With the proliferation of female-focused gyms and women’s-only spaces, a wider conversation has emerged about the myriad training modalities suited for women in the gym. Milestones Fitness Center in Jackson, Mich., is leading the charge with classes and fitness programs specifically tailored to women in menopause.
According to WILX, Milestones Fitness Center will provide group fitness classes, personal training and nutritional expertise for women by women. The facility will focus on women in menopause and perimenopause — ages 40 to 60 — to tackle common symptoms, physical changes and community building.
“We’re going to show you how to tone, and how to get the most our of your muscles. And, what kind of supplements you would suggest depending on what you’re going through as a woman,” said Teressa Renfer, trainer and nutritionist at Milestones Fitness Center.
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The program at Milestones Fitness Center aims to empower older women in their new stage of life, introducing them to new training modalities and diets that can benefit them as they age. Owner Diane Simmons recommends this demographic weight train three days each week and introduce cardio training two days per week. She is also eager to tackle the nutrition side of aging, saying women need to “eat smarter.”
“Over the years, all we’ve heard is women going, I get up, I don’t even recognize myself anymore, they get depressed. They don’t understand why they’re tired. And, nothing is out there to educate them on, all you have to do is, just do this. And, you’ll feel so much better,” Renfer said.
Milestone Fitness Center’s classes currently include strength training circuits, Zumba and cardio training circuits, changing the game for older women and their fitness journey.
In a recent feature with Athletic Business Magazine, female leaders in strength training discussed similar trends for older women in the weight room. Denise Zygarlicke, global marketing manager of strength at Matrix Fitness and former gym owner, said “There are more women in the weight room in general, but even more so, there are older women who are getting into weight training for the first time. It’s healing to watch a generation of women realize that strength is something to aspire to and work toward. It’s so encouraging.”
