My Active Menopause success at Hinckley

On Thursday 28^th September and 5^th October, 14 ladies joined our first 'My Active Menopause' event hosted at Hinckley Leisure Centre in collaboration with our Social Prescribers and Local Area Coordinators, supported by the Active Hinckley and Bosworth team, Hinckley Leisure Centre, and LLR Mind.

Week 1 consisted of a relaxing yoga session delivered by Paula, including breathing techniques, yoga poses and some guided meditation, all with a specific menopause focus. Discussions took place about the importance of aerobic activities, including flexibility and balance which are affected by the decline in oestrogen during menopause, and how to protect 'me-time' for our mental health. The importance of diet during menopause was then discussed.

Week 2 then moved on to strength and resistance for the management of menopausal symptoms. Tristan delivered a fabulous session, taking us through some key movements with weights, and how to maintain proper form. The importance of doing strength and resistance activities at least 2 times a week was highlighted, especially during menopause to protect the strength of our bones. A popular tip was aiming to complete 2 x 20 minute strength and resistance activities a week, this way it breaks it down and makes it feel more achievable.

The ladies were open and honest regarding their own menopause journeys, which created a real buzz in the room when they realised they are not alone. In fact, whilst every menopause journey is different, there is something we can all learn from each woman about ways to manage symptoms, and ways to utilise moving more to empower ourselves.

Each lady was given 'Your Guide to an Active Menopause', capturing top tips, information and useful resources to be active during menopause, as well as a step-by-step guide to strength and resistance exercises to do at home. The booklet also covers elements of pelvic health and pelvic floor exercises. This booklet, as well as more menopause-specific information and resources can be found on our Active Menopause webpage and downloaded for free: Active Menopause | Active Together (active-together.org)

As we look towards World Menopause Awareness day on October 18^th, we hope this event captured not only the importance of moving more for physical and mental health during menopause, but the power generated through a group of women with shared experiences coming together to take their first step on their physical activity journey!

For more inspiration visit- LLR Girls Can | Active Together (active-together.org)