There’s something incredibly powerful about bringing women together in one space to talk openly about menopause. It’s even better when that space is set in beautiful countryside on a warm Spring day.
Recently, I hosted a Menopause Wellness Retreat at Wellspring, in the heart of the beautiful Leicestershire countryside, bringing together a group of women all at different stages of the peri to post-menopause journey. What stood out most wasn’t just what was learned, but how everyone felt by the end of the day: more supported, more understood, uplifted and energised.
We live in a world full of confusing advice and mixed messages, I wanted to offer something different—a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what their bodies might truly need.
Why Menopause Can Feel So Lonely and Confusing
So many women reach this stage of life feeling frustrated. I often hear, “I’m doing all the right things, following a great routine but everything feels like I’m working so much harder.” This can make the whole transition feel confusing and isolating – everyone is different and their experience is unique, so getting people together in a safe space to share stories is so very powerful.
A Different Way to Approach Menopause
One of the key ideas we explored during the retreat was this, Menopause isn’t something to fight—it’s something to understand. Through a simple reflective exercise, we looked at the idea of an “old map” versus the “current terrain.”
- What used to feel easy or predictable?
- What feels different now?
- What still works and can be relied on?
This helped shift the focus away from frustration and towards awareness. So instead of asking, “Why isn’t this working anymore?” We began asking, “What is my body asking for now?” By reframing your experience that small shift can be incredibly powerful.
Coming Back to the Foundations
Rather than overwhelming and lecturing the group with endless advice, the focus was on a few key areas that have the biggest impact on how we feel:
- Sleep
- Stress and nervous system support
- Hydration
- Strength and movement
- Nutrition and gut health
These foundations are often where the biggest changes happen—not through perfection, but through small, consistent adjustments. For many, it was a relief to realise they didn’t need to do everything, they just needed to start somewhere. It was really important to me to unpack menopause with a little clarity and calm, to can make realistic sustainable changes. So instead of creating even more overwhelm, the focus became, ‘What is one small step I can take?’
The Power of Shared Experience
The absolute best part of the day was the connection between all the women. Although everyone was at a different stage, there was a shared understanding and a quiet moment of realisation that it’s not just ‘me’. I personally think that alone lifts a huge weight off your shoulders. As I said before menopause can often feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be.
Some feedback I received after the event was that a couple of ladies felt quite emotional, (in a good way) that, in itself, is empowerment.
Why Taking Time Out Matters
For many women, taking even a single day for them, to step away from everyday life made a real difference. It created space to pause, reflect, learn and reconnect. Not just with information—but with their own body and mind. It was really good to say positively that menopause isn’t your body working against you. It’s your body changing and asking for a different kind of support. it doesn’t need to be perfect.
You just need, a better understanding, a little space and the willingness to take small steps forward.
Looking Ahead
I feel there is something really special about creating spaces where women can feel seen, heard, and supported during this stage of life. More workshops and retreats will be coming soon, continuing this focus on education, empowerment, and realistic, supportive change.
Supporting women through menopause with workshops and retreats in Leicestershire and the surrounding areas. if this is something you are interested in drop me a message – I’d love to hear from you. Contact
Love Ginny
Ginny Winder is a highly experienced Personal Trainer, Menopause Coach & Group Fitness Instructor with over 35 years experience in the industry.