Best Things I love about Reformer Pilates

/in , , , , , , , /by

 

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

/in , , , , , , , /by

 

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

Well-Being Retreat Days for Midlife Women

/in , , , , , /by

 

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. Come and say hello There’s something truly special about stepping away from the busyness of everyday life and giving yourself a whole day just for you. That’s exactly what our Well-Being Day Retreats are all about. Designed especially for midlife and beyond women, they’re a chance to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with both body and mind.

We bring together everything you need for a reset – movement, mindfulness, nourishing food, and a big dose of connection with like-minded women who “get it.” You’ll leave feeling lighter, calmer, and re-energised, with practical tips you can carry back into your daily life. Many women tell me it’s the highlight of their year – their non-negotiable “me time.”

The retreats do sell out fast (no surprise really – we all need this!), so if you’d love to join us in 2026, now’s the time to get in early. By signing up for our priority list, you’ll get first access to the dates before they go public, giving you the best chance to book your spot.

Don’t wait for “someday” – gift yourself the space to pause, reset, and thrive. Your future self will thank you.  SIGN UP 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. Come and say hello on .  INSTAGRAM

Starting to Get Fit in Your 50s – Why September is the Perfect Time

/in , , , , , , , /by

So, you’ve hit your 50s and suddenly realised that the aches, stiffness and creeping waistline aren’t going anywhere on their own. You’re not alone! Many women I meet tell me they’ve not done anything for years – life, work, family, menopause – it all takes priority. But here’s the truth: it’s never too late to start, and September is the perfect time to do it.

Why September? Well, it has that lovely “back to school” energy. Summer holidays are over, routines are settling back down, and there’s a fresh feeling in the air. It’s the ideal month to reset, refocus and put you back on the list. Forget January resolutions – they’re cold, gloomy and rarely stick. September, on the other hand, feels like a natural new beginning.

Now, I know the thought of starting can feel daunting. Maybe you’ve not exercised in decades, or perhaps your joints, balance and energy feel like they’re working against you. That’s exactly why I created the Menofit Club – an online Pilates and strength community specifically designed for women in midlife and beyond. No shouting bootcamps, no complicated gym equipment – just safe, effective sessions you can do at home with guidance and support.

Each week we run two live classes:

  • Strength & Cardio to build muscle, boost bone health and keep your heart strong.

  • Pilates, Yoga & Mindfulness to ease stiffness, calm the mind and improve balance.

It’s a space for real women – women who might be carrying a bit of extra weight, struggling with sleep, or wondering how to feel themselves again post-menopause. You don’t need to be fit to join. You just need to be ready to take that first step.

The benefits of starting now are huge. Regular strength and Pilates sessions improve mobility, protect against osteoporosis, support weight management, and even boost brain health – something we all want to protect as we age. And the best part? You’ll feel stronger, more energetic and more you again.

So if September feels like your “back to school” moment, don’t put it off. Join us in the Menofit Club and discover just how much better your 50s (and beyond!) can feel when you start moving with intention.

Join NOW (£5.04 per week)

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

/in , , , , /by

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!

/in , , /by

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!

Your 2025 Roadmap to Health & Fitness Success

/in , , , /by

Ready to take control of your health and fitness in 2025? This short, powerful course will guide you through four transformative sessions designed to set you up for success. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan and the motivation to make it happen.

Session 1: Review – Recording Your Current Levels of Health and Fitness

Description: Before you can move forward, you need to understand where you are now. In this session, we’ll take a deep dive into your current health and fitness levels. We’ll measure what matters to YOU: strength, flexibility, endurance, energy, and more. This isn’t about judgement; it’s about clarity.

What You’ll Gain:

  • A baseline to track your progress.
  • Insight into what’s working and where there’s room to grow.
  • A clear understanding of your starting point.

Why It Matters: Knowing where you’re starting is essential for setting meaningful, achievable goals. This session sets the foundation for your transformation.

Session 2: Future Self – Visualizing Where You Want to Be

Description: Picture yourself in December 2025. Who is the best version of you? What does she look like, feel like, and achieve? In this session, we’ll create a compelling vision of your future self and break it down into smaller, actionable goals. This is about dreaming big and then turning those dreams into steps you can start today.

What You’ll Gain:

  • A vivid vision of your future self to keep you inspired.
  • The ability to reverse-engineer your dream life into practical goals.
  • The first steps to achieving long-term change.

Why It Matters: When you know where you’re going, it’s easier to stay on track and make choices that align with your goals.

Session 3: Your Why – Discovering the Motivation Behind Your Goals

Description: Why do you want to improve your health and fitness? The deeper your motivation, the stronger your commitment will be. In this session, we’ll uncover your personal “why” and learn how to use it as fuel to keep going, even when the journey gets tough.

What You’ll Gain:

  • Clarity on the deeper reasons behind your goals.
  • Tools to stay motivated and overcome obstacles.
  • A personal mantra to remind you why you started.

Why It Matters: Motivation can fade, but when you’re connected to your “why,” you’re more likely to stick to your goals and succeed.

Session 4: Be Specific – Committing to Clear, Actionable Goals

Description: Goals like “get fit” or “lose weight” are too vague to be useful. In this session, we’ll refine your goals into specific, actionable steps that fit your lifestyle. We’ll create a personalized plan you can stick to and celebrate every small win along the way.

What You’ll Gain:

  • Crystal-clear goals that are realistic and measurable.
  • A personalized action plan with weekly steps.
  • The confidence to take control of your health journey.

Why It Matters: Specific goals give you direction and focus, making it easier to stay consistent and achieve results.

Why Join This Course? This isn’t just about setting New Year’s resolutions that fizzle out by February. It’s about creating a sustainable roadmap to a healthier, happier you. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your fitness, this course will give you the clarity, motivation, and tools to make 2025 your best year yet.

Join our ONLINE community to start this course LIVE with me in January 2025.  It’s only £5.04 per week.

Let’s make it happen—together!

What is an ‘Alive Wellness Reset’?

/in , , , /by

What is an Alive Wellness Reset?

Ready to hit the reset button on your health and well-being in 2025? The Alive Wellness Reset is a brand-new 1-2-1 service from me, Susan, designed specifically for midlife and beyond women. It’s all about giving you the tools, clarity, and confidence to feel stronger, calmer, and more in control of your body and mind.

What does it involve?

The process starts even before we meet, with some simple questionnaires to give me a clear picture of your current health, lifestyle, and goals. From there:

1️⃣ We Chat: In our session, we’ll dive into your challenges—whether it’s weight gain, poor sleep, or struggling with energy—and map out what success looks like for you.
2️⃣ We Plan: Together, we’ll create a personalised plan focusing on fitness, nutrition, and mindset—completely tailored to your life and needs.
3️⃣ Meal Plan Magic: I’ll review your current eating habits and suggest easy, realistic tweaks to support hormone balance, energy levels, and long-term health.
4️⃣ Clear Next Steps: You’ll leave with simple, actionable steps to kickstart your journey toward better health and well-being.

Why should you book an Alive Wellness Reset?

  1. It’s tailored for YOU: This isn’t a generic plan—it’s personalised to your unique needs as a midlife or post-menopausal woman.
  2. No overwhelm: The Reset is about realistic, achievable steps, not an all-or-nothing approach.
  3. Expert guidance: With years of experience working with women like you, I understand the challenges you’re facing and how to overcome them.

What can you expect if you do?

  1. Clarity and focus: You’ll have a clear path forward, with manageable steps to start making progress straight away.
  2. More energy and balance: Simple changes in movement and nutrition can make a big difference to how you feel day-to-day.
  3. Renewed confidence: Whether it’s feeling more in control of your weight, or just finally getting back into a healthy routine, you’ll feel empowered to thrive.

A fresh start for 2025

The Alive Wellness Reset is your chance to start the new year with a plan that works for you—without overwhelm, guilt, or confusion. This is about YOU taking the time to prioritise your health and happiness. Ready to get started?

Let’s make 2025 the year you truly thrive! ❤️

Get in touch whatsapp me 07812 107684 and we’ll book you in for your call.