For many women, midlife arrives with a subtle but persistent question: What now? Children are growing up and moving out, careers are evolving, priorities are shifting, and long ignored personal needs begin rising to the surface. It is a season marked by transition, reflection, and, if you ask Alicia Erickson, founder of The Midlife Maven, remarkable opportunity.
Alicia did not set out to create a movement. But when she hit 50 and experienced a personal transformation that reshaped her entire outlook on strength and aging, she knew she could not keep it to herself. “When I experienced my own transformation as I turned 50, I wanted to share it with every woman and empower them to believe it's possible to make major changes in midlife. I wanted to show them that this is just the beginning for us.” What began as her own awakening has evolved into a mission to help women in their 40s and 50s feel strong, capable, and deeply connected to themselves again.
Through her work, Alicia meets women who are often navigating profound shifts. Kids are leaving the house, career paths are changing, and daily life may feel unfamiliar. Many realize they have spent years putting everyone else first and find themselves wondering when they stopped prioritizing their own well being. As she explains, “We are coming to a point in life where the kids are leaving, career paths might be changing, life is looking different. It is a moment of discovering ourselves all over again. Often times this comes after putting everyone else first and putting ourselves last. Our bad habits catch up with us and we wonder who we even are anymore?” In Alicia’s view, this moment is not a crisis but an invitation to rebuild.
A cornerstone of her approach is strength training, something she believes most women have been misled about for decades. “We have been told our entire lives to do more cardio and eat less. This DOES NOT and WILL NOT work,” she says. “Adding muscle to your body especially in midlife is the fountain of youth. You will not only feel amazing and age powerfully with independence, you will have the beautiful sculpted figure you have always chased after. This does not come from yoga and bird food. This comes from fueling yourself properly and lifting heavy weights.” For Alicia, building muscle is not just about aesthetics. It is a pathway to independence, vitality, and resilience, helping women feel grounded and powerful in their own bodies again.
Just as important is the mental shift that must accompany the physical one. “Mindset is THE most important factor because when you believe it's possible you open up your entire world to possibility. You need to build a vision for the woman you want to become and chase after her consistently with your daily habits.” Alicia encourages women to redefine what is possible by picturing their strongest future selves and then aligning their daily habits with that vision. Consistency, she believes, grows from clarity.
When asked what small step a woman can take today to start feeling stronger and more balanced in the year ahead, her answer is simple and direct. “Believe that the first half was just the warm up. The best is coming. Start lifting weights following a lifting program. She will feel incredibly empowered as she gets stronger. Fuel herself properly with nutritious food. Cut the alcohol and processed crud. Eat like you love yourself.”
Women who want to learn more can connect with Alicia’s vibrant and growing community. She shares inspiration and insights on Instagram at aliciae, TikTok at aliciae6, her blog at themidlife-maven.com, and through her app at aliciaericksonapp.com, which offers lifting programs and group coaching.
For Alicia, midlife is not something to fear. It is a powerful new beginning. “This is just the beginning for us.”
Hair & Makeup by Alexis Michael |
“Believe that the first half was just the warm up. The best is coming.”