Barbell Girls
Effects of perimenopause and menopause
The Barbell Girls community group has been set up for local women, to address some of the problems associated with perimenopause and menopause, through weight bearing activity and weight training.
Taking place in Brentwood, the project aims to help ladies understand the benefits of movement and weight training during perimenopause and menopause. Muscular strength and density, alongside connective tissue strength are primary benefits of leading an active lifestyle, and this is particularly prevalent when tackling symptoms of menopause.
Bringing like-minded individuals together, has also allowed the women to share experiences and offer a support network, tackling a subject that is also often dismissed. The Barbell Girls group have created an informal and relaxed atmosphere and environment to discuss this topic without judgement. The group found women would often feel ‘on their own’ when dealing with their symptoms, and felt it was important to be addressed, whilst finding suitable coping mechanisms. With a strong desire to raise this important topic in the wider domain, the Barbell Girls are making significant headway.
Active Essex are fully behind helping them to achieve this, and have supported the project by helping access vital funding to allow this opportunity to take place. Funded through the Find Your Active Small Grants programme, thanks to London Marathon Foundation following RideLondon-Essex 2023, the programme has become an established group within the community.
