With five kiddos at home (ranging from 5 to 18 years old) and no paid-help or extended family for support, I’ve learned to manage on my own. Juggling the demands of a growing family and start-up business with my own personal health and fitness needs. How to squeeze a training session into a busy schedule, how to get the best out of only 45 minutes, and how to turn my dressing room into a gym are some of the hacks I’ve had to figure out.
But how did I get into lifting weights? Like for many people, it was off the back of an injury. I woke up one day with my shoulder in agony and was unable to carry my baby (which was my number 4 at the time). Through physiotherapy I learned the importance of having strong muscles to maintain my shoulder in place and have kept up the strength training ever since. At first out of fear of being in pain again. But it’s now been a part of my daily routine for over 10 years because it gives me more energy, makes me stronger and more resilient to injuries.
I’m now in my mid-40’s and can feel the early onset of perimenopause-induced hormonal changes in my body. And rather than enduring their impact, I wanted to understand how I could regain the upper hand and better control these ups and downs. Which led me to the fascinating research of Dr Lisa Mosconi and Dr Stacey Sims – both incredible women and huge advocates for the benefits of lifting heavy weights. Because it turns out lifting weights impacts your cortisol levels and oestrogen receptors, which can help temper menopausal hormonal fluctuations, hot flashes, mood swings and cognitive decline.
Ask yourself: how do you want to go through the hormonal changes that will happen as you approach menopause? How fit do you want to be when you are retired? And how independent do you want to be when you’re older? Just like saving for a pension, investing early in your fitness is essential. And lifting heavy weights is the optimal investment plan for your health.
Qualifications:
- Qualified Personal Trainer
- Advanced Strength Training Certification from Sebastien Oreb
- Biolayne Nutrition Certification from Layne Norton
- Menopause 2.0 Certification from Dr Stacey Sims