Do any fellow perimenopausal women power lift at the gym? Too scared to try!

[TwilightSpark]

Hello everyone. This is my first time posting but I’ve been lurking on these boards for a while.

I’m 43 and I enjoy going to the gym, mainly just cardio and some classes. I’ve recently been suffering from a real lack of energy, and I’ve been really sluggish on the treadmill (and to be honest, it’s boring too). This feeling has coincided with other peri menopausal symptoms and I’m wondering if my gym routine isn’t suited to me anymore?

I’m just wondering if anyone has tried power lifting? Particularly if you’ve had any success in boosting your strength or energy levels? I’ve been doing some reading about it but literally the only people I see power lifting at the gym are men or much younger women. How do I muster the confidence to have a go? Has anyone got any advice? I’m stuck in a rut but don’t want to make an idiot of myself. I’m not sure where to start and I’m a bit embarrassed to be honest…

Thanks for reading.

I'm not peri (yet - or maybe I am, am often full of rage) but I love lifting. Currently deadlift 70kg (aiming for 100kg) and squat 67kg (though on the Smith machine - not sure if that means it's less impressive). Honestly, the feeling of being so freaking strong is incomparable. I'm not slim (size 14), I'm not tall (5'4"), but I can lift!

Any tips to find a trainer who knows what they are doing? Drawn a blank so far. Would the physio know?

Word of mouth. Ask around.

My trainer recommended Stacy T Sims’ book ‘Next Level’ for anyone interested in reading about the benefits of strength training for women in middle age/through menopause.