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Let’s just say it: perimenopause and menopause can throw a serious wrench into how you feel in your own body. One minute you’re powering through your to-do list, and the next you’re wondering why your jeans feel tight, your sleep is shot, and your mood is all over the place. Been there.
This stage of life is messy, beautiful, uncomfortable, empowering, and it doesn’t come with a manual. That’s why I want to talk about it. Not from a clinical, textbook place, but from one woman to another. Because if you’ve been feeling like a stranger in your own skin, I want you to know you’re not alone. And more importantly, it doesn’t have to stay that way. The Confidence Wobble Is Real Has your self-confidence taken a hit lately? It’s incredibly common during this transition. The body changes, the energy dips, the emotions—sometimes it feels like you’re walking around in someone else’s body. But here’s the reminder I keep coming back to: my body isn’t betraying me. It’s changing, and I need to adapt. Just like it did during puberty, pregnancy, or any other big shift. That doesn’t mean it always feels great, but I need to treat myself like I would a friend—with kindness and compassion. Reframing What You See in the Mirror This isn’t about “bouncing back” or trying to look like you did 10 or 15 years ago. It’s about honoring where you are right now. Yes, your shape might change. Yes, your energy might dip. Yes, your weight might settle in new places. But none of those things diminish your worth or your strength. Your body is still yours, and it deserves your love, not your criticism. When I started shifting how I talked to myself—from “Why can’t I fit into those pants anymore?” to “What does my body need from me today?”—that’s when things began to change. Not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. Tiny Acts of Self-Love That Actually HelpHere’s what’s helped me and many of the amazing women I work with at AGC Fitness:
This chapter of life is not the end of anything. It’s a transition, and with it comes growth and insight. You’ve already lived through so much. You are wise. You’ve supported others, built careers, raised families, had many highs and lows. You’re beautiful. You’re still becoming. And that’s powerful. You are not invisible. Not to me. Not to your people. And not to the mirror. If You’re in This Season Too—You’ve Got Me AGC Fitness is a space where women can come home to themselves, especially during seasons like this. You don’t have to navigate perimenopause or menopause in silence. There is support. There are strategies. And there is space for all the feelings that come with this transition. You are important. Your body may be changing, but you’re adapting. And you’re doing better than you think. —Andrea 💛
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Beyond the Bedroom: Strength Training, Yoga, and Movement for a Stronger Libido and Better Intimacy3/19/2025 When we think about improving our sex lives, we often focus on communication, hormones, or even supplements… but have you ever considered what movement can do for your libido? Strength training, yoga, and intentional movement don’t just shape your body; they boost confidence, increase circulation, and help with stress management. These are all key factors for a thriving sex life.
And if you’re in perimenopause or menopause and feeling the impact on your desire, energy, or intimacy, you’re not alone. That’s why I’m hosting Sizzle, Don’t Fizzle: Sex & Connection During Perimenopause and Menopause on April 10. This event is designed to help you reignite passion, connection, and confidence. Connect with me to sign up! The Science of Movement & Libido Let’s break it down:
Hormonal shifts can impact everything from arousal to natural lubrication, making movement even more important. Exercise can help regulate hormones, reduce symptoms like night sweats, sleep disturbances, and boost your overall sense of well-being. That’s why events like Sizzle, Don’t Fizzle are so crucial. Staying connected to yourself and your partner during this phase of life is about more than just hormone levels. It’s about reclaiming confidence, joy, and intimacy in a way that feels natural and fulfilling. Let’s Get Moving If you want to support your libido and intimacy through movement, start with what feels good: ✔️ Add strength training 2–3 times per week ✔️ Try a yoga flow focused on hip openers and stress relief ✔️ Walk, dance, or do something that gets your heart rate up And if you’re navigating the changes that come with perimenopause or menopause, don’t miss my event! 🔥 Sizzle, Don’t Fizzle: Sex & Connection During Perimenopause and Menopause 📅 April 10 📍 AGC Fitness & Nutrition ✉️ Connect with Andrea to sign up! Because your sex life isn’t over—it’s just evolving. And with the right movement, mindset, and community, it can be better than ever. If you’ve noticed your body reacting differently to food, exercise, and even stress as you move through perimenopause and menopause, you’re not imagining it. The hormonal shifts during this phase of life can significantly impact metabolism, making weight management, energy levels, and muscle maintenance feel like an uphill battle. But here’s the good news: your body isn’t working against you—you just need a new approach to support it.
How Menopause Affects Metabolism Metabolism is your body’s process of converting food into energy. During menopause, several changes can slow things down:
How to Support Your Metabolism During Menopause 1. Prioritize Strength Training Muscle is metabolically active tissue, meaning the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn, even at rest! Strength training helps:
2. Embrace Protein for Muscle and Metabolic Health Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and satiety. Aim for 20-30g of protein per meal from sources like:
3. Balance Your Carbs for Blood Sugar Control With increased insulin resistance, refined carbs can lead to energy crashes and weight gain. Instead of cutting carbs completely, focus on high-fiber, nutrient-dense options like:
4. Support Your Metabolism with Smart Fats Healthy fats play a crucial role in hormone production and satiety. Include:
5. Stay Hydrated Dehydration can slow metabolism and increase fatigue. Aim for at least 8 cups (2L) of water per day, and consider herbal teas or infused water if plain water feels boring. 6. Manage Stress and Prioritize Sleep Cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, can make weight gain (especially around the belly) more likely. Combat this by:
7. Move More Throughout the Day In addition to strength training, daily movement matters. Find ways to incorporate activity:
Final Thoughts Menopause doesn’t mean your metabolism is doomed. It just means you need to work with your body differently. By prioritizing muscle-building exercises, eating in a way that supports hormonal balance, and managing stress, you can maintain energy, strength, and vitality through every stage of life. Your body is still powerful! It just needs a new plan. You’ve got this. 💪 Get Expert Guidance from Andrea Navigating these changes on your own can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Andrea Gilbert-Clark of AGC Fitness specializes in helping women adapt to their changing metabolism with customized strength training, nutrition strategies, and metabolic balance coaching. If you're ready to feel stronger, more energized, and more in control of your body, book a free 30-minute consultation with Andrea today. Together, you can create a plan that works for you and supports your long-term health and confidence. Click below to book your consult with Andrea and start feeling like yourself again! Let’s be real. Sometimes you’re actually hungry. Sometimes you just think you are because you’re bored, stressed, or avoiding that one thing you don’t want to do. Learning to tell the difference? That’s the game changer. And if no one has told you before, I’ll say it now: your body is talking to you all the time. The question is, are you listening?
Physical Hunger vs. Emotional Eating Hunger isn’t just about an empty stomach. It’s your body’s way of saying, Hey, I need fuel. But emotional eating? That’s a whole different story. Here’s how to tell which is which. Signs of Physical Hunger:
Before you reach for a snack, pause. Ask yourself:
Practical Hunger Hacks Because sometimes, you just need some tools to make this whole “listening to your body” thing a little easier. Try these:
Listen, eating isn’t the enemy. Your body needs food. But the goal is to fuel yourself in a way that makes you feel good—physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you’re hungry, eat. Give yourself something nourishing. And if you do eat for comfort sometimes? You’re human. The goal isn’t to be perfect, but consistent in eating whole foods and to be aware and intentional of those foods. Your body knows what it needs. You just have to learn how to listen. Need help decoding your body’s hunger signals? That’s what I’m here for. AGC Fitness & Nutrition is all about real talk, real food, and real results. Let’s figure this out together. - Andrea |
AuthorAndrea Gilbert-Clark shares her fitness and wellness tips to help you fulfill your full potential. Archives
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