Many people used to think of running as the gold standard for fitness but as we get older and especially in our middle and later years, we need to reconsider what works.  And there is an equally effective, lower-impact, and more enjoyable alternative.  Fast walking: or brisk walking, is a powerhouse exercise that’s kind to your joints, great for your heart, and perfect for your lifestyle. Whether you’re easing back into exercise or looking for a sustainable way to stay fit, fast walking might be the secret to transforming your fitness routine. This blog post contains paid f ..read more

As the Christmas season kicks off, many of us find ourselves juggling the excitement with extra stress, busy schedules, and holiday indulgences. For menopausal and midlife women, this time can bring unique challenges. The combination of holiday activities and hormonal shifts can make it harder to maintain energy, stick to our health goals, and keep stress in check.  I think I am currently in denial, I absolutely love Christmas and enjoy having all my family together, planning the perfect gifts and cooking everyone a delicious lunch.  Plus my birthday and my daughter's birthday are on ..read more

If you want to live a longer life, then one of the best forms of exercise to take up is tennis! Tennis is great fun, it is a focused sport that requires concentration, tactical thinking and alertness and an exercise that helps to release feel-good endorphins, keeping you fit and happy! I played tennis as a teenager, and later on with my children when they were young, but not recently.  I used to love a trip to the tennis courts with my mum but did you know that playing tennis can increase life expectancy by an average of 9.7 years.  There is clearly a reason why we hear of so many ol ..read more

Most women complain they have gained weight with age, I know it is a regular topic with my girlfriends, and my own struggle with hormonal imbalances have resulted in slow weight gain, my fat distribution is certainly different and the hormonal belly fat is real.  But why, why do the hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause mean that the weight gain and fat cells end up on the belly?  Weight gain doesn't have to be inevitable, the earlier we make lifestyle changes and introduce new habits the better, in fact new research suggests that making changes early in the perimenopause y ..read more

Some of you might have been following my new workout regime on my Instagram stories.  When I started my course of EMSculpt NEO, it was the perfect opportunity to get back to regular workouts and start strength training again. Caring for our body and keeping active is important at any age but as we approach menopause and head into our postmenopausal years, it becomes even more important! I am fortunate to be small and I am a healthy weight, I acknowledge I don't look my age - currently 56 but I still need to put the effort in to achieve my body goals. And a healthy diet and regular exercis ..read more

With 1 in 2 of women experiencing a vaginal infection in their lifetime, and many more getting recurrent UTIs especially in menopause, it is something that we need to all be aware of!  Sadly many women are dismissed by their GPs and not given the help they so desperately need. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) become more common in menopause due to the physiological changes that take place.  It's not an easy time! I personally have not had recurrent infections, but the one or two I have had were uncomfortable enough!  My article shares information on how to   includ ..read more

Desire and libido ... and menopause, a subject that is often discussed (usually anonymously) on Facebook menopause support groups and very occasionally after a few glasses of wine with girlfriends but many women are simply too embarrassed to discuss their sex lives. Even with their husband or partner.  But if we don't, how do we understand what is normal, how can we resolve what might be really simple worries and find the rewarding, loving and happy sex life we deserve - yes even in our 50s and beyond! There is no 'normal' that you need to adhere to ... what works for one couple, may not ..read more

Have you heard of EMS training!?  EMS refers to Electrical Muscle Stimulation and whilst it has been around a while, it is still a fairly new concept in the UK and not that well known yet but it is a fantastic way to kickstart a fitness programme.  I tried it out recently, I completed three weeks of EMS training sessions with Karl at Frequency EMS in Reading . And my blog post will explain more about what it is and how I got on including what it felt like! EMS training is an innovative approach that can give significant results in much less time compared to the more traditional worko ..read more