While menopause brings its fair share of challenges, one thing is clear — regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage its symptoms. As part of Menopause Awareness Month this October, we’re celebrating two Lincolnshire women, Karen and Caron, whose stories prove just how powerful movement can be.
They’ve faced health conditions, personal obstacles, and menopause symptoms head-on — coming out stronger, more confident, and healthier. Their stories show that exercise isn’t just about keeping fit; it’s a lifeline for managing menopause, building resilience, and reclaiming confidence.
From Modest Beginnings to Powerlifting Podiums: Karen’s Story
Karen’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From early gym sessions where she admits she was “just lying on the floor and trying to do a sit-up,” she’s now training for powerlifting qualifiers.
It all started with Aquacise classes in Louth — a gentle way to manage arthritis that soon led to something much bigger. She’s since lost five stone, boosted her health, and discovered a love for strength training.
At first, Karen didn’t even know what a barbell was. But with encouragement from a gym regular, Steve, she stepped into the weights area — a place she once avoided. That simple moment turned into a mentorship, and now her confidence has, as she says, “gone through the roof.”
Managing menopause while training, Karen has learned to work with her body, not against it.
“When I start my progestogen patch that week, I know I won’t lift as much,”
But rather than let that stop her, she and Steve adapt together.
“The hot sweats, the brain fog! Steve has been very patient.”
Now, Karen proudly owns her space in the gym. She recently hit a 130kg deadlift and 55kg bench press and is set to compete at Iron Maidens in Nottingham early next year.
She also gives back — helping others start lifting and qualifying as a Gentle Aquacise instructor. Her message is simple: age, arthritis and menopause aren’t barriers; they’re part of the journey.
Reclaiming Strength After Stroke: Caron’s Journey
At nearly 59, Caron, a secondary school teacher from Lincolnshire, has also rebuilt her life through exercise. After suffering two mini strokes, she realised that if change was going to happen, she had to make it happen herself.
With help from an NHS Lifestyle Coach, she joined One You Lincolnshire’s Exercise on Prescription and Magna Vitae’s inclusive fitness community. Small changes — including Slimming World and gym sessions — led to big results.
Personal training with Liezi made all the difference:
“Liezi encouraged me to go upstairs in the gym and try some of the machines… Memory and coordination is slightly affected from what I’ve been through, but Liezi was brilliant at going over things, reminding me. She kept it simple and focused. It was great.”
Caron now takes part in yoga, Pilates and spin classes, and her results speak volumes:
- Down from a size 18 to a 10
- Six years younger in body age
- Lost 4 stone and 16% increase in muscle mass
- Gained confidence to try new activities like swimming
Her biggest transformation, though, is in her mindset. Exercise has become her emotional anchor through menopause and beyond, and helped her develop a positive mindset.
“Your mind is a bigger battle than your body.”
Caron now inspires others at the gym, sharing her story to help newcomers find their own strength. Caron’s advice to anyone looking to improve their health is simple but powerful:
“You can do it. Take control of your life. I think I wanted other people to do it for me—tablets, doctors—but it was only what I can control that made the biggest difference.”
Exercise and Menopause: A New Narrative
Karen and Caron prove that exercise isn’t just about easing menopause symptoms like fatigue or weight gain — it’s about empowerment. Movement can boost mood, confidence, and community.
Their stories remind us that women’s fitness should flex around hormonal changes, not fight them. Whether it’s lifting weights in tune with HRT cycles or finding calm through yoga, both women show that the key is listening to your body.
Menopause can feel like a time of loss — of energy, identity, or control. But as Karen and Caron show, it can also be a time of rediscovery. With consistency, courage, and community, anything is possible.