The ‘Kick start your Menopause Exercise Regime’ was launched this year, designed by Dr Jo Fiore, Associate Professor in Sport and Physical Activity Development in the School’s PE & Sport Science portfolio. The initiative was supported by Anna Radley (People’s Directorate) along with Paul Barnes and Nicky Weston (Sports Facilities Management) and run in the University’s sports facilities. Its success has recently been recognised at the University’s Staff Awards 2025, with Jo winning the Greenwich Excellence Award!
Dr Fiore developed the evidence-based exercise programme to help manage, and even reduce, symptoms arising from the decrease in oestrogen levels women experience in perimenopause and menopause. The initiative offered free use of the campus gyms during women only session, focusing on strength and resistance training and developing knowledge of and confidence to take part in resistance training, as well as guidance on suitable exercises for individuals, working around specific issues such as joint pain or stiffness.
Evidence has demonstrated that exercise can have both short and long-term benefits, helping manage or even reduce symptoms of the menopausal transition. Many of the participants reported that the programme not only had a physical impact but also helped build confidence in taking up or getting back into exercise and being comfortable within a gym environment.
Due to its success, it is hoped the programme will be extended into next academic year. Jo is module leader for the Contemporary issues in PE and Sport, a second-year module on the BA (Hons) Physical Education and Sport programme, as well as the third year module on Sport Policy and Development.