Menopause Fitness Course | Kent Sport

Our Exercise Referral Coordinator Liz Coult has designed a 6-week Menopause Fitness Course to help women manage menopause symptoms through exercise and long-term health and lifestyle changes.

The course is designed to help women navigate the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that occur during menopause, typically between the ages of 40 and 55. The goal of a menopause fitness programme for the individual is to promote physical and mental well-being, and to understand the different training approaches to help with menopause symptoms. Regular physical activity is a key component of any menopause programme to manage weight, strengthen bones, and improve mood.

Once enrolled on the course, you will have an initial health assessment with the Exercise Referral Coordinator, who will then provide a tailored diet and exercise plan. You will be able to use the on-campus gym and group exercise classes throughout the 6-week course, with weekly check-ins with the Exercise Referral Coordinator who will talk through any concerns or adaptions needed. We will also host a Conversation Café each week for all participants to meet and chat through experiences of menopause over free tea and coffee.

The course is open to students, staff, alumni, and members of the public.  

What's included:

Throughout the 6-week course you will receive:

• Access to the on-campus gym and group exercise classes throughout, all included.
• An initial health assessment.
• Three personalised exercise programmes.
• Weekly check-ins with the Exercise Referral Coordinator.
• Weekly Conversation café sessions.
  
• A 30-minute massage/reflexology voucher.

The Menopause Fitness Course schedule:

Week one: Introduction

• Initial meeting with the Exercise Referral Coordinator. Discuss the Kent Sport booking process and sessions available. Provide details of the weekly check-ins and contact details.
• Initial health assessment, introduce gym programme and plate method, book in-person or virtual consultation, explain drop-in sessions and menopause café sessions.
• Introduction of three exercise programmes: cardiovascular, strength training, core stability and pelvic floor exercises.

Weeks two to five: Following the plan

• Weekly theme around different areas of support including Diet and Nutrition, Exercise and Movement, Pilates and Core.
• Weekly check-in via phone or email (food diary, plate method, exercise routine). Ask any questions or raise any areas of concern.
• Weekly Conversation Café sessions.
• Introduce weekly challenges (exercise challenges, 10k step challenge, Pilates challenge).
• Access to the Kent Sport gym and fitness and dance classes, all included.

Week six: Long-term Strategies

• Final check-in via phone or email (food diary, plate method, exercise routine). Ask any questions or raise any areas of concern.
• Make adaptions to exercise programmes.
• Talk through further support pathways: Exercise Referral Scheme, the ALL Active programme (students and staff only), and Kent Sport membership options.