Best Things I love about Reformer Pilates

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One of the things I love most about Reformer Pilates is how adaptable it is – especially for midlife women. The machine might look a little daunting at first, but it’s an incredible piece of kit that supports your body while challenging it in all the right ways. For women with sore knees, dodgy hips, or stiff shoulders, the Reformer takes away the pressure of the floor and allows you to move smoothly with control.

That’s why my Golden Bloom classes at Bloom Reformer Studio Mickleover are so popular. Every session is tailored to meet you where you’re at – whether you’re building back strength, improving mobility, or simply wanting to feel more confident in how your body moves. I make sure the springs and exercises suit your needs, so you can strengthen without strain and stretch without stress.

The results are fantastic: better posture, stronger core, improved balance, and a feeling that your body is working with you rather than against you. The Reformer really is a game-changer for midlife women – gentle when you need it, powerful when you’re ready.

If you’re curious, come and try Golden Bloom at Bloom Reformer Studio Mickleover – your joints will thank you!  I work for the studio for this class, so to book you need to go to their website and you will find my classes on Tuesdays, 12 & 1pm and Wednesdays 11.30am.  If you are not a midlife woman, but would still like to take a class with me I also do a beginners session on Wednesdays at 12.30pm (in your lunch break!)  BOOK HERE

I’m Sue, founder of Alive Fitness, where I help midlife and post-menopausal women feel stronger, healthier, and more confident through movement, mindset, and simple nutrition. You’ll usually find me teaching Pilates, yoga or strength, or over on Instagram sharing everyday tips for thriving in menopause and beyond.

Mat Classes at Alive Pilates

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There’s something different about a mat class at Alive Fitness. Yes, we stretch, strengthen and move – but it’s about so much more than exercise. My classes are designed for midlife and post-menopausal women who want to feel good in their bodies, improve posture, and build strength where it really matters. Every session is tailored to help with balance, core stability, flexibility and those niggles we all get in our shoulders, hips and knees.

The beauty of mat-based Pilates and yoga is that it’s low impact yet highly effective – you’ll feel stronger without being battered and bruised. We take time to focus on the small things: breathing well, releasing tension, moving joints through their full range. It’s those details that make everyday life easier – bending, lifting, walking tall.

But the reason no one ever leaves? It’s the atmosphere. Classes are friendly, supportive, and welcoming. There’s laughter as well as hard work, and everyone feels part of something. It’s not about competition, it’s about community. Women stay because they feel better, move better, and enjoy being with people who understand their stage of life.

Come for the exercise, stay for the feeling. That’s the Alive Fitness difference.  If there ARE any spaces I will show them on the Classes Page.  Find it HERE

10 Simple (But Powerful!) Steps to Lose Belly Fat in Midlife

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If you’re a midlife or postmenopausal woman wondering why that stubborn belly fat won’t budge—this one’s for you. Hormonal shifts, stress, poor sleep and modern eating habits all gang up on us. But with a few smart changes, you can absolutely flatten your belly and feel more energised.

Here’s your Menofit-friendly 10-step plan to get started:

1. Cut the Sugar

Say goodbye to added sugars—cakes, biscuits, chocolate, sweets, sugar in hot drinks, fizzy drinks and alcohol. These spike insulin, add inches to your waist, and mess with your hormones.

2. Hydrate Like a Boss

Aim for 8 glasses (around 2 litres) of water daily. Choose filtered water over fizzy or flavoured drinks. Hydration helps digestion, boosts energy, and reduces cravings.

3. Ditch Processed Foods

No ready meals, nothing in a packet, and nothing with a long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce. Cook fresh, whole foods from scratch. Your body knows what to do with real food!

4. Veggies Are Queen

Add at least 1lb (450g) of vegetables and salad to your meals every day. No, potatoes don’t count. Keep fruit to 2 portions max per day—too much and you’re just eating sugar in a fancy wrapper.

5. Prioritise Protein

Every meal should include a decent hit of protein—it supports muscle, balances blood sugar, and keeps you fuller for longer.

6. Fix Your Breakfast

Bin the beige cereals. Better options include:

  • Porridge with flax or chia seeds

  • 2 pieces of fruit with Greek yogurt

  • Eggs (2), bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes

  • Smoked salmon with green veg

7. Eat Healthy Fats Daily

Don’t fear fat—avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, oily fish, flaxseeds and coconut oil are all fab for hormones and heart health. Use them in cooking or as toppings.

8. Carbs: Once a Day, Max

Stick to one portion of carbs per day (about 10% of your plate). Choose wholegrains like brown rice, quinoa, couscous, or better still—sweet potato over white.

9. Cut the Caffeine

Swap your morning cuppa for hot water with lemon. Replace tea and coffee with fruit tea or filtered water. Caffeine can mess with cortisol and sleep.

10. Track Your Sleep

Notice the length and quality of your sleep. Do you wake up feeling energised? Tick a box each morning. Restorative sleep is essential for fat loss and hormone balance.

Final Word
Losing belly fat after menopause isn’t about starving yourself or hammering the gym—it’s about eating smart, moving consistently, and supporting your body with what it actually needs at this stage of life.

Want help putting this into practice?

Join the Online Menofit Club
Book a Reformer Pilates Class in Derby
Come to a Wellbeing Day – You’ll love it!

About the Author
Susan Booth runs Alive Fitness, a wellness hub for menopausal and postmenopausal women. Based in Derby, she teaches Reformer Pilates, strength training, yoga, and mindfulness. Her Menofit Club offers online fitness classes, nutrition support, and expert tips for midlife women who want more energy, better sleep, and lasting strength. She also hosts in-person Wellbeing Days packed with movement, mindset and menopause know-how.

Stay Fit & Fabulous This Winter – All From Home!

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Ladies, let’s be honest, the thought of heading out to a gym or a face to face class when it’s freezing, snowing, raining, or dark (sometimes all four!) just doesn’t appeal.  It’s saying on my weather report it might snow at the weekend.  But what if I told you that you could work out, feel amazing, and enjoy a cuppa after—all without leaving your house?

Let me introduce you to Menofit Online, where you can join me and a fabulous group of like-minded women from the comfort of your living room. It’s just £5.04 a week—yes, the price of a fancy coffee! Dip your toe in for a month and see how you feel.

Here’s what you’ll get:

  • Hundreds of 30-Minute Workouts: From strength and cardio to pilates and yoga, all designed for midlife and beyond. Easy to follow and effective!
  • Live Classes Twice a Week: Join us for live workouts that’ll boost your energy and your mood. Plus, it’s great for accountability! On Mondays we also have a little LIVE health chat/talk focusing on different health related topics for the 50+ woman.
  • Recipes & Meal Plans: No more wondering what to cook. I’ve got you covered with delicious, simple meals that support your goals.
  • Beginners videos: Perfect if you haven’t exercises for a while or ever, of if you have dodgy knees.
  • Meditation Videos: Because sometimes, we just need to slow down, breathe, and reset.
  • Whatsapp Accountability Group: Where I will help to stay accountable to your goals.
  • Exclusive January Goal-Setting Course: Start 2025 with clarity and intention! Let’s set some goals together and make this your year.

This isn’t just another fitness program. It’s about building habits that make you feel stronger, healthier, and happier every single day. Whether it’s squeezing in a quick workout between work and family life or joining the live classes for that extra push, this is your space to thrive.

The best part? You can do it in your PJs if you want! No judgment here.

So, why not give it a go? Start today, and by next month, you’ll already be feeling the benefits. Who knows, this might just be the best £5.04 you spend all week!

Click below to join now, or pop me a message if you’ve got any questions. I’d love to have you on board. Let’s keep warm, keep moving, and keep thriving—together!

Click Here to Join Menofit Online Today!

Obesogens and the Menopausal Woman: What They Are and How to Avoid Them

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Introduction

Ever feel like you’re doing everything “right” but still battling weight gain or those stubborn inches around your middle? For menopausal and post-menopausal women, hormones are already playing tricks on us, but there’s another sneaky culprit at play: obesogens. These environmental chemicals are found in everyday items and can interfere with our hormonal health, making weight management even trickier during menopause. But don’t worry—knowledge is power! Let’s dive into what obesogens are, where they’re hiding, and how to take simple steps to reduce your exposure. Read more

How to Balance Hunger, Energy, and Cravings for Better Metabolic Health

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Have you ever felt like your body is trying to send you signals, but you’re just not sure what they mean? That’s where the H.E.C. method comes in. H.E.C. stands for Hunger, Energy, and Cravings – three powerful biofeedback clues that help you tune into your body and achieve metabolic balance.

When your H.E.C. is “in check,” it means your body is functioning well, and you’re likely feeling balanced. So how can you work towards keeping your hunger and cravings under 5 (on a scale from 1 to 10) and your energy above 6? Let’s break it down.

Read more

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