Launches new exercise, health and mindset program The Menopause Method
Michelle Bridges is calling on Aussie women to step up with her to tackle menopause head on with the launch of The Menopause Method, a brand-new 12-week program designed to support and educate women through perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.
“Menopause is a bitch, there is no denying it, but every woman will go through it. It’s one of the few things in life that doesn’t discriminate. Symptoms affect up to 80% of Aussie women and for just over half of us, these will be mild to moderate but for 20%, they will be severe. Contrary to popular belief, there are things we can put in place to help tame it, work with it and evolve through it to turn it around and make it one of the best transitions in a woman’s life,” said Michelle.
“Unfortunately, as a society, we are conditioned to fear menopause and the changes it brings to our mind and body. In creating The Menopause Method, I’m hoping to shift that stigma and in fact reframe the way we look at menopause to a time of opportunity and empowerment,” she continued.
Education and mindset will be key components of the program to encourage personal growth, evolution and give a deeper insight into the best ways to tweak our lifestyle and habits to supercharge this next phase of life.
Weekly videos featuring interviews with experts including Founder and Principal of WellFemme Women’s Health Services, Dr Kelly Teagle, Lead Dietitian for 12WBT, Lisa Donaldson, OAM recipient and one of Australia’s foremost experts on sexual dysfunction and interpersonal relationships, Dr Margaret Redelman and internationally renowned nutrition scientist, author, speaker and food futurist, Dr Joanna McMillan will unlock new ideas for overcoming menopause symptoms and build confidence in managing the rest.
Together with Michelle, they will uncover and dissect a range of topics including weight and diet, hot flushes, night sweats, joint pain, mood changes, depression, bone loss/osteoporosis, cholesterol, heart disease, brain fog, sleep, libido, sexual wellbeing, Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Non-Hormonal Treatment options for menopausal symptoms.
“I have called on Australia’s best to help demystify the available information on menopause. To try and get access to these specialists any other way would be quite pricey with excessively long waitlists, but as a part of the program there is unlimited access to their extraordinary insights, tools and tips with additional links to access any next steps including to access local specialists,” said Michelle.
The Menopause Method exercise plan will feature all new workouts across resistance, cardio, circuit and yoga. The key to success for this program will be slow and regular increases in weight distribution and strengthening and low impact cardio with a strong focus also on balance, coordination and pelvic floor. The exercise sessions will run for 30 minutes, and 45 minutes for yoga and pilates, with the last 15 minutes focusing on breathwork. Each session will focus on consistency over intensity to achieve best results and manage menopause symptoms to encourage weight loss, increased bone density, and improved muscle mass while supporting overall well-being.
“I’ve personally filmed all of these workouts myself, and whilst I’ve started out softer, I’ve given it a 3 in 1 approach so that whether you are a true beginner, regular exerciser or require more advanced options, your level of ability is catered for,” Michelle continued.
The program will be available through Australia’s pioneer online exercise, nutrition, and mindset program, the Michelle Bridges’ 12 Week Body Transformation (12WBT).
The Menopause Method will also include a meal plan. Science and research points to a Mediterranean diet as best suited to support women through the transformative stages of menopause. The program’s meal plans are therefore Mediterranean style and lean towards lower carb options. The plans include calcium and protein-rich options, with the simplicity of a ‘time-saver’ approach.
“When it comes to menopause we have two options, we can either wave the white fIag of defeat and use it as an excuse to let ourselves go or we can man up (now those female hormones are no longer circulating!) and take control of our health to ensure our next decades are our best yet! When we have our health under control, we have more bandwidth to get the most out of life. These years should be our best yet, full of people and pursuits we love and we shouldn’t let menopause get in the way of that,” Michelle concluded.
The first round of The Menopause Method will begin on Monday 4 March, 2024.
Registration will be open from Monday, 5 February at www.12wbt.com with four weeks of pre-season preparation available ahead of the official program commencement.