How Jenny Craig influenced my approach today

[The partial collapse of the Jenny Craig weight loss empire (which opened its doors in Australia in 1983) in the news this week has brought up some memories of my own Jenny Craig experience and the weight loss industry in general. Note, this is my experience and I acknowledge that some people may have foundContinue reading “How Jenny Craig influenced my approach today”

Making friends in midlife

As someone who works from home and can be quite the recluse, I also recognise how important it is to form friendship connections with other women – especially as we age. Research indicates that loneliness can increase your risk of illness, premature death and may even be as bad for your health as smoking! HavingContinue reading “Making friends in midlife”

What I have learnt over 30 years about thriving as you age

It’s 30 years on Monday since my dad died of a sudden heart attack when he was only 47. Over the last 30 years, there has been a significant increase in the amount of research conducted and information available about health and wellness. It’s never been easier to gain the knowledge necessary to live aContinue reading “What I have learnt over 30 years about thriving as you age”

Can a health and wellness vision board change your life?

Although I’ve always liked the idea of vision boards, I have to admit I never considered them a legitimate way of changing your life. It wasn’t sciencey (is that even a word!!) or evidenced based enough for me. However, throughout my ironman journey, I continually utilised visualisation techniques to help me get through my trainingContinue reading “Can a health and wellness vision board change your life?”

Midlife women – it’s time to love yourself – more

I don’t about you but I reached my 50s in a bit of a blur. I’d spent the previous 15 years focusing on raising my kids, with some work and other commitments thrown in, to create a whirlwind of a time where my needs were always at the bottom of the list. I woke upContinue reading “Midlife women – it’s time to love yourself – more”

Menopause Metamorphosis

There were many times throughout my menopause transition where I felt the opposite of a beautiful butterfly. It was often confusing, frustrating and really hard. I felt like my entire existence and sense of self was being thrown into utter chaos, amid crazily fluctuating hormones, sleepless nights, sweats and mood swings. I was also determinedContinue reading “Menopause Metamorphosis”

Eat the Ice Cream

This menopause/midlife thing has been a pivotal point in my life. The milestone of reaching half a century of life, together with the major hormonal shift of menopause, has provided me with the opportunity to take some time to think about what ‘health’ really means for me and how I want to live this nextContinue reading “Eat the Ice Cream”

How simplifying improved my menopause and my life

Peri-menopause, menopause and post menopause are definitely having a moment. This is fabulous because finally, women are retreating from life wondering what on earth is happening to their bodies, minds and selves. Finally, we are being made aware of the many aspects of this major hormonal shift that once no-one ever talked about. After all,Continue reading “How simplifying improved my menopause and my life”

Why walking is my No 1 form of exercise

It’s almost too simple isn’t it. Walking? It’s not sexy or trendy or complicated. And, perhaps that’s why its so effective at contributing to good health. But, is walking alone enough to optimise health? Probably not. It’s ideal to include strength training, multi-directional movements, possibly some jumping movements and more variety. However, walking for me,Continue reading “Why walking is my No 1 form of exercise”

What’s the best type of exercise post menopause?

As a personal trainer, this is one of the most common questions I’m asked. Everyone is fascinated by what exercise will transform them back to either their pre-menopause body or the best ‘shape’ of their life. First things first, a few considerations: So, given all that, what are the ‘best’ options for post menopause exerciseContinue reading “What’s the best type of exercise post menopause?”