Sailing Through it... or So I Thought!
MY STORY
Welcome to my story - a journey through the ups, and downs, and curveballs of navigating midlife. As a fitness coach with over 30 years experience, I thought I had it all figured out. I was "sailing through menopause" - or at least, that's what I told everyone. I stuck to my regular fitness routines, ate a healthy diet, and felt confident in my knowledge.
But suddenly, everything began to change.
Suddenly, fat started creeping up on my belly. Severe shoulder pain made even the simplest task - like doing up my bra - a struggle. My knees felt sore; I tossed and turned at night, unable to sleep, and I was caught in the exhausting "tired but wired" cycle.
Then there was the bloating: my stomach swelled so much I looked six months pregnant. My jeans wouldn't fit anymore, and I resorted to elasticated pants just to feel comfortable.
A diagnosis of Osteopenia was the final blow. Despite all my exercise and healthy habits, my bones were thinning. I felt blindsided. How could this happen to me- a fitness coach? How could I be giving advice to women when I was struggling to understand what was happening in my own body?
INSIDE I FELT LIKE A FRAUD
On social media and with clients, I put on a brave face, but the truth was, I was lost, frustrated and deeply unhappy. Desperate for answers, I dived headfirst into figuring out "why" my body was betraying me. I researched, consulted doctors, and pursued additional education. What I began to understand was how much our bodies can change through midlife, from our sleep and energy to our bone health, body composition, mood and recovery. I also realised that the way I trained, ate and looked after myself needed to evolve too. I didn't need to give up or train less; I needed to train smarter and pay attention to what my body needed now.
Through trial, error and patience, I started to make changes. I put a much greater emphasis on strength training, adapted my nutrition and started paying more attention to recovery, sleep and the everyday habits that support our health as we get older. Slowly, I began to feel stronger and more like myself again. My energy improved, my sleep improved and, most importantly, I felt back in control of my health.
What I've learned has been life-changing, and I knew I couldn't keep it to myself. I pursued a qualification as a Menopause Coaching Specialist and dedicated myself to helping other women navigate this stage of life.
That experience changed the direction of my work. Today, I draw on more than 30 years of experience in health and fitness, together with my specialist menopause education and my own lived experience, to help women navigate midlife with more confidence.
Midlife doesn't have to feel like the end of the story - it can be the beginning of an exciting new chapter. With the right knowledge, support and approach, we can feel strong, capable and confident through this stage of life.
LET'S MAKE MIDLIFE STRONGER.
My goal is simple: to share practical, realistic information that helps women feel stronger, healthier and more confident through midlife.
Whether you're here for my programs, free resources, podcast or simply some straight-talking midlife advice, I'm glad you're here.