Yoga Teacher Michelle Howard looks at why it’s important not to carry the experience of the menopause alone, ahead of a special workshop next month, part-funded by Broadland District Council
There are so many women carrying their experience of the menopause alone. Not physically alone perhaps but not feeling able or know how to express everything they are feeling, physically, emotionally and mentally. This may be due to many different reasons, perhaps not accepting or realising the impact the menopause is having on them, and they are unsure how to articulate that.
Fear of not being understood, listened to or belittled. The stigma that still resides within the western culture towards menopausal women. And of course, the ‘I’ve just got to plough on and get through it’.
My menopause yoga workshops and classes invite women at any stage of the menopause and at any age to come together in a safe and supportive space and magic unfolds.
I began teaching menopause yoga workshops in 2022 on top of my other yoga classes after training with Petra Coveney, a member of the British menopause society and ‘my Menopause Yoga’ founder. Her approach and understanding towards supporting this powerful stage of life really helped my own understanding and empowered me in a way that was completely transformative.
I have a background in bodywork and anatomy, so for me to have the clinical medical stance and accurate medical information about the menopause, frame-worked alongside Eastern wellbeing philosophies which I’m passionate about, helped me access a different mindset towards myself and I knew I wanted to support as many other women leading up to and during their own menopause journey.
I am acutely aware that at any stage of life where women may need to take time to nourish and care for themselves that life can get in the way. Whether it’s family stress, work pressure or financial insecurities, a wellbeing class of any kind can seem out of reach or deemed selfish or extravagant.
I am also acutely aware of the positive effect – physically and psychologically – of taking time to join a class/workshop that I wanted to try to facilitate a way of making it more accessible, especially for women who may be a carer for a loved one or anyone who may find finances get in the way.
I approached my local council (Broadland) to enquire if there were any grants or schemes that I could apply for which would enable me to hold some free classes for women in our community.
I’m not a charity or company which means I can’t apply for some of the bigger monetary grants but was able to get a small grant which has created the opportunity to hold 3 x 90-minute classes which are free of charge and nonprofit, the first of which was held at the start of July.
I admire every single one of the women who joined me for that first workshop. It’s not easy to step into a new space, to meet new people. To find the energy to give to yourself when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, anxious and feeling disconnected. But that’s exactly what these nine women did. And within this safe and supportive space they shared their feelings and experience of the menopause. They felt heard and understood and for some it was the first time they had spoken about their experience. And of course, after connecting with others there was time to connect back to themselves with movement, breathwork and deep rest.
I’m sharing two more workshops, on Friday 22nd August and Friday 26th September, 1pm to 2.30pm at Roxley hall in Thorpe St Andrew. These are completely free, no questions asked, for anyone living in the Broadland area who are either caring for a loved one or would find joining a class financially difficult.
I am also holding a beautiful two-hour ‘my Menopause Yoga’ workshop at Sunfyr Barns Framlingham Pigot, on August 23, 2025, from 11.30am to 1.30pm which is an opportunity to journey through the stages/seasons of the menopause with meditation, movement and rest, for £20. More information can be found on my website michellehowardyoga.com
Michelle Howard‘s next ‘my Menopause Yoga’ workshop (part-funded) at Roxley Hall takes place on Friday August 22, 2025. The ‘Moving Through The Seasons’ workshop at Sunfyr Barns takes place on Saturday August 23, 2025. Book individual yoga classes at Michelle Howard Yoga.
Featured image of Michelle Howard – supplied
Loved this article! Connection and support really do make a huge difference during menopause. I also found some helpful info on managing symptoms at SheMed.