WHEN LIFE THROWS YOU A CURVEBALL
Why strength, metabolic health and taking one step at a time matter more than ever in midlife
This week’s blog comes to you from Spain, where I’m preparing for a rather exciting adventure.
My lovely friend Alison and I are about to walk the final stretch of the Camino de Santiago, covering approximately 20–25 kilometres each day.
Our first day involves 23 kilometres!
Have I done enough walking preparation?
Possibly not.
Have I been strength training?
Absolutely!
And I’m certainly hoping those squats, deadlifts and hours in the gym will help.
But before arriving here, life threw me something rather unexpected.
I discovered that the clinic where I work is closing, meaning I need to make alternative arrangements by the end of October.
Not exactly ideal timing when you’re about to leave for two weeks!
It would have been easy to become overwhelmed by everything that suddenly needed organising.
But I’ve learnt something over the years.
You don’t have to solve every problem the moment it appears.
Sometimes you need to acknowledge what’s happened, decide what matters most and take the next step.
And that got me thinking about menopause.
Jackie
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If this feels familiar, you can download a free PDF with more information and practical next steps.
MENOPAUSE DOESN’T ALWAYS FOLLOW THE PLAN EITHER
Women often tell me they feel completely unprepared for the changes happening in their bodies.
Their sleep changes.
Their energy disappears.
Their joints ache.
Their concentration isn’t what it used to be.
And suddenly, things that previously worked don’t seem quite so effective.
Menopause can feel unpredictable.
But whilst we cannot control every hormonal change, we can influence how we support our bodies.
Through nutrition, movement, strength training, sleep and appropriate healthcare, we can build foundations that support us through midlife and beyond.
For me, strength training isn’t just about being strong in the gym.
It’s about being strong for life.
For travelling.
For walking.
For adventures.
For maintaining independence as we get older.
And hopefully for completing the Camino!
IN THE MENOPAUSE WORLD: UNDERSTANDING INSULIN RESISTANCE
New research published in JCI Insight in October 2026 examined insulin resistance during the menopause transition.
New research published in JCI Insight in October 2026 examined insulin resistance during the menopause transition.
The observational study followed 1,315 women and found that insulin resistance increased more rapidly around the final menstrual period, even after accounting for changes in body mass index (BMI).
But what does that actually mean?
Insulin is a hormone that helps our cells take up glucose from the bloodstream and use it for energy.
Insulin resistance develops when cells become less responsive to insulin, meaning the body may need to produce more to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
Over time, insulin resistance can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Importantly, this research doesn’t prove that menopause directly causes insulin resistance, nor does it mean every woman will experience it.
What it highlights is why metabolic health deserves attention during midlife.
And why looking at weight alone doesn’t tell us everything about someone’s health.
This is one reason I include assessment of blood sugar regulation, where appropriate, within my Menopause MOT.
Understanding the individual matters.
TIPS OF THE WEEK: TAKE A 10-MINUTE WALK AFTER EATING
Here’s something simple you can try this week.
Take a 10-minute walk after one of your main meals.
When we move, our muscles use glucose for energy.
Research suggests that gentle movement after eating can help reduce post-meal rises in blood glucose.
You don’t need to walk 23 kilometres!
You don’t need expensive equipment.
And you certainly don’t need another complicated health routine.
Try walking after lunch or dinner.
If walking isn’t suitable, choose another gentle activity appropriate for your abilities.
The aim is consistency, not perfection.
Small actions repeated regularly can support long-term metabolic health.
WHERE TO START
f you’re noticing changes in your energy, weight, sleep or overall wellbeing, you don’t have to guess what’s happening.
My personalised support pathway includes:
- Readiness & Symptom Snapshot
Available through my free Menopause Guide and lead magnets.
- Menopause Check-In (15 minutes)
A free 15-minute conversation to explore your concerns and next steps. - Menopause MOT
A personalised assessment of your symptoms, health and lifestyle, with appropriate testing. - The Menopause Vitality Reset
Ongoing personalised coaching and support.
FINAL THOUGHT: ONE STEP AT A TIME
As I prepare for tomorrow’s walk, I know where I’m starting and roughly where I want to finish.
But I don’t know exactly what challenges I’ll encounter along the way.
There may be aching muscles.
There may be tired days.
There may be moments when I wonder what on earth I was thinking!
But I don’t need to walk the entire Camino tomorrow.
I just need to take the next step.
And perhaps that’s a useful reminder for all of us.
Whether you’re navigating menopause, facing unexpected changes or working towards better health, you don’t need everything figured out today.
Sometimes knowing your next step is enough.
Wish me luck!
With you,
Jackie
Menopause Health Specialist
Creator of The Menopause Vitality Reset
