Believe & Achieve UK

27/01/2026

This is the opening of my latest Substack letter.

I started writing Letters because I was bored of the noise — the fixing, the pressure, the endless “you should be better by now” messaging.

These are short, honest letters for midlife women who are tired, busy, a bit fed up… and still quietly trying.

No selling.
No perfection.
Just real life, written down.

If this opening feels familiar, you can read the rest via the link in our bio

Claire xx

27/01/2026

This is the opening of my latest Substack letter.

I started writing Letters because I was bored of the noise — the fixing, the pressure, the endless “you should be better by now” messaging.

These are short, honest letters for midlife women who are tired, busy, a bit fed up… and still quietly trying.

No selling.
No perfection.
Just real life, written down.

If this opening feels familiar, you can read the rest via the link in the comments.

Pop the kettle on, put your feet up and have a read

Claire xx

20/01/2026

Muscle is the organ of longevity. 💪 And in midlife, it matters more than ever.

Muscle protects our bones, supports strength, mobility, and balance, and plays a powerful role in reducing the risk of falls and fractures as we age.

Here’s the truth we don’t hear often enough:
👉 Exercise isn’t optional in menopause — it’s essential.

Building and maintaining muscle in midlife fuels:
✨ Energy
✨ Confidence
✨ Resilience
✨ Long-term health and independence

With over 1 billion women worldwide expected to be in menopause by 2026, the need for menopause-informed, compassionate, and science-backed coaching has never been greater.

That’s where we come in. As an Advanced trained coach, I’m qualified to support midlife women through resistance training that works with their hormones — not against them.

My training allows me to create personalised fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle programs designed specifically for women navigating perimenopause and menopause, helping them build strength, improve mobility, and feel confident in their bodies again.

💪 2026 is the year to get strong.

👉 If you’re ready to start resistance training, protect your future health, and feel stronger from the inside out we have space in our 7am sessions and 6.30pm sessions, DM me “STRONG” and we can start to chat.

Claire x

18/01/2026

Absolutely 🩷 this.

If you have been looking for a sign to start weight training then this is it 💪🏼🏋🏼‍♀️

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jan/17/older-woman-80s-joined-gym-strength-training?CMP=fb_gu&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwdGRjcAPaIv1jbGNrA9oi12V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHi7d2uT1CVhcu7NqFjWnsIu1zFy2JGHS9Bruk5qmL2Imo_yqJ1HND5c5ks8y_aem_9h9FqhdH80llMrDeprAyZQ

At 81, Jean Stewart was frustrated by her growing frailty, so she decided to get active. Now 96, push-ups, kettlebell squats and pushing a weight-loaded sledge keep her strong

18/01/2026

2016 v 2026 challenge?

Honestly, I struggle to remember why I went upstairs most days never mind what I did 10 years ago

😂

#2016 #2026

17/01/2026

He is back 🥊💥 Great to have back at training some of our members 🙌🏼

What a workout, they loved it

13/01/2026

Great to have the opportunity to write for psychotherapist & life coach Lavinia May.

This is for anyone tired of forcing themselves to exercise

Claire x

For Anyone Tired of Forcing Themselves to Exercise

12/01/2026

If dinner time feels like a constant negotiation, you’re not broken — you’ve just been playing by out-dated rules.

This week's Dear midlife woman letter is out now

Claire xx

https://open.substack.com/pub/claralou50/p/dear-midlife-woman-who-cant-bear?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&shareImageVariant=split&r=46t11s

11/01/2026

One of my favourite things in the gym is our Goal Board.

We’re so passionate about helping women see what they’re capable of — and then supporting them every step of the way while they work towards it.

I love having a goal myself, but I thrive even more on watching other women set their own and start believing in what they can do with their bodies.

When we first introduced the goal board, most of the goals were about weight loss — and that’s absolutely fine.

But what I’m loving these days is how many goals are now about:
💪 Strength
🏃‍♀️ Fitness
🔥 Stamina
🧠 Health achievements

Because that’s when real progress happens.

When the focus shifts from shrinking your body to celebrating what it can actually do.

And that’s exactly the kind of gym we’re proud to be 💜

Claire x

06/01/2026

Here is a snippet of my first Dear midlife women letters :)

Next Monday : Dear midlife woman who can't bear to eat another f*cking rice cake.

If this sounds like the voice in your head you can read them by clicking the link in the comments.

No Cost
No selling
No judgement

Just thoughts that may make you feel a little less alone in all this dieting and fitness madness 😊

Claire xx

02/01/2026

Something new is landing on Monday 💌

I’ve started a free Substack newsletter called Letters — short, honest letters written to midlife women about bodies, confidence, change, and real life as it actually is.

The very first one goes out this Monday at 11am and it’s called:
Dear midlife woman who is sick of starting over every Monday.

It’s for anyone who’s had enough of the “new week, new me” pressure and wants a calmer, more realistic way forward — without diets, fixing, or pretending we’ve got it all sorted.

No paywall. No selling. Just one letter a week, once the kettle’s on.

We may wobble from time to time, but we are not fading away.

If you’d like to read along, you’re very welcome to join me, link is in the comments

Claire x

01/01/2026

We’re starting the new year exactly how we plan to carry on ...... With results!

Four women. Four powerful journeys:

✨ Sue
Sue has stayed consistent, dropped two dress sizes, and most importantly is feeling healthier in herself. That steady effort really does pay off.

💪 Carmel
Carmel has built both strength and confidence in a huge way — watching that growth has been amazing.

👯‍♀️ Shelley
Shelley is now lifting weights she never thought she could. She’s feeling proud of herself and excited for everything 2026 has in store.

🌱 Jill
Jill has reduced her knee pain, built strength, and is now flipping the tyre with ease — proof of what smart, consistent training can do.

Here’s to even more wins, smiles, and strength from all our members in 2026 💜

Claire xx


#2026