Menopause and Movement

Barre Base Anywhere members are well aware of the diverse age range of our community — men & women, from their 20s to 70’s+. This is what makes our community so special.

However, one of our largest demographics is women between 40-60 years of age, and often they're seeking further support for their perimenopause/ menopause symptoms. I feel hugely privileged to learn from and experience the focus, discipline and wisdom that comes from these women.

I am aware that, for some, this stage of life can come with its challenges. Perimenopause is also referred to as second puberty, so when put in these terms, we often have more compassion for ourselves and others about all of the physiological changes that can occur throughout this time.

Perimenopause and menopause can be challenging for many women, however, exercise is one of the best ways to support the body and the nervous system through these fluctuations.

Exercise can decrease anxiety, tension and feelings of unhappiness. It increases self-esteem and lowers your stress levels. It helps manage your blood glucose levels, reduces your blood pressure and improves your cognitive performance. It increases your bone strength and your heart health and slows down the loss of muscle mass – and the list goes on.

Why are barre classes great for women in perimenopause and menopause?

• Exercise can slow bone loss after menopause, which lowers the risk of fractures and osteoporosis, reducing the risk of other diseases.

• Barre classes significantly improve your mind-to-body connection, balance, stability, and strength, to relieve aches and pains often experienced among those experiencing perimenopause.

• Barre Base classes offer mindful movement, giving you time to reflect, listen to your body, and tune in to its changing needs. Learn to find peace and acceptance with these changes, and embrace this new stage of life and all of the newfound wisdom that comes with it.

• Classes are low-impact, but high-intensity. Barre classes allow you to build strength in a way that is kind to your body. Your joints (and your pelvic floor) will thank you.

• Barre doesn’t just exercise our bodies — it also works our brains! This workout keeps our cognitive skills sharp with new exercises, directional changes, and listening to and following instructions.

• Barre classes focus on movements that enhance your balance and strengthen your deeper stability muscles. This reduces the likelihood of falling, and if you do, ensuring your body can best protect itself from injury. To further assist in your balance, we exercise while holding onto a ballet barre, which offers the body extra security while we build strength.

• Barre is a bloody good endorphin boost to support the mood! The post-barre buzz is a THING. Exercising alongside a like-minded community and the sense of achievement after a barre class cannot be bet.

Menopause and Movement – Q&A with Dr Deborah Brunt

This week, Rosa will be interviewing Dr Deborah Brunt on all things Perimenopause and Menopause.

Dr Deborah Brunt is an Integrative Doctor who has 10 years of experience working in general practice. During this time she gained experience working in many areas but has interests in women's health, sexual and gut health. Deb combines her experience in general practice with her expertise in lifestyle and integrative medicine to give clients the time to explore their health concerns and discover modifiable root causes. She collaborates with clients to work towards improving your health to help you thrive.

For more info on Deb, you can visit: https://www.otepotiintegrativehealth.co.nz/dr-deborah-brunt

Stay tuned for these videos which will launch on the platform very soon.

We want to break the stigma of talking about Menopause and make sure women feel heard and supported.