LYLE MCDONALD: FITNESS MYTHS FOR WOMEN (PART 2) — DOES FASTED CARDIO WRECK YOUR HORMONES? THE TRUTH ABOUT CORTISOL, ZONE 2 TRAINING, FAT LOSS & BIRTH CONTROL | EP.

LYLE MCDONALD: FITNESS MYTHS FOR WOMEN (PART 2) — DOES FASTED CARDIO WRECK YOUR HORMONES? THE TRUTH ABOUT CORTISOL, ZONE 2 TRAINING, FAT LOSS & BIRTH CONTROL | EP.

Author: Brandon DaCruz June 3, 2026 Duration: 1:27:59

There is no shortage of advice when it comes to cardio, fat loss, and hormones.


And when it comes to women…this is where a lot of the misinformation becomes the most convincing.


You’ll hear things like:


Fasted cardio wrecks your hormones.

Zone 2 cardio doesn’t work for women.

Birth control is killing your progress in the gym.


And the reason these claims spread so quickly is because they sound scientific.


They reference cortisol.

They reference metabolism.

They reference sex-specific physiology.


But when you actually break them down…Most of these claims are built on misinterpreted data, poor extrapolation, or conclusions drawn from research that doesn’t apply to real-world training.


In Part 2 of this series, I’m joined once again by Lyle McDonald to break down some of the most common physiology-based myths targeted at women.


We unpack what the research actually shows when it comes to fat loss, training adaptations, and hormonal responses and more importantly, how to apply that in a practical coaching context.


Because at the end of the day, your results are not dictated by fear-based narratives.


They’re dictated by your habits, your consistency, and your ability to apply the fundamentals correctly.


HERE IS WHAT WE COVER:


DOES FASTED CARDIO ACTUALLY CAUSE MUSCLE LOSS IN WOMEN?

HOW CORTISOL RESPONSES SHOULD BE INTERPRETED IN TRAINING

IS ZONE 2 CARDIO INEFFECTIVE FOR WOMEN?

WHY LOW-INTENSITY CARDIO IS ONE OF THE MOST SUSTAINABLE FAT LOSS TOOLS

HOW HIGH-INTENSITY CARDIO CAN INTERFERE WITH RECOVERY & PERFORMANCE

DO ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES IMPACT MUSCLE GROWTH & STRENGTH?


If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, make sure to go back and check it out — where we break down resistance training myths around load, rest periods, and programming.


WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:


Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/


Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com


For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry



Hosted by Brandon DaCruz, Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast cuts through the noise of an often overwhelming industry. Instead of quick fixes, Brandon and his co-host Jeff build conversations from a place of genuine partnership, tackling everything from meal planning and workout splits to the less-discussed mental hurdles of a fitness journey. Their dynamic feels more like a dialogue between friends who’ve been in the trenches, making complex topics in nutrition, training, and body composition feel accessible and actionable. What you’ll find here is a practical blend of solid information and real-world application, designed for anyone who wants to move past confusion and build sustainable habits. This isn't about rigid dogma; it's about finding what actually works for you. Tune into the podcast for honest discussions that aim to replace frustration with understanding, one episode at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast
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