Why Yoga for Menopause?
Menopause and perimenopause are an important, but neglected and undervalued time of life. How women approach these years can set the tone for the rest of their lives, but very few services exist to help.
Yoga for Menopause is designed around some of the most common symptoms of menopause, helping women feel refreshed, calm and more confident in their changing bodies.
We focus on:
- Keeping your brain healthy and improving your focus
- Cooling techniques for hot flushes
- Pelvic floor techniques to stop the leaks
- Reducing anxiety, honouring grief and reconnecting to yourself
- Gentle movement and strength to help unstiffen your joints.
Why I started teaching Yoga for Menopause
For years I have supported people through change. In big businesses, I worked on projects and business change. It was my favourite part of the job to work with people affected by the change, truly understand their concerns and find ways to make the change work for them.
Then I taught pregnancy yoga. I’m super proud of these classes. I received training from a physio on the pelvic floor and other pregnancy-related areas and I know the classes these women receive are incredible quality.
Then I thought about my mum, my mother-in-law, and all the other women who have come before me and how little they have been taught about their bodies. It’s such an important life transition, and yet there are so few services that directly address and support women through it.
With this in mind I found science-based menopause training so that I could provide local mid-life women with the same opportunities as my pregnancy and postnatal clients.
My favourite thing is when someone comes to my class with aches and pains and leaves with relief, a better understanding of what's happening in their body, and practical exercises to support themselves at home.
FAQs
What happens in a typical class?
We always start with a little round robin, so that you can get to know other women in the class, share experiences and let me know if there’s something you want to focus on. Then we move slowly and gently through yoga postures, finding strength, flexibility and balance, as well as pelvic floor work. We end with a guided meditation to help you relax and find calm.
I’m not very flexible / strong / good at balance. Is this class for me?
I think this would be the perfect class for you. I ALWAYS want women to meet their bodies where they are - to tell me when things aren’t working for them, to be an advocate for themselves and to be kindly improving in small ways every week. If you don’t think you’re good at something, it means you have the most potential for growth - hooray!
Can yoga help with menopause symptoms?
Many women find yoga extremely beneficial throughout perimenopause and the menopause. Research suggests yoga may help to reduce night sweats, aid healthy brain functioning, improve pelvic floor tone and improve overall wellbeing.
I'm not sure if I'm in perimenopause or menopause. Is the class still suitable?
Classes focus on managing menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes, brain fog, insomnia, leaking pelvic floor, stiff joints and anxiety. If you think you’re suffering from these and your periods are stopping or have stopped (including through surgery), you’re very welcome.
What if I can't get down onto the floor?
Some parts of the class involve getting on and off the floor. Please contact me before booking and we can discuss whether the class is suitable.
I have an issue with my joints / spine
Many women attend with aches and pains. Classes are tailored to the group and I'll always offer options and encourage you to work within your own comfort. If you're unsure, get in touch before class and we can discuss your situation.
How is this different from a regular yoga class?
POMPOM classes are designed specifically around the changes women experience during menopause. Rather than following a standard yoga sequence, classes draw on current evidence around strength, mobility, pelvic health, breathing and relaxation. Every exercise has a purpose, and you'll always be encouraged to adapt the class to your body.