Perimenopause Strength Training: How a Menopause Coach helps active women rebuild muscle, confidence, and identity

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Nicole, a personal trainer based in the Peak District with over 11 years of experience, who has recently completed her Menopause Coach certification with Women of a Certain Stage. Together, they explore how perimenopause can shake an active woman's identity, training motivation, and mental wellbeing — and how the right support can help her find her way back to strength, confidence, and herself.They dive into the shift from telling clients what to do to truly coaching them, why strength training is non-negotiable during the menopausal transition, and how building real connection with clients unlocks results that go far beyond the gym floor.Nicole also shares her own perimenopause journey, her transition from a corporate career to personal training, and her exciting plans to build an online community for active women navigating this life stage — plus a wonderfully candid moment about farming, six-packs, and dating advice between bench press sets.00:00 Introduction 01:04 Nicole's Background and Journey into Personal Training 06:37 Life in the Peak District and the Power of the Outdoors 07:02 How Perimenopause Affects Motivation and Training09:06 The Shift from Telling to Coaching 12:09 Creating Space for Clients to Open Up 13:24 Who Nicole Works With and What They're Really Looking For 17:36 What Drew Nicole to Menopause Coaching 19:21 Why She Chose Women of a Certain Stage 21:52 Key Takeaways from the Diploma Programme 24:20 The Impact on Practice Clients — Mindset Breakthroughs 28:20 From Corporate to Personal Trainer — Nicole's Story 34:26 The Many Skills Nicole Brings to Her Clients 36:11 How Nicole Structures Her Week and Business 37:37 Nicole's Vision for the Year Ahead 39:15 Why Strength Training Matters During Perimenopause 41:53 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find NicoleConnect with Nicole: (Add Nicole's website, Instagram, and any other relevant links here)Meet your host Lauren ChirenLauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.About Women of a Certain StageWe are committed to transforming the menopause experience — both for individuals and the organisations that support them.Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/Connect with LaurenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren