A Note From Robert Brace
I'm writing to share a research study we're now recruiting for at Brace Life Studios, in collaboration with Dr. Elizabeth Poynor, MD PhD.
The study is called ICONS 1, and it's designed to look carefully at how a structured 12-week strength training and concurrent conditioning program affects the things women in their 40s and 50s tell us they care about most: body composition, energy, sleep, hormonal patterns, cardiovascular fitness, and markers of biological aging.
Many of the women I work with are doing the work — and noticing that their bodies are responding differently than they used to. This study is built to bring real data, expert clinical interpretation, and a structured training plan to that question.
I wanted to make sure you heard about it directly.
— Robert Brace
Co-Principal Investigator, Founder of Brace Life Studios
Study Leadership
The study is led by
Elizabeth Poynor, MD PhD
Principal Investigator
A leading expert in women's hormonal and complex physiological health.
Robert Brace
Co-Principal Investigator
Founder of Brace Life Studios.
What Participation Involves
Time commitment
Three 1-hour supervised training sessions per week at Brace Life Studios, 132 Mulberry Street, New York, NY, for 12 consecutive weeks.
Baseline and Week 12 testing
Two assessment visits, each including blood work, body composition (DEXA), VO2 max testing, hormonal panels (DUTCH Complete), brain health biomarkers, biological age testing (TruAge DunedinPACE), strength assessments, and questionnaires on sleep and mood.
Continuous monitoring
Wearing an Oura Ring throughout the 12 weeks.
At-home component
A urine sample collection at baseline and Week 12, completed at home.
Before Training Begins
The Diagnostic Phase
Accepted participants complete a two-week diagnostic phase before training begins. It includes
Baseline visit
A baseline visit at Brace Life Studios with Dr. Poynor, where formal screening and informed consent take place.
Blood Draw & Testing
A blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics location; VO2 max and DEXA testing at a partner facility in Manhattan.
DUTCH Hormone Test
Completed at home — a kit is shipped to you, samples are collected at home over about a day, and the kit is mailed back. No needles.
Oura Ring Fitting
Fitting of your Oura Ring, which you'll wear throughout the 12-week study.
For this cohort, diagnostics run August 24–September 19, 2026, and training runs September 21 through December 11, 2026. Our team coordinates every diagnostic appointment with you directly by phone.
132 Mulberry Street, New York, NY
This study has been reviewed and approved by BRANY IRB.
Protocol Number: ICONS1-2026-001
© 2026 Brace Life Studios. All Rights Reserved.