One in three women will suffer from urinary incontinence at some point in their lives. Half of all women will have some degree of pelvic organ prolapse. That’s at least one of those women in the photo above who are going to have some degree of incontinence or worse!
It’s a massive problem making women’s lives miserable, not to mention being quite costly for the NHS.
So when I was asked if I wanted to try Roxy’s new Menopause Muscle class in Sound Mind and Body gym in Newcastle, I was really interested. I don’t have incontinence, but I also don’t want to have it, and in many ways, prevention is better than cure. I’ve been going for 2 weeks now, and here are 8 surprising things I’ve learned in the sessions:
1 – You have to laugh
The classes are really lots of fun. We were giggling so much that we couldn’t look at each other! There’s one particular exercise with a rolled-up towel that is hysterical. I won’t spoil it, but for extra giggles, look at the ladies wearing a longer top when they’re using the rolled-up towel!
2 – Roxy is a great instructor
Roxy Bugrova, a personal trainer and rehab Kinesio therapist at Sound Mind and Body, has been personal training for many years. She has seen how menopause can impact ladies of all ages. The special exercise techniques, as well as nutritional advice, will ultimately help women enjoy life during the menopause rather than just live with its symptoms.
3 – Not just for women approaching the menopause
The exercises are important for all women – even ladies in their late teens/the early twenties – to prepare their muscles. If you sit a lot at work, this can really impact on the strength of your pelvic floor.
4 – The exercises help with other symptoms of the menopause
The Menopausal Muscle Mentoring weekly sessions are led by personal trainer and rehab Kinesio therapist Roxy Bugrova, who will teach women a broad range of exercises to help strengthen their pelvic floor and deep core muscles as well as managing menopausal side effects such as hot flushes, sleeping problems, depression, anxiety and mood swings.
5 – The first session is free!
You get to try it out without having to pay for anything. If you like it, the next session is £8, which is a bit of a bargain for an hour of exercise to improve your mental health, physical health and reduce menopause symptoms.
6 – Menopause can start at any age
Did you know that menopause usually starts between the ages of 45 and 55, the average age for women in the UK is 51. It’s a great idea to get those muscles flexed and ready for action whether you’re approaching menopause or not.
7 – Improves health all round
I’ve only been going for two weeks, but I had my period during the second session. Usually, my periods are four or five days long, but this past month, it finished after just three days! Also, eating well and doing my homework set by Roxy during the week has encouraged me to feel much better!
8 – Brilliant for new mums
This class would be great for new mums, and Roxy would love to put on a session for women who’ve been signed off by the midwife and GP, at least six weeks after the birth of their child. I will keep you updated if this happens!
The Sound Mind and Body Gym is a fab gym, with rooms that feel more like someone’s house than a gym. The workout space is small and ideal for people who take working out seriously but don’t want to be fighting a muscle-man for the kit. The changing rooms are similar to a hotel, with showers for after your workout. I am impressed by the opening hours, which suit a busy lifestyle, too.
Check out Sound Mind and Body Gym on Facebook and Instagram. Roxy’s muscle mentoring sessions are on Thursdays at 7 pm. Your first session is free!
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