Menopausal Weight Loss & Wellbeing

28/05/2025

Judith joined the Sparkle Challenge in January 2025 - check out how she got on below. Oh, and if you're interested in the Sparkle Challenge starting June 9th, then comment SPARKLE and I'll let you know the details.

What was your situation like before you joined the Sparkle?

Before I joined the Sparkle Challenge I was actually feeling quite positive and had started to count calories myself for the 2 weeks before I got Louise's e-mail inviting me to join the challenge; I had already lost 5lb and was trying to eat more healthily. However, I have tried many times to lose weight, and I have been a yo-yo dieter forever, never sticking to it and going round in circles. I had recently attended my daughter's wedding and had not really been happy with how I felt I looked and behaved. I am also going to be 70 a year from now and I want to be going into this stage of my life feeling as fit and well as I can. When I learnt about the Sparkle Challenge I thought I could really do with the support and help to stick with it this time. I was already doing a lot of exercise before the Challenge but I felt that I was in a bit of a rut with doing the same things all the time. Louise's workouts gave me a fun way of doing something different, which I could adapt to my own level, challenging my brain(!), my balance, my coordination, and my fitness. I wasn’t sleeping very well and being tired affected my energy levels and mood.

What reservations (if any) did you have about joining the challenge?

I did think... shall I, shan't I. I considered the cost, whether I had the time, whether I really needed it, whether after the 6 weeks I would just be back where I was. I went with my heart, and I am truly so glad I did. I have absolutely no regrets - it was money and time well spent. The challenge has now 'ended' as such, but the material is still available, and I have already been back into the app and re-listened to some of the audio material. I am still learning and working on my mindset which is at the centre of everything and what I have lacked in the past. I am working on my goals, working on my fitness and bedtime routine for improving my sleep. I have joined SlimFit 40+ so I am still supported by a group of like-minded ladies and Louise, and I am still doing Louise's workouts. I also met a fellow 'Sparkler' during the challenge and we are now being accountable to one another every week and have become friends.

What has the process of working with me been like?

Louise's programme is so much more than a weight loss plan, it is holistic and relates to many areas of life. You can use the information to suit you and your own needs so that you get the most out of it. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. The accountability forms that you complete daily help you to self-reflect on your day and how you are behaving which can trigger some 'eureka’ moments. Louise then gives you daily feedback to support and motivate you. I am continuing to journal as I am now in the habit of this self-reflection at the end of the day. Louise's life experience and training enables her to advise in many areas or point you in in the right direction as necessary. As I have already said, your learning doesn't end at the end of the challenge, you have the tools to continue your learning and the key, your mindset, to keep going.

What are the two best results you have got from working with me?

I feel my self-esteem and self-confidence are improved, I am not going to go along with what other people think I should wear or what I should do. I am still working on how to deal with these sorts of situations, but Louise has made me recognise when this is happening and given me tools to think about this in a different way and learn how to behave differently when this happens in the future.

I have lost just over a stone in weight and approximately 18 inches in total body size, but more importantly to me, I look well, and I have done this in a healthy way by eating 3 healthy balanced meals a day. I now feel mentally strong enough to not yoyo, I have tools to deal with my weak moments, I am planning my meals, and I am enjoying cooking, Louise reminded me recently that at the beginning of the challenge I said that I did not like cooking. I have been sharing pictures of my meals with the Facebook group as I am proud of my efforts, and it helps me to keep going with support of the group. If life gets in the way and I have a piece of cake, I can carry on with the next healthy balanced meal without going completely off the rails.

Final comments

I think the challenge has changed me, even our house is mega tidy and organised now! It has made me mentally stronger, and I feel I can reach my desired weight now, without going hungry or looking drawn. I am determined to keep using the mindset rules and I am enjoying creating my vision board to keep up my motivation.
Judith Nicholson

27/05/2025

How to shape up, feel great and regain your sparkle aged 40+ withOUT starving yourself and giving up all your favourite foods, spending long hours working out or leaving the comfort of your own home.

💪 REGISTRATION IS OPEN: The 6-week ‘Feel Good, Look Good & Sparkle’ Challenge 💪

I have 12 spaces for women over 40 who are sick of feeling tired, sluggish and frustrated with how they look and feel and are ready to take back control.

On 9th June, these lovely ladies will start working closely with me to achieve their goal to shape up and feel great. I will not let you fail.

Does that sound exciting to you?

Would you LOVE to stop struggling to shape up, lose weight and feel good and start taking the right steps towards FINALLY achieving a healthy lifestyle where you feel slimmer, energised, positive and motivated?

These women will get:

✅ The 6-week Feel Good, Look Good & Sparkle Challenge so that they can feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.

Week 1 – Regain Your Sparkle Quick Start

Week 2 – Nail The Nibbles – stay in control of what you eat

Week 3 – Mindset Matters – positivity & determination without relying just on willpower

Week 4 - Mid-Section Meltdown – say goodbye to belly fat

Week 5 – Energy Elevation - no more energy dips

Week 6 - Feel great, Look Great and Skyrocket Your Sparkle!

👉 The Challenge includes daily workouts and advice, and follows the Shape Up in 20 Method, which is a unique system to achieve confidence in becoming healthier, slimmer and feeling like you’ve regained your sparkle.

✅ BONUS 1 - Daily personal accountability to keep you consistent and maximise results

✅ BONUS 2 - 6-week nutrition and meal plan to improve health and boost weight loss

✅ BONUS 3 – Weekly Group Coaching Calls to keep you motivated and on track to your goal

✅ BONUS 4 - Accountability Facebook Group for support and more motivation

After the challenge, you will have the opportunity to join our Diamond Membership which includes new content, live workouts, a new focus each month to keep your motivation high and access to our sparkling community to hold you accountable and create long term results.

I’m looking for 12 women who I can work with closely over 6 weeks to get them incredible results.

Here’s what June Brady said after completing the challenge:

“Before the challenge I was in a rut. I'd put on weight over the last couple of years which I hadn't had any enthusiasm or focus to lose. I wasn't doing any exercise and was constantly snacking. My self-confidence was low, and I was having to buy clothes in larger sizes, trying to hide the weight I had put on.

I joined but wasn't sure whether I would lose any weight or actually exercise each day. I work full time and not being able to join the live workouts in the mornings has, in the past, been an excuse to not doing any.

Working with Louise made the challenge a great experience. She's inspirational, motivating, understanding, non-judgemental and approachable. She made the exercise enjoyable and varied, gave great advice and was able to answer any questions or help with any problems if needed. Best of all she celebrated any achievements no matter how small.

I have lost 17lbs and over 10 inches reduction in my measurements in just 6 weeks!

It was a great experience which came at just the right time for me. I needed a jump start to a healthier lifestyle which the challenge gave me. Going forwards I feel confident I can build on my success. I have the mindset and strategies to achieve bigger and better results. It's a big thank you to Louise. I have definitely got Sparkle!”

Interested in shaping up, feeling great and regaining your sparkle?

Comment below with SPARKLE & I will personally send you the details.

It’s that simple.

Just type SPARKLE below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Sparkle like a diamond

Louise x

PS: Remember, there are only 12 spots available, so if this sounds like you, don’t wait!

16/05/2025

Knowledge is fantastic, but it’s only half the battle. …

Imagine trying to become a pro golfer by just reading books - you might not get very far without a coach! 🤷‍♀️

That’s why motivation and accountability are game-changers. Having someone there to celebrate your wins, pick you up on tough days, and keep you on track makes ALL the difference. It’s important to have someone who can guide you so that you can achieve great results each week. That alone can keep you motivated and on plan.

My programs are so much more than a course for a healthy lifestyle. They’re about building a support system that gets you where you want to be. They change your life for the better - forever!

Is it time for you to get the motivation and accountability you need to feel your best? You are more than welcome to join my SlimFit 40+ plan where you will get the right guidance plus lots of support and motivation. Try it FREE for a week. Comment TRY and I’ll send you the details.

And let me know, do you naturally feel motivated or are you someone who needs encouragement?

15/05/2025

Women over 40 you need to do weights! 💪

It doesn’t mean you have to spend hours shifting iron in the gym. Just do simple and effective workouts to create lean muscle which boost your metabolism, build declining muscle, burn more fat and lower your risk of osteoporosis! 🤩

Plus you can do them in your own home.🏠

Start with light weights or water bottles and you’ll be surprised how quickly you progress to heavier weights lik 4 or 5kg. 😊

Are you interested in joining SlimFit 40+ with a 7-day free trial? The link is in my bio or just comment SLIMFIT 40+ and I’ll send you the details. You can cancel at anytime. But I’m there waiting to help and guideyou 😍

13/05/2025

NEXT SPARKLE CHALLENGE STARTING SOON!!!

If you're interested in the next Sparkle Challenge, comment below, and I'll send you the information when the details are released!

12/05/2025

💥 Want to feel AMAZING and lose weight after 40? It’s not impossible, and you don’t need to spend hours at the gym!

Here are 3 fitness secrets that will change the game for you:

✨ #1: Strength Training
You don’t need to lift super heavy weights, but adding some resistance training helps tone muscles, burn fat, and boost metabolism. Use dumbbells, bands or even your own bodyweight.

And the best thing, you burn calories even while resting with strength training!

It’s a myth that it will make you bulky, it’ll make you feel toned and fabulous! 💪🏼
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⏳ #2: Consistency is Key
It’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about doing something regularly. Even 20 minutes of movement a day can transform your energy and confidence.

Focus on things that you can easily fit into your life. Maybe a 15 minute online workout (with me!) before you go to work, walking at lunchtime... that kind of thing. Small steps lead to BIG changes!
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🌸 #3: Prioritise Recovery
Taking time to rest is just as important as working out - your muscles need time to rest and repair. Listen to your body, stretch, and practice self-care. You’ll see better results and feel incredible!
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Which one will you start with today?

30/04/2025

DO YOU FANCY SOME OLD SKOOL AEROBICS?!

Let's get the heart pumping and the feel good hormones flooding the body with some old fashioned aerobics! Are you an Old Skool Aerobics fan?

This is "Mini 43 - Old Skool Aerobics" by Louise Oliver on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

28/04/2025

LET'S DO A BIT OF STRETCHING TO IMPROVE MOVEMENT!

It's so important to maintain our range of movement as we age in order to keep moving around and live a full and active life. These type of stretch exercises will really help. I love a good stretch - how about you?

This is "Mini 28 - Fitness Pilates - Stretch & Flex" by Louise Oliver on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

26/04/2025

Broccoli is an amazing veggie for women in menopause and beyond. It's a cruciferous veg and contains a great source of plant oestrogens which can help manage the hormones that are a little out of whack because of our own declining oestrogen levels. Add spice depending on how much you can tolerate!! Yum!

25/04/2025

It can get boring doing the same old bicep curls in your workouts all the time. So shake up your exercises and make them more interesting. 😍

If you’ve been doing bicep curls the same way since your ‘80s aerobics days (I see you!), try adding some spice with a little tempo magic.

Instead of the usual up-down, try doing this instead:

1. Bicep Curls 3:1 - up for 3, down for 1
2. Bicep Curls 1:3 - up for 1, down for 3
3. Bicep Curls - singles
4. Bicep curls - up for 2, down for 2
5. Bicep Curl Halfway Pulses

Changing the timing keeps your muscles guessing and your workouts exciting.

Why bother, you ask?

Toned arms aren’t just for strappy tops and looking good —they’re key to building strength, improving posture, and feeling fabulous every day. 🙌

So grab your dumbbells and try a spicy new twist on your curls. Tag a friend who’s ready to upgrade her arm game! 🔥

✨ Menopause and beyond are your power years - so go for strength!✨💪