Embracing a Fit and Healthy Lifestyle during Menopause

Embracing a Fit and Healthy Lifestyle during Menopause

A Personal Journey with Tracey's Hiit2Fit

Fitness & Menopause

Fitness & Menopause - How we can help!

Introduction

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life that brings about significant hormonal changes. While this transition can present unique challenges, it is crucial for women to prioritise their health and fitness during this time. 

At Tracey’s Hiit2Fit, we understand the importance of maintaining a fit and healthy body, especially during menopause. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of staying active, adopting a balanced diet, and nurturing self-care routines, all while embracing the changes that menopause brings.

The Power of Staying Active

Staying active is a key component of maintaining overall health, and this holds true during menopause. Engaging in regular physical activity has numerous benefits for women experiencing hormonal fluctuations. Physical exercise, such as  high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and Resistance Training programs offered by Tracey’s Hiit2Fit, can help manage weight, strengthen bones, improve mood, and boost cardiovascular health.

By incorporating exercise into your daily routine, you can combat the potential weight gain often associated with menopause. HIIT workouts are particularly effective as they offer short bursts of intense activity, making them time-efficient and ideal for women with busy schedules. Whether it’s cardio, strength training, or a combination of both, finding an exercise routine that suits your preferences and abilities is essential.

Nourishing Your Body

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is crucial for women of all ages, but it becomes even more important during menopause. As hormone levels change, the body’s metabolism may slow down, making it easier to gain weight. To counteract this, focusing on nutrient-rich foods is key.

At Tracey’s Hiit2Fit, we emphasise the importance of a well-rounded and varied diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health, boost energy levels, and contribute to weight management.

Additionally, it’s essential to stay hydrated and limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine, as they can exacerbate symptoms such as hot flashes and disrupt sleep patterns. Prioritising hydration by drinking plenty water and maintaining a balanced diet will help you feel your best during menopause.

Embracing Self-Care

Menopause can bring about a range of physical and emotional changes, and it’s crucial to prioritise self-care during this time. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as physical fitness.

At Tracey’s Hiit2Fit, we encourage our clients to engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction. This can include practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or indulging in hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment. Creating a balanced lifestyle that encompasses both physical and emotional well-being is key to navigating menopause with grace and resilience.

Conclusion

Menopause is a transformative phase in a woman’s life, and prioritising your health and fitness during this time is essential. At Tracey’s Hiit2Fit, we believe that maintaining a fit and healthy body is a personal journey that should be embraced with self-compassion and dedication. By incorporating regular exercise, following a balanced diet, and nurturing self-care routines, you can navigate menopause with confidence and vitality. Remember, your well-being matters, and taking care of yourself is the greatest gift you can give during this beautiful chapter of life.

 

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The Role of Sleep in Fitness: How to Improve Sleep Quality

Sleep is vital for good health and well-being. It boosts the immune system, repairs damaged tissues and consolidates memories. Lack of sleep increases the risk of many health issues, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression. It can also cause cognitive deficits, impaired decision-making, and reduced productivity. Developing a consistent sleep schedule, optimising sleep environment, reducing caffeine intake, and limiting exposure to screens at night are beneficial strategies to improve sleep quality. Getting enough sleep helps regulate hormone levels, leading to better overall health and energy levels throughout the day. It is crucial for physical and mental health, and overall quality of life.

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Weight Loss Struggles

The Real Culprits Behind Weight Loss Struggles:
Poor Food Choices and the Elusive Calorie Deficit


Introduction

Lose weight with Tracey's Hiit2Fit Personal Training Dunfermline

Hey there, fitness enthusiasts,

It’s time to lace up your trainers and get ready for the truth about weight loss. We all know that exercise plays a crucial role in shedding those extra pounds, but have you ever wondered why it’s sometimes an uphill battle despite sweating it out at the gym or your classes. Well, the answer lies in the foods we choose and the not-so-easy-to-maintain calorie deficit. But fear not, because at Tracey’s Hiit2Fit, we’re here to help with a powerful combination of Personal Training and Life Coaching to help you smash your goals and keep them in check.

Contact Tracey's Hiit2Fit for more info!

POOR FOOD CHOICES


Let's face it: our taste buds can be rebellious little devils when it comes to healthy eating. We've all been guilty of indulging in those tempting treats wreak havoc on our waistlines. That extra slice of pizza or that delicious chocolate cake might bring a momentary burst of joy, but they can sabotage all the hard work we put into our workouts. At Tracey's Hiit2Fit, we understand the struggle and we're here to guide you towards healthier food choices that satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your progress.

THE CALORIE DEFICIT

Creating a calorie deficit is like a mystical equation that seems easy on paper but challenging to execute. Sure, exercise burns calories, but if we're not careful, it's easy to undo all that effort with just a few mindless munching sessions. We often underestimate the calorie content of the foods we consume, leading us down a slippery slope of weight loss frustration. Don't worry, though, because we're not going to let you fight this battle alone. With our dedicated Personal Training and Life Coaching, we will provide you with the tools and strategies to not only achieve a calorie deficit but also maintain it.

Tracey's Hiit2Fit

HOW CAN WE HELP with your weight loss struggles?

  1. Personal Training Tailored to Your Needs: Our certified and expert Personal Training will design a workout program that caters to your unique goals and fitness level. Whether you’re a beginner or a regular gym-goer, we’ll push you to your limits and make every session count. We’ll ensure your workouts are a mix of intense HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), Resistance Training and Core exercises that torch calories and build strength, giving you the results you crave.

  2. Life Coaching for Sustainable Lifestyle Changes: At Tracey’s Hiit2Fit, we firmly believe that sustainable weight loss goes beyond the workout.  We will work closely with you to identify the emotional triggers behind your food choices and help you develop a healthier relationship with food. Through personalised coaching sessions, we’ll equip you with the mindset and resilience needed to overcome obstacles, make better choices, and maintain your hard-earned progress for the long haul.

  3. Nutritional Guidance for Optimal Results: We know that a well-balanced diet is the key to success. We will guide you towards making smarter food choices, offering practical tips and meal plans that fit your lifestyle. We’ll teach you how to fuel your body with the right nutrients, so you can maximize your workout performance, rev up your metabolism, and achieve your weight loss goals faster.

Conclusion

Losing weight is no easy feat, especially when faced with the challenges of poor food choices and the elusive calorie deficit. But don’t throw in the towel just yet! At Tracey’s Hiit2Fit, we’re committed to empowering you with the tools, support, and guidance you need to overcome these hurdles and emerge victorious. Our dynamic blend of Personal Training and Life Coaching will not only help you shed those unwanted pounds but also cultivate a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. So, let’s start on this transformative journey together, smashing goals and maintaining them with ease. Get ready to say hello to a fitter, happier, and more confident you!

Tracey's Hiit2Fit offers online fitness and online personal training as well as in-person from our studio in Dunfermline.

8 Best Ways to Lose Belly Fat

8 Best Ways to Lose Belly Fat - give them a try!

Eat a high protein diet

Protein is a vital nutrient for managing weight and to help build lean muscle.

Protein raises your metabolic rate and helps you maintain muscle mass during weight loss. 

Science shows that people who eat more protein tend to have less belly fat.

It’s important to have a good protein source for every meal. For example:

  • lean meat
  • fish 
  • eggs
  • dairy
  • whey protein
  • legumes (Beans, peas and lentils)
  • Soy

High protein foods with help speed up recovery after exercise or injury and help curb hunger. 

8 ways to lose weight
Soluble Fiber

Eat lots of soluble fiber

Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel. It can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels.

Studies have shown that this fiber may promote weight loss by helping you feel full so you are less likely to snack or overeat. Soluble fiber may therefore help you to reduce belly fat.

Here are some soluble fiber sources:

  • fruits
  • vegetables
  • legumes
  • oats
  • barley
  • peas and beans
  • psyllium

This type of fiber promotes movement through your digestive system and increases stool bulk, so it can be of benefit to those who struggle with constipation or irregular stools.

Moderate your alcohol intake

Alcohol can be harmful if you drink too much and can contribute to belly fat.

Studies have shown that heavy alcohol consumption can cause an increased risk of developing excess fat storage around the waist. Cutting back on alcohol may help reduce your belly fat.

You don’t need to give it up completely, but drinking in moderation can definitely help. 

It’s recommended to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread across 3 days or more. That’s around 6 medium (175ml) glasses of wine, or 6 pints of 4% beer. There’s no completely safe level of drinking, but sticking within these guidelines lowers your risk of harming your health and gaining excess weight. 

Lowest Calorie Alcoholic Drinks
  • Vodka soda.  
  • Hard seltzer.
  • Tequila with lime
  • Light beer
  • Gin and diet tonic
  • Dry martini
  • Paloma

 

 

Low Calorie Alcohol
sugar sweetened drinks

Limit suger sweetened drinks

Sugar-sweetened drinks are any liquids that are sweetened with various forms of added sugars like brown sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, lactose, malt syrup, maltose, molasses, raw sugar, and sucrose. These drinks can lead to excess belly fat if not consumed in moderation. 

Your brain doesn’t process liquid calories the same way it does food so you’re likely to end up consuming too many calories later on and storing them as fat.

To lose belly fat, it’s best to limit the following drinks:

  • soda
  • punch
  • sweet tea & coffee
  • alcohol mixers containing sugar
  • energy drinks
  • electrolyte replacement drinks

Drink six to eight glasses of water each day instead. Finally, cut out sports drinks, sugar sweetened drinks and other foods that have a lot of added sugar in them.

 

Do HIIT EXERCISE

HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) is highly effective as it is time-efficient, improves appetite, cuts cravings and can be customised to suit individual needs. Hiit can be one of the best ways to lose belly fat. 

In a recent study, cardiac rehabilitation patients who stuck to a HIIT regimen lost more belly fat, lost more overall body fat, and gained more muscle.

HIIT helps people to burn fat and carbohydrates within a short period of activity. People who do HIIT may also benefit from a revved up metabolism post-workout. HIIT has been shown to increase resting energy expenditure, which means your body is continuing to burn calories at an elevated rate even after you exercise.

A Hiit workout should last a maximum of 30mins. The three stages of any workout still apply, regardless of how long or intense the session is: warm-up, exercise, cool-down.

Hiit
Resistance Training

Do Resistance Training

Resistance training increases muscle strength by making your muscles work against a weight or force. Different forms of resistance training include using free weights, weight machines, resistance bands and your own body weight. A beginner needs to train two or three times per week to gain the maximum benefit.

Resistance training is an important component of burning off belly fat. Since muscles burn off more calories than fat does when the body is at rest, having more muscle tone can help you to burn off more fat.

If you decide to start lifting weights, it’s a good idea to talk with a doctor first and get advice from a certified personal trainer.

Strength training can be an important weight loss strategy and may help reduce belly fat. Studies suggest it’s even more effective in combination with aerobic or Hiit exercise.

Get Plenty Restful Sleep

If you’re not getting enough sleep, you may be at higher risk for having more unhealthy belly fat. 

Sleep is important for many aspects of your health, including weight.

Studies show that not getting enough sleep can be linked to a higher risk of obesity and increased belly fat for some people.

Normally, fat is deposited just under the skin, but a lack of sleep appears to redirect it to the deeper, more dangerous position around the organs.

Getting enough sleep may help prevent increases in calorie intake and appetite that can happen when you’re sleep deprived. Many studies have found that people who are sleep deprived report having an increased appetite and a higher daily calorie intake.

Sleep to aid belly fat
stress and belly fat

Reduce Your Stress Levels

Stress can make you gain belly fat by triggering the adrenal glands to produce cortisol which is also known as the stress hormone. Prolonged stress leads to increased blood sugar levels, which makes cortisol levels rise.

To help reduce belly fat, engage in activities that relieve stress such as 

  • Fitness – Get active. Virtually any form of physical activity can act as a stress reliever.
  • Meditation
  • Laugh more.
  • Connect with others.
  • Assert yourself.
  • Get plenty sleep.
  • Keep a diary

Minimizing stress should be one of your priorities if you’re trying to lose weight.

Did you find ‘8 best ways to lose belly fat’ useful? Share your thoughts with us in comments. 

There are no magic solutions to losing belly fat and it requires a lot of effort, commitments and perseverance. 

Trying some or all of the strategies discussed above can help you lose belly fat and improve overall health.

Consider chatting with us today and we can help you with either some Personal Training or Life Coaching. 

The Best Way to Lose Weight

The Best Way to Lose Weight - Fact!

The Best Way to Lose Weight

Here is some info and advice about the best ways to lose weight and to keep it off. 

More info here about Basal Metabolic Rate

The Facts

To lose weight and build lean muscle, burn more calories than you consume through increased physical activity. By eating enough calories to support your Basal Metabolic Rate and adding exercise, you'll create a calorie deficit and burn extra calories.

My Mission

I can assist you in achieving weight loss goals and building lean muscle through a balanced nutrition plan and a workout program that combines Hiit and Strength/Conditioning exercises. I offer various packages based on your preferences.

My Advice

Fad diets may appear convenient and cost-effective, assisting in temporary weight loss by targeting fibre, lean muscle, and water weight. However, they lead to nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, and fatigue. These diets typically prioritise calorie intake without emphasising exercise and healthy lifestyle choices. Sensible eating is a more effective approach to long-term weight loss, ensuring improved well-being and happiness. Let's abandon diets and concentrate on the optimal weight loss strategy!

Find out more

Schedule a free consultation now to discuss weight loss and how I can assist you. Consultations can be conducted at the studio or online at your convenience. Visit our private and comfortable space in person or online to see the equipment we'll incorporate into your fitness sessions. Feel free to ask questions and receive guidance during the consultation.

The Best Way to Lose Weight with Tracey's Hiit2Fit
Conclusion

In conclusion, I offer personalised assistance to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Through a balanced nutrition plan and a workout program combining Hiit and Strength/Conditioning exercises, we can build lean muscle mass and promote healthy weight loss. With various packages available, you can choose the option that suits you best. Say goodbye to fad diets and focus on sensible eating for long-term success. Book a free consultation to discuss your weight loss journey and the best way to lose weight & fat, whether this is in-person or online, and receive expert advice tailored to your needs. Let’s start this journey of change together.

For more information on this topic and a more holistic approach visit: https://traceys-mindfit.com/achieving-a-healthy-weight-nourishing-your-body/

Weight Loss Journey

Achieving Incredible Results: Celebrating an Amazing Weight Loss Journey

Introduction

We’re thrilled to congratulate an inspiring lady on her remarkable weight loss journey. She has lost an impressive 4 inches from her waist and hips over the past few months. This fantastic achievement is the result of her commitment to regular Personal Training sessions at Tracey’s Hiit2Fit and following our healthy nutrition plan. Her fitness level, strength, and confidence have greatly improved, allowing her to fit back into her favourite jeans and look forward to buying new clothes. Keep up the fantastic work!

Personal Training Sessions – A full body approach

Our Personal Training sessions at Tracey’s Hiit2Fit combine various exercises such as High Intensity Interval Training, Cardio, Resistance Training, and Core conditioning. This holistic approach ensures that your entire body benefits from the workouts. Each session is personalized to your fitness level, keeping you motivated and challenged. We can modify the exercises to accommodate any injuries or health challenges you may have. Our goal is not only weight loss but also building lean muscle mass. We also provide advice and diet plans for healthy nutrition.

Hard Work and Commitment for Results

Achieving weight loss and reaching your goals is all about finding the right balance and creating a calorie deficit. It’s important to maintain a calorie deficit to lose weight effectively. You can find more information about nutrition and staying in a calorie deficit at this link: [https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/calorie-deficit].

Book a Free Consultation or Personal Training Session

If you’re ready to see amazing results, we invite you to book a free consultation or a Personal Training session with us. Our sessions are tailored to your goals and fitness level. We’re here to support you every step of the way. To schedule your session, visit our website and use our convenient booking platform: [https://traceys-hiit2fit.com/book-personal-training-dunfermline/].

Join Our Supportive Community

Join our team of like-minded individuals who are committed to reaching their personal, physical, and nutritional goals. We have a diverse group of people of all ages and abilities. All we ask is that you remain enthusiastic and dedicated to attending your regular sessions. We’ll take care of the rest. Don’t wait any longer – start your journey towards a healthier you today!

Weight Loss Journey Conclusion

We celebrate the incredible accomplishments of a remarkable individual on her weight loss journey at Tracey’s Hiit2Fit. Through regular Personal Training sessions and following our healthy nutrition plan, she has successfully lost 4 inches from her waist and hips. Her progress in fitness, strength, and confidence is truly inspiring. If she can do it, so can you!


Body Composition – Is the scale an accurate measure?

The Facts about Body Composition

Body Composition

 

Importance of Body Fat Percentage

Assessing health goes beyond just knowing our weight on a scale. It involves understanding our body composition, which refers to the proportions of fat, bone, and muscle in our bodies. Among these, body fat percentage holds significant interest as it provides valuable insights into our overall health.

 

Focus on Fat Loss, Not Just Weight

Rather than fixating on the number of pounds lost, it is crucial to prioritise fat loss and overall body composition. Merely losing weight may not necessarily translate to a healthier body if muscle mass is being compromised.

 

Dangers of Losing Muscle

Losing muscle mass can have detrimental effects on our bodies. It leads to a decrease in metabolism, mobility, and power therefore making us more susceptible to injuries and illnesses.

 

Unreliable Scales and the Importance of Results

Scales can often deceive, especially for individuals starting a new exercise routine. It is possible to witness positive changes such as inches lost or improved clothing fit without seeing a significant change in weight. These visible transformations should not be overlooked, as they indicate progress, even if the scale fails to reflect it.

 

Trusting Your Experience Over the Scale

Instead of blindly believing what the scale dictates, it is crucial to trust your own observations. If you notice positive changes such as fitting into smaller sizes or experiencing a slimming effect, it is a strong indication of losing body fat and gaining lean muscle mass, regardless of what the scale suggests.

 

Redefining Success: Inches Lost and Slimming Down

Pay attention to other signs of progress, such as losing inches and fitting into smaller clothing sizes. These are clear indicators that you are on the right track, successfully building muscle and shedding fat. Emphasising these achievements is essential for achieving your desired results.

 

 

Learn More About Body Composition

For additional information on body composition and its impact on overall health, visit us at https://www.bluetreehealthtx.com/.

 

Book a Free Consultation for Personalised Assistance

If you are interested in achieving your desired results and improving your body composition, schedule a free consultation with us now at https://traceys-hiit2fit.com/book-personal-training-dunfermline/.

Did you find our blog about body composition helpful? If so please feel free to leave a comment.

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