Pilates and Menopause: Supporting Women’s Health

The menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life, but it often comes with challenges that can affect physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, hot flushes, and changes in mood can make it harder to feel at home in your body.

At Yellow Pilates in Glasgow, we believe Pilates can be a game-changer for women navigating this transition. Through gentle, mindful movement, Pilates helps manage menopause symptoms, rebuild strength, and improve overall wellbeing. Whether you’re perimenopausal, postmenopausal, or anywhere in between, our classes and private sessions are here to support you.

How Menopause Affects the Body

During menopause, hormonal shifts—particularly in oestrogen levels—can lead to a range of symptoms, including:

  • Bone density loss: Lower oestrogen levels increase the risk of osteoporosis.

  • Joint pain and stiffness: Hormonal changes can make joints feel achy or inflamed.

  • Muscle loss: A reduction in muscle mass can affect strength and stability.

  • Pelvic floor weakness: Hormonal changes can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, increasing the risk of incontinence.

  • Mood swings and fatigue: Menopause can also impact mental wellbeing, leading to anxiety, low mood, or reduced energy.

Why Pilates Is Ideal During Menopause

Pilates is a low-impact, highly adaptable form of exercise that supports the body and mind through all stages of menopause. Here’s how it helps:

1. Strengthens Bones and Muscles

Resistance-based Pilates exercises can help combat bone density loss while building muscle mass. Strengthening the muscles around joints also improves stability, reducing discomfort and preventing injuries.

2. Supports the Pelvic Floor

Pilates focuses on core strength, including the pelvic floor muscles. Gentle, targeted exercises help maintain or restore pelvic floor function, improving bladder control and reducing discomfort.

3. Improves Flexibility and Mobility

Menopause can make joints feel stiff and uncomfortable. Pilates helps you maintain or regain flexibility and range of motion, keeping your body moving smoothly.

4. Boosts Mental Wellbeing

The mindful nature of Pilates helps reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Focusing on your breath and movement provides a mental reset, while endorphins from exercise lift your mood.

5. Customisable to Your Needs

Pilates can be tailored to your body and its specific needs during menopause. At Yellow Pilates, we offer private sessions and small-group studio classes to ensure every client gets personalised support.

What to Expect at Yellow Pilates

At Yellow Pilates in Glasgow, we’re here to help you feel strong, supported, and confident during this phase of your life. Founder Michelle and our team of experienced instructors are trained to adapt exercises to meet your needs, whether you’re new to Pilates or an experienced practitioner.

Class Options:

  • Mat Classes: Focus on core strength, flexibility, and posture in a small, supportive group setting.

  • Studio Equipment Classes: Use Pilates equipment like Reformers to add resistance and tailor exercises to your ability and goals.

  • Private 1-to-1 Sessions: Get a completely personalised programme designed to help you manage menopause symptoms and achieve your goals.

You will be working with expert instructor Michelle, who has the highest level of Pilates training and knowledge of women’s health, to provide an integrated approach to managing symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, or pelvic floor dysfunction.

Menopause and Pilates: Try at home!

To give you a better sense of how Pilates can support you during menopause, try these four simple exercises to get started.

  • Pelvic Tilts

  • Pelvic Curl

  • Superman

  • Standing Roll Down

A Safe Space for Women in Glasgow

At Yellow Pilates, we understand that menopause is a deeply personal experience, and no two journeys are the same. That’s why we create a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where you can focus on what feels right for your body.

We’re always happy to answer questions or provide modifications during class, so you can feel empowered and supported every step of the way.

Start Your Menopause Pilates Journey Today

Ready to take control of your health and wellbeing during menopause? Whether you’re looking to build strength, ease discomfort, or find a moment of calm, Pilates can make a world of difference.

Let us help you thrive through this transitional phase, with our high quality and enjoyable classes.

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