Muscle, Mood & Menopause: 5 Reasons Resistance Exercise is Your Best Ally

Have you ever found an old photo and thought, “I remember feeling strong back then”?

Maybe it was a beach holiday, lifting your kids with ease, or dancing all night at a wedding. These aren’t just memories, they’re moments when your body felt free, capable, and alive.

Here’s the truth: you can feel that way again … and resistance exercise is the key.

Here’s 5 reasons why resistance exercise is the best thing that you can do for your body, brain, and confidence – especially in midlife and beyond.

1. It Rebuilds the Strength You Thought You Lost

As we age (especially during peri- and post-menopause) we naturally lose muscle. But here’s the empowering part: you can get it back.

Resistance training literally tells your body: “I still need this strength.” And your body responds.

• Lifting weights improves muscle tone
• Boosts metabolism
• Makes everyday tasks (lifting shopping, climbing stairs, getting up from the floor) easier
• Helps you feel strong again – physically and emotionally

2. It Supports Your Brain & Memory

Yes, lifting weights is brain care.

Research shows that resistance training can improve:

• Memory
• Focus
• Mood
• Cognitive function

Why? Because it increases blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and boosts feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.

So if you’re feeling foggy, scattered, or forgetful, don’t panic – resistance exercise can help.

3. It Strengthens Your Bones & Joints

Menopause can bring a silent risk: bone loss. As oestrogen drops, so can bone density putting women at higher risk of fractures.

Resistance training is one of the best ways to fight back.

It stimulates bone growth, strengthens the muscles around your joints, and improves balance – reducing your risk of falls and injuries.

Every time you use the circuit you are future-proofing your body.

4. It Helps Manage Weight

Hormonal changes often mean stubborn weight gain around the middle.

Resistance training is a metabolism booster. Muscle burns more calories at rest than fat – meaning the more muscle you build, the more efficient your body becomes.

5. It Builds Confidence

There’s something deeply powerful about resistance training – especially in a space where you’re supported, not judged.

It’s not about being the strongest person in the room. It’s about proving to yourself:
“I can do hard things.”
“I’m still strong.”
“My best days aren’t behind me – they’re right here.”

Resistance training gives you more than muscle – it gives you confidence, clarity, and control over your body again.