I’m Laura, a 53-year-old Health and Fitness Coach from Dorking, Surrey. I have been in the fitness industry for 22 years, discovering my passion for it when I went to an aerobics class ran by a friend. I thought to myself ‘that’s something I could do’ ……..so I did! My youngest child was 7 months old when I did my training so it was hard work but also the best decision ever!
I was an active child from a fit family and was brought up playing tennis, badminton and attending ballroom dancing lessons partnered by my brother. We even went on to appear on Blue Peter with part of a dance troupe in the 70’s! So you could say fitness is in my blood!
I get fitter and healthier the older I get as I want to keep feeling great for the rest of my life. The majority of my clients are women in midlife and they seem to appreciate working alongside someone who is going through similar challenges and changes. I love helping midlife women with their nutrition and exercise. The changes that occur at this period in our lives can be challenging but there’s no escaping it so we have to embrace it and deal with it in the best way we can!
I am the average age for a menopausal woman and yet have few, if any symptoms, the odd mild hot flush only! I like to think that is down to my lifestyle choices, not to mention I am an annoyingly positive person whose glass is always half full!
Here are my top tips for staying fit and well through the menopause:
Avoid Processed Food
Avoid processed food and eat food as close to its natural state as possible. Cook from scratch and know what’s in your meals! I eat a healthy diet but do not deprive myself of anything. Moderation is key! I’m not a big eater or a big drinker but I like to do both. I prefer healthy food to processed as it tastes and looks so much better in my opinion. Once you get out of the habit of eating unhealthy food then it loses its appeal!
Exercise Regularly!
Exercise regularly and make sure that it is not a chore! Choose an exercise that you actually enjoy whether it be walking, running, tennis, gym session, yoga or pilates otherwise it will not be sustainable.
Sleep In A Bat Cave
Getting a good nights sleep is so important for our mental and physical wellbeing. Turn off all electrical devices an hour before retiring and develop a relaxing bedtime routine.
De-Stress
Reduce stress in your life and take time out regularly to just ‘be’ whether that’s relaxing in a long hot bath, meditating in a dark room, reading a book or just taking a stroll in the local park. Stress takes a big toll on our bodies and I don’t mean the big stressors like moving house or getting divorced etc but the small daily stressors. Our lives tend to be fast paced and hectic and we need to step away from that. or getting divorced etc but the small daily stressors. Our lives tend to be fast paced and hectic and we need to step away from that.
I personally love midlife and the confidence that comes with it. I’m much braver now than I was 20/30 years ago and more willing to step out of my comfort zone. My clients have now become firm friends and there is a big social aspect involved within my fitness community which I think is incredibly important as it’s not just about eating well and exercising, it’s about being happy, positive and having a laugh!
By Laura Kidd 53, Health and Fitness Coach
