Key to Confidence & Resilience in Menopause: Remove Damaging Language & Be Realistic

Women need to let go of guilt and banish the words ‘good’ and ‘bad’ around food choices and fitness routines to build a sustainable, realistic approach to health that embraces balance and moderation, especially during menopause,’ says Anna Jenkins, founder of women-only health and fitness club We Are Fit Attitude (WAFA).

Anna believes women need to start by challenging the damaging language and myths around dieting and exercise that have kept so many stuck in an 'all-or-nothing' mindset when it comes to eating and exercise.

Anna believes women need to start by challenging the damaging language and myths around dieting and exercise that have kept so many stuck in an 'all-or-nothing' mindset when it comes to eating and exercise.

She went on to say, ‘We’re 'good' when sticking to a strict diet – usually low in calories and devoid of joy – and 'bad' when we slip, indulging in a meal out with friends or a slice of cake. This black-and-white thinking leads to guilt and a sense of failure, which often prompts us to abandon our healthy habits altogether and, before long, we’re back to square one.'

‘This philosophy extends to exercise too. Many women start a new fitness routine full of enthusiasm, only to give up when quick results don’t materialise. Often, these programmes are built around unrealistic expectations – promising transformation in six weeks or less – and when those promises fall short, it’s easy to feel defeated. WAFA challenges this approach by offering a strength programme that is both fun and informative, ensuring that all women feel included and capable. We focus on building strength progressively, which is crucial for women during menopause, in a supportive, ego-free environment, where unrealistic ideals are left at the door.

‘As women begin to feel stronger, stay injury-free, and find themselves in the company of others on a similar journey, they realise that fitness is about far more than just losing weight. It becomes a source of empowerment, a way to build confidence and resilience - traits often lost for many menopausal women. More importantly, we help women build muscle strength, which is vital for longevity and independence – whether it’s doing things like staying mobile, lifting heavy objects, or getting up from the floor unaided.’