Marcelle Malan

The journey from perimenopause to post menopause brings a unique set of physiological changes and challenges for women looking to keep healthy and fit into older age. Having a good understanding of these changes is essential for fitness professionals to help clients structure their exercise and recovery strategies to stay healthy, functional and thriving. This course is designed specifically for exercise professionals - with exercise strategies at the core, rather than added as an afterthought. You will be armed with a solid knowledge base and a practical toolkit to help you get the very best out of training your clients through this life stage. Through five in-depth modules we will look at: the physiology of menopause as it relates to exercise, strength and functional capacity, metabolic health, brain health, and recovery strategies specific to this population.

This course delves into all things related to exercise and brain health throughout the adult lifespan. Initial areas of exploration include the evolutionary basis for the relationship between exercise and cognitive function, and the physiological mechanisms through which exercise impacts brain health, cognition and mood. Exercise strategies are included for both aerobic and resistance training, as well as a special focus on the practice of exercise enrichment to enhance cognitive load during physical activity.

This course delves into the role of strength training for developing and maintaining functional capacity specifically for adults from mid-life into older age. Students are provided with a solid overview of the latest research-based evidence, along with a comprehensive library of exercises and exercise strategies. Key topics covered in this introductory course include functional strength, functional mobility, strategies for balance and falls prevention, power and speed training, and exercise enrichment for physical and cognitive resilience.