Busting Myths About Exercise in Perimenopause
Perimenopause often comes with a whirlwind of change—hormonal shifts, unpredictable sleep, stubborn weight gain, and energy levels that seem to fluctuate by the hour. It’s easy to feel like your body is working against you. And with all the mixed messages out there about what kind of exercise you should (or shouldn’t) be doing, confusion and frustration can quickly take over.
Let’s bust some common myths about exercise during perimenopause that are floating about on social media.
Why the Scale Might Be Lying to You: Changing the Story You Tell Yourself
F*ck the scale.
Let me get personal for a second.
Right now, I’m 170 lbs, squatting more weight than I ever have in my life, eating more calories than I ever have, and feeling the most confident and powerful in my body than I ever imagined possible.
But if you had told me five years ago that I’d be comfortably sitting at 170 lbs, I probably would’ve had a panic attack. Because back then, I was 145 lbs, chasing a smaller body instead of a stronger one.
That number on the scale used to rule me. Now? It means nothing compared to how I feel in my skin, how much I can lift, and how deeply I trust the process.
Female Athlete Underfueling: The Silent Performance Killer
Underfueling is a critical yet often unnoticed issue affecting nearly half of female athletes (professional but also recreational - yes you!), leading to hormonal imbalances, weakened bones, metabolic slowdowns, and mental health struggles. Chronic energy deficiency contributes to conditions like the Female Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), which can impact long-term athletic performance and overall well-being. A self-assessment checklist can help athletes recognize the signs of underfueling, and solutions include increasing caloric intake, prioritizing nutrient-dense foods, strategic meal timing, and seeking professional guidance. By addressing nutritional gaps, female athletes can enhance both their immediate performance and long-term health.