Strength Training for Menopause: 10 Reasons It’s a Game-Changer!

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Why Strength Training is Essential During Menopause


Menopause brings hormonal shifts that can lead to muscle loss, slower metabolism, and weaker bones.


Yet, many women avoid strength training due to outdated myths or uncertainty about where to start.


The truth?


Strength training is one of the most powerful tools for managing menopause symptoms and staying strong for life.


So, here are my top 10 science-backed reasons why strength training is a game-changer for menopausal women.


Lets crack on...


A cartoon-style illustration of a frustrated middle-aged woman in a gym, looking confused with a speech bubble saying, "So John, What the Hell do I do???" Represents the confusion many women face about weight loss during menopause.

The Benefits of Strength Training in Menopause

1. Prevents Muscle Loss & Maintains Strength


After 40, women can lose 3-8% of muscle mass per decade.


Strength training helps preserve muscle and prevents the natural decline that accelerates during menopause.


🔹 Strength training is one of the best ways to maintain muscle and energy levels during menopause.


However, not all exercises are created equal.


In fact, there are five exercises you should avoid during menopause to reduce joint strain and maximise results.


🔗 Want more? Learn Why Strength Training is Essential for Menopause.


“Strength training isn’t just about muscle—during menopause, it’s your secret weapon for energy, bone health, and confidence. Strong body, stronger mindset.”
— John Chisholm, Menopause Fitness Specialist

2. Boosts Metabolism & Supports Fat Loss


Losing muscle slows metabolism, making it easier to gain weight.


Strength training increases calorie burn even at rest, helping maintain a healthy weight.


🔹 Want to fuel your workouts better?


Find out how to eat for strength and energy in menopause to maximise your metabolism and muscle-building potential.


3. Strengthens Bones & Reduces Osteoporosis Risk


Menopause leads to a drop in oestrogen, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.


Resistance training stimulates bone growth, making bones denser and more resistant to fractures.


🔗 External Source: Resistance training improves functional capacity and bone density in postmenopausal women.


4. Improves Joint Health & Reduces Pain


Many women avoid exercise due to joint pain, but strength training can strengthen the muscles around joints, reducing discomfort and stiffness.


🔗 Want more? Learn how to exercise safely without worsening joint pain.


Illustration showing three exercises for frozen shoulder relief: Pendulum Swing, Table Slide, and Isometric External Rotation. Educational graphic by John Chisholm Fitness designed for shoulder mobility and rehabilitation.

5. Reduces Menopause Fatigue & Boosts Energy


Feeling constantly drained?


Strength training improves mitochondrial function, meaning your cells produce more energy.


🔹 Struggling with menopause fatigue? Discover the best workouts to naturally boost your energy.


6. Helps Regulate Hormones


Strength training lowers cortisol (stress hormone) while increasing endorphins (feel-good hormones), which helps combat mood swings and anxiety.


💡 Tip: Prioritise progressive overload (gradually increasing weight or reps) to keep stress levels in check.



A fitness infographic by John Chisholm Fitness titled "3 Ways to Incorporate Progressive Overload Into Your Workout." It outlines three key strategies: (1) Increase Weight (illustrated with a person lifting heavier dumbbells), (2) Increase Your Volume (e.g., progressing from 3 sets of 10 to 3 sets of 12), and (3) Decrease Your Rest Time Between Sets (reducing from 60 seconds to 30 seconds). The website www.johnchisholmfitness.health is displayed at the bottom. The design features bold yellow and black text with simple workout illustrations.


7. Supports Better Sleep


Struggling with night sweats and frequent wake-ups?


You’re are not alone.


Many women find that adopting key menopause lifestyle habits can significantly improve sleep quality and daily energy levels.

Keep exploring 👇

Discover more tips to feel stronger, more energised, and in control of your health:

8. Enhances Brain Function & Mental Clarity


Brain fog during menopause is real.


Strength training boosts blood flow to the brain, improving memory and focus.


🔹 Looking for other ways to boost brain function?


Try circuit training, which challenges both the body and mind.


 fitness infographic by John Chisholm Fitness titled "Fat Burning HIIT Circuit." It lists a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout consisting of jumping jacks, squats, push-ups, bicep curls, triceps dips, dumbbell lunges, plank, kettlebell swings, crunches, and mountain climbers. The workout follows a 30 seconds on, 30 seconds rest format for a total of 10 minutes. The right side of the graphic features an image of a woman performing a squat in a home workout setting. The design includes a blue and white theme with fitness-related icons.


9. Lowers the Risk of Chronic Diseases


Strength training reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure—all of which can become more common during menopause.


🔗 External Source: Check out this in depth review by Martins, (2023), on how Resistance training improves functional capacity and bone density in postmenopausal women.


10. Builds Confidence & Body Positivity


Many women struggle with body changes during menopause. Strength training helps you feel strong, capable, and in control of your body.


🔹 Focus on non-scale victories like how your body feels and what it can do rather than weight alone.


Ready to Get Started?


Strength training is a lifelong investment in your health, strength, and confidence.


If you’re ready to take the first step, download the FREE 7-Day Menopause Reset Guide and start feeling stronger today!


👉 Download the 7-Day Menopause Reset Guide


John Chisholm - Expert Menopause Fitness Coach at John Chisholm Fitness

About the Author

John Chisholm is a menopause fitness and wellness expert with over 20 years of experience helping women feel stronger, more energised, and in control of their health. Through John Chisholm Fitness, he provides practical, science-backed coaching in fitness, nutrition, and mindset.

Learn more about John or get in touch.