Fitness Specialist: These Common Exercises Make Menopause Symptoms Worse Podcast By cover art

Fitness Specialist: These Common Exercises Make Menopause Symptoms Worse

Fitness Specialist: These Common Exercises Make Menopause Symptoms Worse

Listen for free

View show details
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Melani — menopause coach, personal trainer, and former corporate sales manager — for an honest, energising conversation about movement, menopause, and reclaiming your confidence.Melani shares her deeply personal journey: seven years of being dismissed by doctors, hitting rock bottom at 46, and finally finding the support and focus she needed — including rediscovering her love of running after debilitating joint pain she didn't realise was a menopause symptom.Together, Lauren and Melani unpack why common exercise approaches can actually work against women during perimenopause and menopause, and why shifting your mindset from exercise to movement can be the game-changer you didn't know you needed.They explore the real barriers women face — time, energy, bladder weakness, injury, and lost confidence — and offer practical, accessible strategies for every fitness level, whether you're a lifelong athlete who needs to adapt, or someone who hasn't moved in years and doesn't know where to start.Melani also shares what's behind her newly developed fitness app and 12-week progressive strength program, designed specifically for menopausal women — no gym required.In this episode, we cover:Why "pushing through" during menopause can lead to injury — and what to do insteadThe surprising menopause symptom that stopped Melani from runningWhy strength training is non-negotiable at this life stageHIIT, low-intensity movement, yoga, and walking — what works and whenBladder weakness and impact exercise — the honest conversation we need to haveHow 10 air squats an hour can match the benefits of a 30-minute walkThe power of community and connection in navigating menopauseWhy workplaces need to step up for menopausal womenMelani's app and 12-week program — making fitness accessible for every womanTimestamps00:00 Introduction 00:37 Melani's Journey After Qualifying as a Menopause Coach02:09 Finding Focus: The Corporate Side of Menopause Support03:53 Melani's Background in Male-Dominated Industries05:17 Rebuilding Confidence and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome07:40 How Lauren and Melani First Connected08:22 Seven Years of Being Dismissed by Doctors09:51 Discovering Lauren's Course and Saying Yes11:27 Key Takeaways from the Menopause Coach Programme15:11 Melani's Running Story: Joint Pain, HRT, and Getting Back Outside17:58 Introduction to Melani's Fitness App and Online Programmes19:08 Why Movement (Not Exercise) Matters in Menopause20:57 HIIT Explained: What It Is and Why It Helps22:51 Bladder Weakness and Impact Exercise — The Honest Truth24:07 Pelvic Floor Health: Seeking the Right Support25:04 Lauren's Marathon Mistake During Perimenopause25:48 Low-Intensity Training and Listening to Your Body26:13 The Power of 10 Squats an Hour27:34 Yoga, Flexibility, and Long-Term Health28:19 Adapting Your Training as Your Body Changes29:05 Starting From Scratch: Simple Movements for Every Woman30:14 Dance in Your Kitchen — Movement Can Be Joyful30:41 What Melani Is Working On Now31:00 Making Menopause Support Accessible to All Women31:48 A Word for the Partners Standing Beside Menopausal WomenConnect with Lauren ChirenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStageYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstageTwitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChirenAbout Women of a Certain StageWe are committed to transforming the menopause experience — for individuals and the organisations that support them. Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.Find out more: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/
No reviews yet