About Mindful Strength

As a women fast approaching 50 I was becoming increasingly aware that I would benefit from including some strength training alongside my yoga practice. Research shows that you can lose 10% of muscle mass during perimenopause alone. This loss of strength accelerates further post menopause, alongside increases in visceral fat, and decreased bone mass density.

The good news is you can get stronger at any age and the benefits are enormous. They include improved muscle and bone health, increased metabolism, reduced risk of disease (including osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, arthritis), alongside improved mood, confidence and mental resilience. With so much on offer I was super keen to start incorporating strength training into my exercise routine.
However, whilst I knew that strength training would be fantastic for me, the way that it was being taught was a real turn off. I found male dominated gyms that were dark, noisy, and smelly. An attitude of pushing beyond pain, ignoring messages from your body. Classes taught with loud music, and fast uncontrolled movements that left me feeling confused and overwhelmed. In short the very last things that an anxious perimenopausal woman needs!

And so began my search for people who were doing it differently. I was lucky to find a handful of female teachers who both spoke my language, and appreciated the unique needs of women in mid-life. Fast forward 18 months and some training with world leading experts, and I am excited to share what I have learnt with you.
In My Mindful Strength Classes You Can Expect To:
  • Learn good technique in a way that feels safe and approachable.
  • Be surrounded by women just like you – aged 40+, new to strength training, and working with common conditions like arthritis, cancer surgeries, osteoporosis, hip replacements ...
  • Enjoy classes in a clean, bright, and airy space.
  • Progress at a rate tailored to you – everyone has their own personal training plan.
  • Move mindfully – learn to work with focus, listen to your body, and be discerning with your thoughts.
  • Finish class feeling energised and calm – we end with a cool down and relaxation, just like in yoga.

NEW Mindful Strength Programme Starts May 2025

The Summer 2025 Programme is now open for booking.
Stay Strong, Live Long runs for 2 months from mid May to mid July 2025.
This course is suitable for EVERY BODY including those who have never done any strength training before. 
Our summer programme will be full body functional strength. Functional strength focuses on developing strength in patterns that are used in everyday life. The emphasis is on exercises that use the whole body
and develop core strength and stability.
The classes I teach aren’t about bulking up or powerlifting, they are about having the strength and confidence to keep doing all of the things that you love in life. 
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The unfortunate part of our adaptive biology is that what we don’t use, we lose. Not overnight or in a few weeks, but over the months and years our physical capacity diminishes if it is left unchallenged. The fantastic news is that it works the other way too! No matter your age or current fitness level you can always build stronger muscles and stronger bones.

Reasons for building strength are personal - perhaps you run or hike regularly and want to minimise pain and injury, maybe you want to go on an adventurous holiday, keep up your passion for gardening or home improvement, or for you it is about maintaining independence, not having to worry about falls or instability as you go up and down the stairs.

Whatever your reason, getting stronger can be a game changer to being able to say yes to the things you most enjoy in life.

The beauty of Mindful Strength is that everyone works at their own pace and follows their own programme. This is suitable for you even if you currently feel you are out of condition or have never done any strength training before. 

So much more than the average exercise class with countless stomach crunches and squats, this is a comprehensive programme to help you move better, and feel strong and empowered from your centre. 
Stay Strong, Live Long will run both online and in person

Online

What's included in the Online Programme?
  • 8 online classes Monday evenings 6-7pm (recordings available if you can't make the live session).
  • A personal training programme to track and maximise your progress. Provided as a download.
  • Clear tuition on a programme of progressive exercises. Learn good form to avoid injury, especially if you are brand new to strength training.
  • A simple 15-20 minute practice for you to do alone 2 times per week.
  • Access to tutorial videos to support your home practice.
  • Education around the science of strength and how to stay strong and vital as you age.
  • Support and encouragement to keep you on track! including weekly emails and an optional buddy system for accountability.
The course is designed to make use of household items and minimal weights that you may already have at home.  (e.g. a 8-16kg kettlebell and a resistance band). Don't worry you will not need to invest in a lot of expensive equipment! And if you are signing up last minute heavy household items will serve you well for the first couple of weeks ;-)
When: Mondays 6-7pm Online. Recordings provided to watch anytime.
Dates: 12th May - 7th July 2025 (8 Weeks) (No Class 26th May).
​Investment: £105 *
* The beauty of online classes is that you can do them from anywhere in the world. Encourage a friend to sign up with you and you will both receive 20% off the course (£84). Buddies are also fantastic for accountability!
Simply use the coupon code FRIEND at checkout to apply the discount.

In Person 

What's included in the In Person Programme?
  • 8 in person classes in central Chippenham (maximum 8 people per class so expect plenty of time to ask questions & receive tailored support).
  • A personal training programme to track and maximise your progress.
  • Clear tuition on a programme of progressive exercises. Learn good form to avoid injury, especially if you are brand new to strength training.
  • All of the equipment you need for in person classes.
  • A simple 15-20 minute practice for you to do at home 2 times per week.
  • Tutorial videos to help you gain confidence as you learn.
  • Option to attend the online class or catch up from the recording should you miss a live session.​
  • Support and encouragement from me and the wonderful women in the group!
The home practices are designed to make use of household items, resistance bands, and minimal weights (e.g. a set of 2-5kg dumbbells and one 8-16kg kettlebell). Don't worry you will not be expected to invest in a lot of expensive equipment!
When: Tuesdays 9:30-10:30am OR Fridays 11:30am-12:30pm
Dates: Tuesday 13th May - 8th July (no class 27th May) OR Fridays 16th May - 11th July (no class 30th May).
Where: The Santosha Studio, Chippenham, SN15 1HB.
​Investment: £135