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💪🏻Ladies over 40: Why we need to train smarter, not harder!!

Jo Steele | NOV 15, 2025

smart training
women over 40
menopause
strength training
plyometrics
longevity
independence

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🎁Join the FREE 12 Days of Christmas!

✨Ladies over 40…. Want to stay independent for life?

The latest science tells us that as oestrogen levels drop we need to take action if we want to stay strong, agile and sharp!

Strength training & jump training are non negotiable. Why?

They have a direct affect on the central nervous system that tells the body - "I need to build stronger bones and I need to keep (& build!) my lean muscle" 💪

Frailty and dependence on others IS NOT inevitable!

Start making changes NOW, starting with bodyweight, building strength safely through my 6 week program Strong & Centred!

Join my FREE 🎄12 Days of Christmas Challenge🎄 to get daily snippets of what this could look like for you!

We’re all different and our bodies need to be respected but I guarantee there are options for everyone!

Pelvic floor or no pelvic floor…

Dodgy knees or made of steel…

Fear of exercise or doing it daily…

I got you!!

You just need to UNDERSTAND HOW we need to exercise as we hit menopause because our bodies change!

If you are not strength training, what worked in the past will not carry you through to optimal health, EVEN IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY FIT AND HEALTHY!

Who knew that relentless cardio exercise (including running - something I have always loved!) can even be counterproductive for our bodies as we hit perimenopause and beyond? 🫨

I know... you may even feel angry about this, but more is not better! We need to work with our bodies and tune in to what it actually NEEDS.

Why We Need to Train Smarter, Not Harder

When we push our bodies to exhaustion, through long, intense workouts or by constantly under-fuelling, our cortisol levels rise. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and when it stays elevated, the body starts breaking down muscle tissue to use as energy.

Muscle is a highly active, energy-demanding tissue, and that’s exactly why it’s so valuable. The more lean muscle mass we have, the higher our metabolism- meaning we burn more energy, even at rest.

If we restrict calories or overtrain, the body interprets that as a survival threat. It will protect fat stores and break down muscle for fuel. 🫢 As Dr. Stacy Sims and Dr. Vonda Wright both emphasize, women peri and post menopause must actively protect and build muscle to offset the natural muscle loss that comes with declining oestrogen levels.

What About Running?

If you love running, keep it! It’s great for cardiovascular fitness, mental health, and overall endurance.
But when it comes to maintaining muscle and bone density, running alone isn’t enough. In fact, long-distance running can sometimes increase stress hormones and contribute to tissue breakdown if not supported by adequate strength training and recovery.

The key?
Combine your running (or any endurance work) with strength training and mobility work. This is the formula for strong muscles, resilient joints, and long-term metabolic health.

🎄Want to take a look at how you can start strength & jump training? Join my FREE Christmas Challenge!🎄

🎁Join the FREE 12 Days of Christmas!

Love Jo x

Jo Steele | NOV 15, 2025

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