How climbing is being roped in to help women tackle the menopause in a ground-breaking new course in Brighouse

Brighouse-based charity ROKT Foundation will use the Olympic sport to help women tackle the effects of menopause alongside other key therapies.

Bouldering, rope climbing and caving are all on the agenda for the 16 women on the pilot course which runs for 10 weeks until April, dubbed “Moving Through Menopause” and funded by a Sport England Jubilee Grant.

ROKT Foundation believes this is the first dedicated climbing course aimed at helping women through the menopause that features additional expert advice and classes – ranging from nutrition and well-being to working with a specialist menopause GP expert.

The key aims of the course are to improve women's physical and emotional well-being, building muscle memory, targeting key physical areas like bums, tums and core, and mindfulness – alongside insights into hormonal imbalances and HRT treatments.

Katie Kinsella, ROKT’s director for community and business engagement, said: “We­­ believe this is the first time climbing has joined forces with clinical and holistic interventions and been shaped into a full course.

"This not only harnesses the power of the sport, but adds critical other elements to help women through areas of menopause widely accepted as key challenges.

“There’s some brilliant work going on nationally using climbing to support women and menopause, but we’ve gone that step further – and higher – by putting this 10-week package together.

“It’s about understanding the changes taking place and then what we can do to manage the transition and make it much easier. Building confidence and self-esteem is a critical part of this and helping provide ladies with the tools they need.

“A great example is addressing an issue like brain fog – we know it happens, but we don’t have to accept it.

"Climbing is a great leveller, so giving the group something to focus on – like climbing up a 21m lead wall – helps train focus on just one thing.

"This of course is complemented by tips on getting better sleep, nutrition and self-care, all of which will help reduce common symptoms like brain fog.

“Like this course, the menopause is a journey and you don’t suddenly go from pre-menopause to post, it can take years.

"That’s why the advice and guidance our partner experts can bring to the table will be so vital and adds to the unique nature of this programme.”

Experts in health and nutrition include GP Dr Ailsa Care, who has spent more than two decades guiding women through the menopause.

Jana Shirley was originally a dancer before falling in love with the recovery techniques for lower back pain through pilates. Now Jana works to support others with chronic pain and discomfort – specialising in the discomfort menopause can have on the body and how improved movement and core strength can help combat this.

They will be supported by Lidia Shinwell, chairwoman of ROKT Foundation and Italian restauranteur and hotelier, who will focus on the benefits of Mediterranean influences in people’s diets, which can have a positive impact during menopause.

The first pilot course has now started, but there will be more to come throughout 2023. Women who live in Calderdale - and close surrounding areas - who are interested can get in touch by email [email protected]