First, thank you for being part of the Living Younger Longer community here on Skool. Over the past several months, you may have noticed that I haven't been posting here as frequently. The reason is actually exciting—I have been building out a new platform that better integrates my courses, workshops, resources, forms, email communication, and community all in one place. As part of that transition, I will be closing this Skool community soon. The good news? Living Younger Longer isn't going anywhere! In fact, I'm looking forward to creating an even better experience with easier access to courses, workshops, recipes, resources, and community support. Watch your email over the next week for an invitation to join the new community hub. In the meantime, I'd love to invite you to my next Stay Strong Workshop: 🥤 The Smoothie Queen Framework📅 June 18 https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/hj9YBEPWTpyfN914LJsdxQ If you've ever wondered how I create protein-rich, nutrient-dense smoothies that taste amazing and support healthy aging, strength, energy, and muscle health, this workshop is for you! Thank you again for being part of this community. I appreciate every one of you and hope you'll continue this journey with me in our new home. God has been calling me to simplify my life and this is an important move in that direction. To living younger longer, Monica 💛

This daily reflection stopped me in my tracks this morning. I could have highlighted the whole thing. I keep rereading it as it is so beautiful and speaks to my heart this Easter Week! I invite you to slowly read it and let it sink into your mind and heart. Comment below with any insights you gain. Or at least drop a 🙏 if this message resonates with you. Happy Easter Week - keep celebrating!

Not sure how to find your VO₂ Max? #Zone I’ve got you. There are a few different ways to measure or estimate it — from very precise… to very practical. Let’s keep this simple 1. Lab Testing (Gold Standard)This is the most accurate way to measure VO₂ max.It’s done in a lab on a treadmill or bike while wearing a mask that measures your oxygen use. Most of us won’t do this — and that’s okay! 2. Fitness Trackers (Easy + Ongoing)Devices like:• Apple Watch• Fitbit• Garmin Connect• Oura Ring• Android-based watches Estimate your VO₂ max over time by analyzing your heart rate, pace, and activity patterns. Not perfect But very useful for tracking progress 3. 1-Mile Walk Test (Use Your Phone) Your phone can track everything you need. What to do: Use your phone (iPhone or Android) to track your walk Walk 1 mile as briskly as you can Check your heart rate right when you finish How to track your mile: iPhone: use Apple Health or Apple Fitness Android: use Google Fit Start a walking workout Carry your phone with you It will track your distance and time How to check your heart rate Place 2 fingers on your wrist or neck Count beats for 15 seconds Multiply by 4 That’s your heart rate Calculate your VO₂ Max Instead of doing the math yourself, just plug your numbers into the calculator you'll find in link below. The goal right now This isn’t about being exact. It’s about getting a starting point. Because VO₂ max improves over time, with consistent effort. Let’s make this interactive. Do you already have a VO₂ max number? Drop it in the comments OR message me if you want help figuring it out — I’m happy to help Your reminder You’re not behind. You’re just getting started. And that’s exactly where you need to be. https://www.trainermetrics.com/fitness-assessment-calculations/vo2max-one-mile-walk/

VO₂ max is essentially a measure of how efficiently your body delivers and uses oxygen during exercise — involving your heart, lungs, blood flow, and muscles all working together. As we age, VO₂ max naturally declines (about 5–10% per decade after 30 if we’re inactive), which can show up as lower energy, reduced endurance, and feeling more easily fatigued. The encouraging part? This is one of the most trainable markers of health. With the right kind of movement — especially a mix of steady effort and short higher-intensity bursts — you can improve your VO₂ max at any age and support both your daily energy and long-term heart health. There is still time to sign up for the April Zone Challenge and receive... Your VO2 informational guide Weekly Check in and an opportunity to win prizes! #Zone Link in comments.

Have you been hearing all the buzz about VO₂ max lately…and still wondering what it actually is — and why it matters? 😅 You’re not alone. Here’s the simple version:👉 It’s one of the strongest indicators of your energy, endurance, and long-term health Not just how long you live…but how good you feel living your life. I've set a goal for this year to improve my VO₂ and want to bring all of you with me! So this is what's in store for April. A 4-week Zone Challenge focused on helping you: ✨ Build more energy ✨ Improve endurance ✨ Strengthen your heart ✨ Feel better in your everyday life No perfection required. No complicated workouts. Just consistent movement — at your level.🏃‍♀️🚶‍♀️ Once you register (link in comments) you’ll get: 💡 Simple guide with explanation of VO₂ max (no science degree needed 😉), benefits, and suggestions based on your fitness level. 💛 Encouragement + weekly check-ins ✅ Easy ideas for ALL fitness levels This will be more fun with a group. Invite your friends and confirm your particiption by registering. I'll us #zone for related posts! 😘