Anya Russell Fitness

In my early to mid-40’s, I found myself feeling mentally foggy, exhausted, emotionally scattered, I wondered who I’d become.

Perimenopause hit me like a storm.

Nothing I tried seemed to truly help and I didn’t just want to get through this phase of my life - I wanted to reclaim my strength, my clarity and my energy.

Creating MenoLift Accelerator is a game changing bespoke online coaching programme aimed at high-achieving women navigating perimenopause, menopause and beyond.

Comment ME if you would like your FREE blueprint strategy session

🧘‍♀️ 🔋 You can’t train effectively on an empty charger.” 

As a fitness professional, pushing limits is part of the job, but when working with women in perimenopause, it’s just as important to champion recovery, balance, and hormonal health.

💥 Fatigue during this phase isn’t just “being tired”—it’s bone-deep exhaustion that impacts mood, focus, and well-being. And it hits hardest when women are juggling everything: demanding careers, raising children, caring for aging parents, managing households, hormonal changes, financial pressures and trying to hold themselves together in the midst of it all! 🤪

The result? Burnout - physically and emotionally.

💡 This is where I come in.
Movement still matters: just 30 minutes a day can lower cortisol, lift mood, and restore a sense of control.

But here’s the key: Recovery is not optional - it’s essential.
When you can, try to:

💤 Prioritise sleep (7–9 hours a night)

🧘 Embrace yoga and breathing techniques.

 🧠 Practice mindfulness and meditation - if you’re new to this there are lots of Guided Meditations on Spotify.

 🛀 Build daily rituals for calm and restoration.

💧 Keep hydrated, even mild dehydration can worsen fatigue and brain fog.

🥩 Try and eat protein in every meal - protein is vital for muscle maintenance, hormone balance, and sustained energy.

 ➡️YOU can’t perform physically or mentally if you’re running on empty!

As a certified  coach, I’m trained in evidence-based menopause health, fitness, and wellness - so I can show up with the knowledge my clients truly need 💫

Because over 50% experience joint pain — and most fitness programs ignore it. 😣

💡 The root cause?

Hormonal shifts. A drop in oestrogen impacts:

✔️ Inflammation levels
✔️ Joint lubrication
✔️ Muscle, tendon & ligament function

🦴 Menopause increases risk of:

• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis 
• Chronic pain

📉 The result?

Many women avoid movement, fearing it’ll make things worse — even though the right exercise is one of the BEST solutions.

✅ What actually helps:
• Strength training (yes, it’s safe!)
• Daily movement & mobility
• Anti-inflammatory nutrition
• HRT (for some)

👩‍🏫 As a fitness professional, I play a key role.
Thanks to numerous courses I’ve undertaken and my certification as a Menopause Movement Coach, I’m equipped with:

✔️ Evidence-based strategies
✔️ Tools to support midlife clients
✔️ A mission to empower women to take charge of their midlife health

Let’s redefine movement in midlife — stronger, smarter, and pain-free. 💪

If you are searching for a PT online or in person do get in touch - my waitlist is open and ever evolving…

Choosing a personal trainer is exactly that - personal. With 14 years experience and 1000s of hours spent training a range of clients of varying ages, abilities and fitness levels - I work to establish a good connection with you right from the offset, in order to help you achieve your goals. I train my clients from home in Tooting, in the Furzedown area.

First session is complimentary… 💁🏼‍♀️

Easter is almost here and if you’re anything like me you’ll be looking forward to tucking into an Easter egg (or three!) 🐣 
The new MenoLift dates are now available, book early if you want to join the in-person sessions (Wednesdays are already full.)

Also available again is my 8 mini home x 20 minute workouts that you can do anytime, anywhere and the only equipment you need is a resistance band and your own body!

My PT sessions are currently at full capacity so I invite those interested to join the waitlist and I’ll contact you as soon as an opening becomes available. 

Happy International Women’s Day to all the women I train - here are a few of the Thursday group of MenoLifters!

Today I want to celebrate all these incredible women who show up, push their limits, and support each other every step of the way.

Strength isn’t just about lifting weights - it’s about empowering yourself and inspiring others to do the same.
Here’s to all the strong women 🥂