In My Own Words: Helping Communities move through menopause
Hear from our dynamic duo, Brenda and Lisa!
The menopause transition can have a huge impact on many People. While a majority experience symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, joint pains, and tiredness*, a significant number of People can also suffer with long-term symptoms which impact their health and lifestyle.
Places Leisure knew there needed to be a safe space where People going through perimenopause or menopause could seek advice and support during this time of their lives, and have proudly partnered with Menopause Movement to develop our Move through Menopause programme! A first-of-its-kind course, Move through Menopause is a 12-week programme, consisting of weekly sessions which blend physical activity with menopause education and a chance to discuss topics like symptom management, hormones, and nutrition.
Brenda and Lisa have loved introducing our Customers to the Move through Menopause sessions at Concordia Leisure Centre, one of our places in Northumberland.
“We’re trying to give them a taste of a range of different activities, such as exercise classes, gym-based activities, and sport.” Brenda, a Healthy Communities Coordinator explains.
Lisa, a Healthy Communities Coordinator who leads the sessions alongside Brenda, noted that initially there were some raised eyebrows when sport was mentioned. “I think sport gets forgotten about with older adults, but there are lots of opportunities now where women especially can join in and start playing again - one woman said the last time she played a sport was 40 years ago at school, and it’s opened the eyes of many participants.
As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved, and Brenda emphasises how sharing her own menopause journey with the participants gives them the confidence to talk about theirs.
“Lisa and I can relate to the participants or those of a close age going through a similar period in life. We don't want them to get to this stage in life and feel like they're on their own, so we're giving them the tools to go on and feel their best.” she said.
“I was confident that the pair of us could deliver something really, really good, and really fun. It's not just the activities that are important, it's the togetherness and the camaraderie that come with it, as well as going out of comfort zones and trying something new together in a safe space.” Lisa added.
From speaking to Brenda and Lisa, it’s clear that the camaraderie felt by participants is what boosts confidence, keeps People coming back, and develops the Community.
“The confidence of participants soars and many of them end up finding an activity they love. In week one many People are nervous, then even in week five they’re going to extra activity classes and buddying up.” Brenda said.
Donna, a participant, added: “The programme has been an incredibly valuable experience. It’s a welcoming and supportive environment where women at all stages of menopause can come together, learn, and exercise in a way that feels good to them. The information shared with us is sometimes eye opening and really helps understand what’s happening to our bodies. Not to mention the exercise element, it’s a great way to try new things in a fun, safe and friendly setting too.”
With 18 participants in the current cohort and a waiting list for the next cohort, Brenda and Lisa have seen participants really throw themselves into the programme and what it has to offer. Some of the Move through Menopause participants even have a Whatsapp group together, developing friendships and exercising together outside of the Move Through Menopause programme!
Not all experiences of perimenopause or menopause are the same, and Lisa emphasises how Move through Menopause does an excellent job at giving participants reputable advice while filtering out any preconceptions.
“For some people, they can sail through menopause, but for others, it can be debilitating. This is where myth-busting comes in handy. Having more knowledge gives participants more of a voice to speak up about what they’re going through, instead of feeling isolated.”
“One lady, for instance, came up to me a couple of weeks ago and she said because of the sessions, she had a really, really positive conversation with her GP, and that in itself is a testament to how participants are taking that knowledge away to their outside lives.” Brenda added. Knowledge really is power.
If Brenda and Lisa could shout from the rooftops about how rewarding the Move through Menopause has been to deliver, they would!
“We’re very lucky.” Brenda said. “We all have a laugh and lots of fun. I think that’s the secret potion – if you can make exercise fun.”
Lisa added: “It's such a privilege to be in this position to be able to help facilitate and deliver something like this. I also delivered a session for the Big Sister Project for girls aged 9-15. This session reminded me about the Move Through Menopause women; as females we're all on a health and fitness journey together and we all need support sometimes. Being able to do this as my job is something I love.”
Move through Menopause is rolling out nationwide across our centres up and down the country, so if you’re considering signing up, Brenda can give you a little bit of extra motivation…
“Leave all your inhibitions at the door, come in, and have a real good laugh and some fun while doing something that benefits your health!” she said. “We’ve created a safe space for women to come on their menopause journey with us, with lots of other like-minded women. There's strength in numbers and we want to create a sense of community like no other.”
Want to learn more about the Move through Menopause programme or come on this journey with us?
Click here
We’re so proud to work with many of our partners, like Menopause Movement, to explore ways in which we can offer more targeted support for Customers.
Within our 90+ centres, our commitment to engage with and meet the needs of our Communities keeps on growing. We’re not just here to motivate People to become fitter, our places are where the whole Community can come together to exercise and socialise.
If you found this blog helpful, you can view our full list of blogs here.
*It's important to remember that these symptoms aren't exclusive to menopause. If you're concerned, seek professional advice from a GP.