Why Your Personal Trainer Might Not Be the Right Fit for Menopause
I’ll try not to blame the patriarchy for disserving your menopause!
Recently, I was speaking to someone who was considering training with me.
She had been working with another personal trainer (a younger man) who, despite her coming armed with the latest research on menopause, wasn’t open to adapting his approach for her.
She had shared with him the growing body of evidence that lifting heavy weights and incorporating supplements like creatine can greatly benefit menopausal people, not just for muscle strength but also for brain health.
His response? A flat “no, no, no, no, no.” Instead, he insisted that light weights and some cardio were the way to go.
She had shared with him the growing body of evidence that lifting heavy weights and incorporating supplements like creatine can greatly benefit menopausal people, not just for muscle strength but also for brain health. His response? A flat “no, no, no, no, no.” Instead, he insisted that light weights and some cardio were the way to go.
This highlights a major issue in the fitness industry: many personal trainers, even with standard qualifications, aren’t adequately equipped to work with the general population, let alone menopausal individuals. Menopause brings unique challenges and opportunities that require specialised knowledge and a willingness to adapt training methods based on the latest research.
Menopause: The Case for Heavy Lifting and Science-Backed Approaches
For years, menopause has been an under-researched area, largely due to the historical male bias in medical and scientific studies. But in recent years, we’ve seen a wave of excellent research uncovering how we can age better, healthier, and stronger through the menopause transition and beyond. And guess what? Lifting heavy weights is a cornerstone of that.
Heavy lifting isn’t just about building strength, it’s about protecting against osteoporosis, maintaining muscle mass, reducing the risk of dementia, and improving overall longevity. Likewise, supplements like creatine, once thought of as something only male bodybuilders used, have been shown to benefit menopausal people by supporting brain health and energy production. I have been really enjoying taking creatine for about a year and it’s definitely a supplement I think is worth taking (based on the research and personal experience!).
Menopause is a signal, a wake-up call, if you will, that this is the time to take charge of how you age. By adopting the right strategies now, you can reduce your risk of major health issues like osteoporosis, dementia, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Why I Do Things Differently
While there are male personal trainers out there who are well-versed in menopause-specific fitness, many personal trainers (male and female 😬) lack the understanding to train menopausal clients effectively. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to specialise in this area. I’ve completed two menopause certifications, and I’m constantly reading, learning, and expanding my knowledge, not just about menopause, but also about mindset and coaching skills. Because let’s face it, menopause isn’t just a physical shift; it’s also mental and emotional.
The work I do goes far beyond “light weights and cardio.” Together, we’ll focus on building strength, improving energy, and addressing any challenges you’re facing. Whether it’s managing fatigue, preventing injury, or simply feeling more like yourself, my approach is tailored, evidence-based, and, most importantly, effective.
The Bottom Line
If you’re feeling frustrated with a ‘one size fits all’ approach to fitness, especially if you’re navigating menopause, know that it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right guidance, training during menopause can empower you to feel stronger, healthier, and more in control of your body. It’s never too late to take charge of your health—and I’m here to help you do just that.
Let’s lift heavy (shit), think smart, and age better, together.
