You're Stronger Thank You Think

I work with a lot of amazing people. Many of them are women in menopause. Just because we go through menopause, doesn’t mean we leave it. So I consider menopause lasting for the rest of our lives. I don’t have a problem with that and I don't want you to either. The Japanese have a term for menopause that I love, “second spring.” Doesn’t that sound lovely? Since our mindset has everything to do with how we feel, move, look and age, it’s a good thing to look at menopause in a positive way.

Now, back to our title and you being stronger than you think. I’ve been in the fitness industry for over 22 years and I’ve worked with a lot of women. I have seen the transformation of many. Again, the clients who have a positive mindset, who know they can achieve the results they desire, are the ones who get the greatest results. If you’re not lifting weights or doing some form of resistance training, can I ask you why not?

Read my older blog posts about the benefits of strength training. Strength Training the Why’s and How’s and The Best Exercise For Women in Menopause to help you get started.

Once you get started and build a base of neuromuscular strength, the real fun and transformation begins to happen. I have a client who says lovingly, “Go full Maria mode.” She means she likes when I correct and cue her every move. I do this because I love my clients and I want your form to be as impeccable as possible. Barring you don’t have injuries or illnesses that prevent you from lifting heavy weights for a particular body part, I will push you to lift as heavy as you can with proper form to fatigue at ten repetitions. When you’re focused on what muscles are supposed to be moving and where you should feel the work, you will know when you fatigue. You don’t stop at ten because it’s a number I gave you. You lift until you are fatigued. If that number is 15, you need heavier weight.

You are stronger than you think you are. I delight when a client looks at me with amazement that they can lift heavier weights. I have a client in her late 80’s. She can lift 15 pound dumbbells, one in each hand for a chest press. If you’re lifting five pound dumbbells, with proper guidance, rest and recovery, nutrition and hydration, you can move up from those five pounders.

Email me if you have any questions. You can rock menopause and enjoy a strong and healthy second spring.