Why More Women Are Turning to Heavy Lifting During, Before and After Menopause

The article talks about Perimenopause, which, I have been told, can feel like a whirlwind—hot flushes, mood swings, disrupted sleep, and a creeping sense that your body is changing in ways you can’t quite control. A growing number of women are finding strength—literally and figuratively—through heavy lifting. Across a decade plus of coaching, I have witnessed women’s confidence build alongside their strength. It’s wonderful to see!

A recent article explores how women in their 40s and 50s are embracing strength training to navigate the hormonal shifts of perimenopause. The piece highlights personal stories of women who’ve swapped cardio for compound lifts (THANK GAIA!), discovering not only physical resilience but also a renewed sense of empowerment.

The science backs them up. As estrogen levels decline, women become more susceptible to muscle loss, bone density reduction, and metabolic slowdown. Lifting heavy weights helps counteract these effects by stimulating muscle growth, improving insulin sensitivity, and supporting bone health. It’s not just about aesthetics anymore—it’s about longevity and vitality.

What’s especially powerful is the mindset shift. Women aren’t chasing smaller bodies; they’re chasing strength, confidence, and control. As one lifter put it, “I’m not trying to be skinny—I’m trying to be strong enough to carry my life.”

If you’re navigating perimenopause yourself or supporting people who are, consider this your cue to reframe the narrative. Strength training isn’t just safe—it’s essential. And it’s never too late to start.

Here’s the article for a full read:

https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/is-lifting-heavy-the-solution-to-perimenopausal-changes-meet-the-women-choosing-weights-20250611-p5m6jm.html