What I Wish You Knew (Especially if You're 35+ and Feeling Stuck)

You’re not broken. And you’re definitely not alone.

I speak to so many folks over 35 who feel like their body, brain and energy levels have completely changed….and not in a good way. You don’t just know how you’ve got here. You might be dealing with weight gain that doesn’t shift, sore joints, hot flushes, low mood, cravings, brain fog, or just a general sense of “What the hell is going on?”

If you’re nodding along… this is for you.

Here’s what I wish more people knew:

1. I wish you knew that Aches and pains aren’t just ‘part of ageing’.

Stiff hips? Achy knees? Sore back? You might think you need more rest. People will often tell me that they’ll start once they’ve recovered from this pain or that illness. But often, your body’s asking for the right kind of movement and movement can help you recover.
Strength training and mobility work can do wonders for joint pain, posture, and morning stiffness.

2. I wish you knew that Exercise isn’t punishment.

You don’t have to earn your dinner or make up for a “bad” weekend.
Movement should feel empowering, not punishing. It’s the big thing the “self-care/body positivity” movement have got wrong (not all of them!) exercise is demonised but it’s the greatest thing you can do to feel good now and in the future. Whether you’re lifting weights, dancing in your kitchen, or joining one of my small group sessions it should leave you feeling better, not worse. Everyone feels great after working with me! H said recently “After these Tuesdays, I feel great for days”.

All long-term conditions (Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Depression and Anxiety Disorders, Coronary Heart Disease, Hypothyroidism, Asthma, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME), Perimenopause and Menopause) are helped with the right type of exercise, but also the potential of getting a lot of them (not all!) in the first place is….reduced with exercise.

3. I wish you knew that You might need to eat more (yes, more) to lose weight.

If you’re constantly cutting back, skipping meals, or trying to be “good” your metabolism might be slowing down to protect you. Fasting or restrictive eating can damage your hormones and when you’re navigating hormonal changes, your body needs nourishment to function well, not restriction. But eating more doesn’t mean just eating MORE, it means focusing on foods that nourish you and help your hormones do their jobs. Think nuts (unsalted), vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish (if that’s your thing), eggs, pulses and the good news is that this lot can taste great!

4. I wish you knew that Changing how you drink can change how you feel.

You aren’t imagining it. Alcohol does affect you differently in your 40s. It can mess with your sleep, anxiety, hormones and more. You don’t have to quit completely but I promise, even cutting back can have a big impact. (I’m 7 years sober, and I’ve never felt more clear-headed or calm.) As we age, we have less water in our bodies, which means that processing alcohol is more challenging.

5. I wish you knew that Strength training helps more than just your muscles.

Think stronger bones, better balance, more muscle (which helps your metabolism), and a massive boost in confidence. It’s not about lifting heavy right away. It’s about starting small, staying consistent, and feeling proud of what your body can do. Free weights (dumbbells and kettlebells) are great, but you do need to have a proper technique to make sure that you don’t hurt yourself. I’ve learnt about strength training through my personal training qualification, women’s coaching and through becoming a menopause coaching specialist. But I’m really enjoying upping my knowledge as I study through my British Weightlifting scholarship to become a Level 3 Strength and Power Coach.

6. I wish you knew that You’re not failing. You’re just human.

You probably know what to do drink more water, move more, sleep, eat well…It’s not rocket science.
But doing it consistently? That’s where support matters. You don’t need more information you need accountability, encouragement, and a plan that works for real life. You need someone to shine a light on the right information (because let’s face it, there are tons of confusing messages out there!). I help you know what to do, when to do it and with the right techniques.

7. I wish you knew How amazing you are.

And one more thing I see so often?
Women who walk in feeling small. Shoulders slumped. Head down. Women who keep need to be reminded to lift their head, put their shoulders down and back, the same women that show a lack of self-worth but the same women who are wonderful and should feel great.

But when we start moving… when we lift weights… when we pull those shoulders back and take up space something shifts.

You don’t just look more confident. You become more confident.

Movement changes your body and your brain. That’s the magic of showing up for yourself.

The peachy bottom line?

You don’t have to settle for feeling “rubbish” just because you’re over 35.
You can feel stronger, clearer, and more confident again.
And I’m here to help if you need a hand.

Ready to get started?

Join a strength training pay as you go session, book a free call, or check out my Stronger, Fitter You 6 week small group PT programme.