Why Exercise in Menopause Is Always a Good Idea — And Why Barre Is The Mutt’s Nuts

Menopause is one of the most significant transitions in a woman’s life. Hormones shift, sleep can become disrupted, muscle mass naturally declines, and bone density may decrease. Many women also notice changes in mood, body composition, and energy levels. While all of this is pretty rubbish it’s also completely normal. 

It doesn’t mean you’re powerless — and one of the most effective tools for supporting your body through menopause is movement. Exercise isn’t just “nice to have” at this stage of life; it’s one of the most powerful ways to protect your long-term health, confidence, and well-being.

Regular movement helps counteract many menopause-related changes. Strength-based exercise supports bone density, helping reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Weight-bearing movement preserves lean muscle mass, which can support a healthier metabolism and body composition. Exercise also improves cardiovascular health at a time when heart-disease risk increases. And beyond the physical, movement can be incredibly beneficial for mental health — boosting mood, easing anxiety, and supporting better sleep.

But not all exercise feels supportive or sustainable during menopause. Many women find the kind of workouts that used to work for the now work against them.   High-impact workouts (ones that involve a lot of jumping) can aggravate sore joints, and HIIT classes can spike the cortisol in the body and leave you drained rather than energised. That’s one reason barre has become such a brilliant option at this life stage.

Barre blends strength training, Pilates-inspired control, and ballet-style alignment into a low-impact, joint-friendly workout. It focuses on small, precise movements that target the deep stabilising muscles — the ones responsible for posture, pelvic support, and spinal alignment. These muscles are especially important during menopause, when hormone changes can influence core strength and pelvic floor function. Yes, any leakage is about to get worse so time to take preventive action.

The Pilates roots of barre mean that breath, body awareness, and alignment take centre stage. Rather than simply “pushing harder,” you learn to move with intention. This supports healthy posture, reduces stress on the joints, and helps you develop balanced strength from the inside out. Women often notice they feel taller, lighter, and more connected to their bodies — without the strain or burnout that some workouts create.

Barre is also an incredibly effective strength training method. Holding positions, working with light resistance, and performing controlled repetitions challenge the muscles enough to spark real change. This supports bone density, improves balance, and helps protect against falls — all key considerations during and after menopause. And because barre strengthens the glutes, hips, and core, it can ease lower-back discomfort and help stabilise the pelvis.

Just as importantly, barre classes encourage a compassionate, body-positive approach. Menopause can sometimes feel like your body is changing faster than you can keep up with — but barre invites you to work with your body rather than against it. Each movement can be modified, making it accessible whether you’re just beginning or already active.

So if you’re navigating menopause and wondering what form of exercise will truly support you — think strength, think alignment, think connection. Barre brings all three together in a way that feels empowering, sustainable, and deeply nourishing. It’s not about shrinking your body; it’s about strengthening it, supporting it, and celebrating everything it can do at every stage of life. And my barre is designed with you in mind. Our kind of music and 100% relatable.