Strength Training During Menopause: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start

Meet Jaimon Glassenbury: The Methodical and Results-Focused Trainer at CGPT At CGPT in Hawthorn, personal trainer Jaimon Glassenbury brings a structured, science-led approach to strength training, with a clear focus on helping clients build muscle, move efficiently, and see measurable progress over time. With a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and a strong foundation in movement mechanics, Jaimon delivers highly considered training programs inside one of Melbourne’s leading private gyms. His coaching is grounded in precision, progression, and purpose - ensuring every session contributes to a bigger picture, not just a single workout. Building Expertise Through Education and Experience Jaimon’s pathway into personal training was shaped during his university placements, where he saw firsthand how consistent, well-structured training could transform not just physical outcomes, but how people feel day to day. “Seeing people improve and how much that impacted their confidence and overall wellbeing made a big impression on me,” he explains. That experience laid the groundwork for how he now coaches at CGPT. Rather than focusing on quick fixes, Jaimon prioritises long-term development - helping clients build strength, improve movement quality, and create habits that actually last. His academic background in Exercise and Sport Science supports a programming style that is both evidence-based and practical, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application for everyday clients. A Coaching Style Defined by Control, Strength and Balance Jaimon’s approach to training centres around three key principles: controlled execution, progressive strength, and balanced development. Every movement is intentional. Every progression is earned. And every program is designed to create sustainable improvements rather than short bursts of change. This makes his coaching particularly effective for: · Strength training in Hawthorn · Muscle building programs with clear structure · Clients wanting improved technique and movement efficiency · Beginners looking for guided, confidence-building coaching · Individuals who value consistency over extremes By focusing on control and quality, Jaimon ensures clients develop a strong technical base before increasing intensity - leading to better results and reduced risk of setbacks. Creating Confidence Through Understanding Jaimon places a strong emphasis on recognising progress in all forms - not just major milestones, but the smaller improvements that build momentum. Whether it’s improved technique, increased control, or simply showing up consistently, these wins form the foundation of long-term success. A Long-Term Approach to Results While early in his coaching career, Jaimon has already seen how powerful structured training can be across a wide range of individuals during his practical experience and education. He approaches every client relationship with a long-term mindset, focusing on building habits, improving performance, and creating outcomes that extend beyond the gym floor. For Jaimon, results are not defined by quick changes, but by sustained progress over time - the kind that reshapes both physical capacity and daily life. Life Outside the Gym Outside of CGPT, Jaimon enjoys staying active through a variety of sports and activities. From basketball and casual football sessions to recently taking up golf and tennis, he values variety and skill development in movement. Growing up close to Falls Creek also sparked a long-standing interest in snowboarding - an outlet that reflects his appreciation for coordination, balance, and learning new physical challenges. Why Train With Jaimon at CGPT? If you’re looking for a personal trainer in Hawthorn who delivers structured, thoughtful programming with a strong technical foundation, Jaimon Glassenbury offers a highly effective and supportive approach. His sessions are ideal for those who want: · Clear direction and purpose in their training · A focus on strength and muscle development · Improved movement quality and technique · Consistent, measurable progress · Guidance from an exercise sports science–trained coach · A private gym environment with personalised attention At CGPT, Jaimon helps clients build strength with intent, develop confidence through understanding, and achieve results that last. Because when training is purposeful and consistent, progress becomes inevitable.

Strength Training for Women Over 40: The Research Is Clear - It Could Save Your Life If you’ve ever needed a reason to prioritise your training (beyond fitting into your jeans or feeling “toned”), this might be it. A recent large-scale study, reported by ABC News, found that middle-aged women who exercise regularly can reduce their risk of premature death by up to 50% . Not 5%. Not 15%. Half. It’s one of the clearest, most compelling arguments yet for making structured exercise - particularly strength training - a non-negotiable part of your life as you move through your 40s, 50s and beyond. And importantly, this isn’t about extreme workouts, punishment, or living in the gym. It’s about doing the right training, consistently. The Study Everyone Is Talking About The research followed thousands of women over an extended period, examining how different types and levels of physical activity impacted long-term health outcomes. The key finding? Women who engaged in regular exercise - particularly a combination of strength training and cardiovascular activity - had a dramatically lower risk of dying prematurely compared to those who were inactive. Even more interesting: · The benefits were stronger in women than men · The biggest impact came from consistent, moderate exercise, not extreme regimes · Strength training played a critical role in longevity, not just cardio This aligns with a growing body of evidence showing that muscle mass is one of the strongest predictors of overall health, resilience, and lifespan. Why Strength Training Matters More Than Ever After 40 As women enter midlife, the body begins to change - hormonally, metabolically, and structurally. This includes: · Gradual loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) · Slower metabolism · Reduced bone density · Increased risk of chronic disease Strength training directly combats all of these. Done properly, it can: · Preserve and build lean muscle · Improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health · Support joint stability and reduce injury risk · Increase bone density (critical for osteoporosis prevention) · Enhance mental health and cognitive function In other words, it’s not just about aesthetics - it’s about building a body that supports you for decades to come. The Problem: Most Women Are Still Training the Wrong Way Despite the evidence, many women are still: · Over-prioritising cardio · Avoiding weights due to fear of “bulking” · Following generic, unsupervised programs · Training inconsistently Or worse - not training at all because they feel intimidated, unsure where to start, or worried about injury. This is where the gap exists between knowing exercise is important and actually doing it in a way that delivers real, long-term results. What “Effective” Training Actually Looks Like The women in the study weren’t doing random workouts - they were consistent. At CGPT, we see the best results with a simple, structured approach: · 2 - 4 strength sessions per week · Progressive overload (gradually increasing resistance) · Focus on major movement patterns · Smart programming that accounts for injuries, limitations, and lifestyle · A sustainable balance of strength and movement (not burnout) It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what works. Why This Is So Important for CGPT Clients At CGPT, this isn’t new information - it’s exactly what our approach has been built around. We work with a large number of women in their 40s, 50s and beyond who come to us wanting: · To feel stronger and more capable · To manage injuries or chronic conditions · To improve energy, confidence, and body composition · To future-proof their health What they often discover is that strength training becomes something much bigger. It becomes: · A tool for longevity · A way to regain control over their body · A consistent anchor in a busy life And importantly, it’s done in a private, supportive environment with expert guidance - not a crowded gym floor where you’re left guessing. The Mental Health Benefit You Can’t Ignore While the physical benefits are significant, the mental shift is just as powerful. Strength training has been shown to: · Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression · Improve mood and emotional regulation · Increase confidence and self-efficacy Many CGPT clients report that their sessions become less about “working out” and more about clearing their head, resetting, and showing up for themselves . And that consistency is where the long-term benefits really compound. The Takeaway: This Isn’t Optional Anymore The idea that exercise is a “nice to have” is outdated. For women in midlife, it’s one of the most powerful tools available for: · Reducing disease risk · Extending lifespan · Improving quality of life And the research is only becoming more definitive. The question isn’t whether you should be training. It’s whether you’re doing it in a way that actually delivers these outcomes. How CGPT Can Help If you’ve been: · Meaning to start but don’t know how · Training but not seeing results · Managing injuries or limitations · Looking for a more structured, personalised approach This is exactly what we do. At CGPT, every program is tailored to you - your body, your goals, your history - with a clear focus on safe, effective strength training that delivers real results over time. No guesswork. No generic programs. No intimidation. Just a clear plan, expert coaching, and an environment designed to help you succeed. Ready to Take the First Step? If this research resonates with you, consider this your sign. Because the difference between knowing and doing is where everything changes. Book an intro session with CGPT today and start building a stronger, healthier future - one session at a time.