05-18

I have always exercised and moved always , had a total hip replacement 4 years ago, actually exercised the night before but something changed me afterwards of not doing my daily exercises, still move daily by cleaning houses went back at 5 weeks post op but did not have physical therapy afterwards and I am weaker... I listen to you ALOT Dr. Wright and today while finishing the podcast with Mel I walked and then came home and ate eggs instead of the sweet I wanted... so THANK YOU both!! And way to go Mel... you motivated me to step back up...listening to your 6 month body transformation... I will be 60 in 10 weeks, my goal is to be stronger on that day and everyday after... so here is to my 1st day of my 7 day streak...thank you !!!🎉❤

14 1 replies
@WonderWomanInMichigan 2026-05-19

Honestly, Dr. Wright is probably my favorite to listen to Practical and engaging. I also love her laugh. I started in the critical decade 35-45. I started at 38. 🎉❤ I'm a 50 year old female and feeling fantastic, confident, and strong. Currently one of my favorite strength moves is pushing and pulling a sled on my lunch break at work. Up to 340lbs on the sled

4
@JulieHill-fy8lq 2026-05-20

I'm 81, still walking, exercising, gardening, I still have a lot of joint pain, but exercise a little rest, works better than the meds prescribed, so I no longer take them. ❤ For you Mel, thank you.

3 1 replies

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