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24/2/2025 0 Comments

Mindset in Menopause: Embracing Change, Finding Inner Strength & Staying Well

Menopause is a time of transformation—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. A positive mindset can help you navigate these changes with grace and resilience. Here are some tips, along with resources to empower you during this journey.
Why Your Mindset Matters
  • Hormonal Shifts: Fluctuating hormones can impact mood, energy, and stress levels.
  • Stress Reduction: A calm, positive mindset can lower stress and support overall wellbeing.
  • Empowerment: Believing in your ability to adapt and grow gives you the strength to face change head-on.

Tips for Cultivating a Positive Menopause Mindset1. Practice Mindfulness & MeditationSpend a few minutes each day in quiet reflection or guided meditation to centre your thoughts and calm your mind.
2. Embrace a Growth MindsetSee menopause as a chance for renewal and self-discovery. Each change is an opportunity to learn more about yourself.
3. Stay ConnectedJoin support groups or chat with friends who understand your journey. Sharing your experiences can boost your emotional resilience.
4. Prioritize Self-CareSet aside time for activities that nurture your body and mind—whether it’s reading, taking a walk, or enjoying a relaxing bath.
Free Resource: Be Well CallsI'm excited to introduce you to Be Well Calls, a free resource inspired by the Miracle Morning routine. These calls are designed to help you:
  • Jumpstart Your Day: Create a morning routine that fills you with positive energy.
  • Set Intentions: Establish daily rituals that improve focus and clarity.
  • Build a Strong Foundation: Cultivate habits that support mental and emotional balance throughout your day.
Click here to sign up for your free Be Well Call!


Support with Arbonne Mind Health Products
To further support your mental wellbeing, I also recommend exploring Arbonne’s range of mind health products. These clean, plant-based products are formulated to:
  • Enhance Mental Clarity: Keep your mind sharp and focused.
  • Promote Calmness: Help reduce stress and foster a sense of peace.
  • Support Overall Cognitive Wellness: Nourish your brain for better mood and resilience.
​Contact me for a free initial consultation to discuss which products which may benefit you.


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Embrace the Journey
Menopause is a natural phase of life—a journey of transformation and growth. With the right mindset, daily habits, and supportive resources, you can turn this transition into a time of empowerment and renewed strength.

Ready to embrace a positive mindset and transform your menopause experience?

👉 Work With Me

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4/2/2025 0 Comments

How Strength Training Helps Women Over 40 Stay Lean & Strong

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Ever felt like your body is changing and what you did before doesn't give you the same results?  That's exactly how I felt  I was in peri-menopause in my early 40's and then menopause came not long after.  Despite always keeping fit by going to the gym, weight came on around the middle, I felt tired, irritable and I knew that I had to change my lifestyle in this stage of life.  I do love High Intensity Interval Training but started to incorporate strength training and walking into my routine.  Here's how the menopause can change your body, and remember everyone is different so menopause symptoms may differ for every woman and what works for one person, may not work for another so don't compare your journey to others.  Always seek medical advice.

Menopause can lead to muscle loss and slower metabolism, but strength training is a game-changer. Lifting weights helps build lean muscle, boost metabolism, and improve overall strength. Here's how:

Why Muscle Loss Happens
  • Hormonal Changes: As oestrogen levels drop, muscle mass can decrease.
  • Slower Metabolism: Less muscle means a slower metabolism, making weight management tougher.
  • Reduced Strength: Muscle loss can affect everyday tasks and overall energy.

How Lifting Weights Helps
  • Builds Muscle: Regular strength training rebuilds and maintains muscle mass.
  • Boosts Metabolism: More muscle means you burn more calories even at rest.
  • Improves Bone Health: Weight-bearing exercises strengthen bones, reducing osteoporosis risk.
  • Enhances Mood & Confidence: Exercise releases endorphins, lifting your mood and self-esteem.

Simple Strength Workout Routine.  Try this easy routine 2-3 times a week:
  1. Warm-Up (5 Minutes)
    • Brisk walk or light jogging in place.
  2. Squats (3 sets x 10 reps)
    • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
    • Lower into a squat, pushing hips back like you are going to sit, keeping your chest up.
    • Push through your heels to stand back up.
  3. Push-Ups (3 sets x 10 reps)
    • Perform on your knees if needed.  If this is too difficult, do it standing with your hands on the wall and step back with both feet so that you are at an angle, hands shoulder-width apart. 
    • Keep your body in a straight line and lower your chest to the floor (wall).
    • Push back up to the starting position.  If 10 is too difficult, just do as many reps as you can and build the number of reps up each time.
  4. Dumbbell Rows (3 sets x 10 reps per arm)
    • Use light dumbbells or water bottles.
    • Bend slightly forward with a straight back.  If easier, place one foot more forward than the other and place the hand without the dumbbell on your knee for support.  
    • Pull the weight towards your waist, keeping your elbow close and lower the weight.
  5. Planks (3 sets x 20 seconds)
    • Hold a plank position on your elbows or hands.
    • Keep your body straight and engage your core.
  6. Cool-Down (5 Minutes)
    • Stretch major muscle groups to relax and recover.

Building strength not only combats muscle loss during menopause but also helps you feel confident, energetic, and strong every day. Remember, consistency is key—small, regular efforts lead to big results.

Click to get my post workout stretches on YouTube
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2/6/2024 0 Comments

Cultivating a Powerful Morning Routine: Tips for Daily Success

​The way you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. By incorporating a few powerful habits into your morning routine, you can enhance your productivity, boost your mood, and set yourself up for a successful day.

Here are some valuable tips to help you build a morning routine that works for you.

1. Rise Early.  Waking up early gives you a head start, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful, uninterrupted period to focus on yourself before the demands of the day begin. Gradually adjust your wake-up time by 15-minute increments every few days until you reach your desired wake-up time. Ensure you get enough sleep by going to bed earlier.

2. Hydrate. After several hours of sleep, your body needs water to kickstart your metabolism, flush out toxins, and rehydrate your cells. Keep a glass of water by your bedside and drink it first thing in the morning. Consider adding a slice of lemon for an extra vitamin C boost.

3. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation. Starting your day with mindfulness or meditation can reduce stress, increase focus, and improve emotional health. Spend 5-10 minutes sitting quietly, focusing on your breath, or using a guided meditation app like Headspace or Calm. Consistency is key, so try to meditate at the same time each morning.

4. Exercise. Morning exercise boosts your energy levels, improves your mood, and helps maintain physical health. Whether it’s a quick yoga session, a brisk walk, or a full workout, find an activity you enjoy and stick to it. Aim for at least 20-30 minutes of movement.

5. Eat a Healthy Breakfast. A nutritious breakfast provides the energy and nutrients your body needs to perform at its best throughout the morning. Include a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Some great options are oatmeal with fruit and nuts, a smoothie with greens and protein powder, or eggs with avocado and whole-grain toast.

6. Plan Your Day. Taking a few minutes to outline your day can increase productivity and help you prioritize tasks. Use a planner or digital tool to list your top three priorities, schedule your tasks, and set achievable goals. This helps you stay organized and focused.

7. Practice Gratitude. Starting your day with gratitude can improve your mental well-being, increase happiness, and foster a positive outlook. Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you are grateful for each morning. They can be as simple as a good night’s sleep or a supportive friend.

8. Limit Screen Time. Jumping straight into emails or social media can lead to stress and distraction. Try to avoid screens for the first hour after waking up. Instead, use this time for your other morning habits. If you need to use your phone, set it to airplane mode to minimize distractions.

9. Read or Listen to Something Inspiring. Engaging with positive, inspiring content can motivate you and set a constructive tone for the day. Read a few pages of a motivational book, listen to an uplifting podcast, or watch a short TED Talk. Choose content that aligns with your interests and goals.

10. Set an Intention. Setting a daily intention helps you focus your energy and attention on what matters most to you. Take a moment to think about how you want to approach your day. It could be a word like “patience” or a phrase like “I will approach challenges with a calm mind.” Repeat it to yourself as you go about your morning.

​Conclusion Incorporating these habits into your morning routine can transform your day and, over time, your life. Start with one or two habits, and gradually add more as you feel comfortable. Remember, the key is consistency. By dedicating time each morning to these practices, you’ll find yourself more energized, focused, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

If you do want to join our free Be Well Community with morning live zooms at 6.30-7 am to incorporate some of the above habits, please complete the contact me tab and I can send you the zoom link.

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6/12/2016 1 Comment

The Importance of Frequency and Intensity of Exercise in the Menopause

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Ok, so I don't like to admit the fact that I am not getting any younger.  ​As a woman over 40 (okay 45!), I have come to realise that hormonal changes occur in the body that can significantly disrupt daily activities and sense of well-being.  Although women in their 50's go through the menopause, it can occur earlier in some women and not all symptoms are experienced at the same intensity.

Research has demonstrated the positive effects of exercise and physical activity on reducing menopausal symptoms.  I will explain below about what the menopause is and the symptoms that can occur and  I will write more blogs, which will give more information of each symptom of the menopause and how exercise and nutrition help ease the symptoms. 


What is the Menopause?    The menopause is the term commonly used to refer to the period of time when a woman’s menstrual period changes. It starts with irregular periods and some symptoms of the menopause (listed below) and this is called the peri-menopause. Once a woman has not had a period for one year then this is known as being in the menopause. This process of changing hormone levels can last for more than 10 years and women may experience widely varying hormone levels, specifically estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone,and luteinizing hormone. These hormones alone, and in combination, are responsible for a wide range of processes within the body. Associated with menopause are increased risks of osteoporosis (bone thinning) and cardiovascular disease, even in women without any previous significant history. Women lose lean mass tissue at the rate of 5% per decade from their 30s, and will generally find they gain more belly fat after turning 50.


Symptoms.   Hot flushes, night sweats, difficulty in sleeping, headaches, mood swings including low mood, irritability, anxiety and depression, palpitations, joint stiffness, aches and pains, reduced muscle mass, weight gain (particularly in the abdomen), reduction on bone density (osteoporosis).

​​How does exercise help​?  Positive changes do not seem to be brought on by the 'correction' of hormonal concentration but rather from the positive effects of frequent exercise and include increased cardiovascular fitness, improvements in body composition and promoting the loss of abdominal fat which is a common place for postmenopausal weight gain, decreased anxiety and depression, decrease feelings of fatigue and chronic muscle pain and improve sleep.  Heart disease and osteoporosis risk increase after menopause and the good news is that this risk can be decreased substantially with a regular physical-activity programme including cardio and resistance training.  Strength training helps bones to retain the minerals that keep them dense and strong, thereby preventing the onset and progression of osteoporosis.  These effects of exercise, along with improved cholesterol levels and physical fitness, work together to help prevent heart disease.

​​Recommended Frequency and Intensity of Exercise

​The exercise recommendations for women in either peri- or post-menopause are very similar for all women but starting an exercise programme can be difficult, especially during times when hormonal fluctuations result in a variety of physiological and psychological changes.  It is important to note that boosting your health is important, as well as minimizing any symptoms brought on by the menopause.

​The American College of Sports Medicine recommend:


30 minutes of cardiovascular activity a day for 5 days a week or this can be broken down in shorter bouts of exercise that totals 150 minutes per week.  Do an activity that elevates your heart rate and makes you break into a sweat whilst still being able to hold a conversation.

​In addition to the cardiovascular activity, do strenth training twice a week on main muscle groups.  Exercise intensity should be increased slowly starting with at least 8 exercises of 8-12 repetitions. 


Research has shown that classes that encourage focused relaxation and breathing, such as yoga, may be beneficial for reducing hot flashes and also meditation may also help.

​In my next few blogs, I will go further into detail on the symptoms of the menopause and how exercises can help the specific symptoms and also how nutrition can also help. 


















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21/9/2014 3 Comments

Metafit Classes

The new Metafit classes are going well at Realfit Conditioning and Education Centre, Eaton Socon.  They are on Fridays 9.30 am and the first Sunday session will be on 28 Sep 14 at 10 am - just after the Realspin session.  To book a place you can download the Mind Body Connect app and search for Realfit.  Also you can email [email protected] or call 01480 219272.  Come along for a great High Intensity Interval Training session using bodyweight exercises, burning calories even after you have stopped exercising.
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3 Comments

28/8/2014 5 Comments

Metafit and Realfit

METAFIT

I attended the Metafit Instructor Course in Newcastle on 22 Aug 14 which I loved.  A High Intensity Interval Training session comprising of bodyweight exercises, which is a great way to burn calories and increase metabolism, even after you have stopped exercising.  Classes starting in September, contact me for details.

REALFIT

I have started taking sessions at Realfit Conditioning and Education in Eaton Socon.  An excellent centre to be educated and trained on functional training.  Some fabulous equipment there and all instructor-led sessions to ensure that you are training effectively.  I am also doing Personal Training there so contact me for details. 
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15/3/2014 2 Comments

Race for Life - Sun 21 Jul 13 Cambridge

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I had a great time taking part in the Race for Life at Cambridge.  I ran the full 5k and it was fab to see so many people there supporting Cancer Research UK, such a worthwhile cause.  I ran as part of the team 'Team Heart' - Heart FM.  If you would like to help support this cause, please donate to my justgiving webpage (click on the Justgiving button below).   Thanks                   
Justgiving link
2 Comments

9/2/2014 1 Comment

Some changes

Buggyfit

I have made the decision to cancel Buggyfit classes but if you do have any questions about pre and post natal fitness, please do not hesitate to contact me.

New Bootcamp Session

I have been asked to put on an extra Bootcamp session at Hinchingbrooke Park.  The first one is on Monday 10 Feb 14 at 10-11 am and will be on every Monday after that.  It will be good to have a morning session and I am looking forward to seeing everyone.  Hopefully, photos to follow soon.

Fitness Consultant

I have previously covered as a Casual Fitness Consultant at One Leisure Sawtry, when they are short-staffed.  I am pleased to say that I have got a regular shift at One Leisure St Ives on Wednesdays so I am looking forward to it. 
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16/9/2013 1 Comment

Busy Busy!!!

Still keeping busy with my classes and due to the holidays, have been getting some extra ones. 

My Buggyfit classes are now up and running, I have changed my Tuesday class at Hinchingbrooke Park to Mondays at 11.30 am and this seems to be a more popular day/time.  The Thursday classes are Hill Rise Park, St Ives are popular.

Hope you are all finding the motivation to exercise and lead a healthy lifestyle. 
1 Comment

5/7/2013 2 Comments

Buggyfit Classes

Buggyfit classes will be starting next week at Hinchingbrooke Park and Hill Rise Park, St Ives.  I am really looking forward to them.  Check the Buggyfit link for further details. 
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