by Clarissa Hartley

Famous health and wellness teacher Federica Wells is gaining recognition globally for her contributions to women’s fitness and health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her program, Feel Positive & Fit, offers virtual fitness training worldwide and acts as a catalyst for change, encouraging women to defy and redefine societal norms concerning perimenopause and menopause.

Here, Wells delivers a potent message to her followers. As an outspoken supporter of the Midlife Mandate, a growing community of women intent on assisting those grappling with menopause, the candid coach opens up about her mission to help women stay healthy and active during menopause.

As part of her broader effort, Wells recently shared her own perimenopause experiences on social media. “My aim to revolutionize the conversation concerning perimenopause. I want to shatter societal norms and arm women with the resources they need not only to survive this period but to thrive,” she shares.

How she’s doing that? By commentating on her own experiences so people can understand, by keeping an open dialogue with her followers, but most importantly by spreading the idea that exercise and lifestyle changes can help women transform menopausal into a phase of strength.

As the heartening coach openly admits her own perimenopause symptoms, she sheds light on the struggles many women face. From brain fog to poor sleep and mood swings. Remembering a very particular moment, she says, “Watching the Rebecca Carlton’s documentary on Menopause was a huge eye-opener for me. It gave me the hard push I needed to advocate for women experiencing similar symptoms.”

Among the frequent issues women encounter during menopause, she identifies weight gain specifically in the belly area, reduced self-confidence, mental health struggles, and physical changes taking an emotional toll.

Wells also emphasizes the importance of fitness in managing these symptoms, “To help reduce the symptoms and maintain long-term bone, heart, and brain health, involving in workouts and staying active are key. And remember, no quantity is trivial. Even ‘Exercise Snacking,’ a concept I advocate which means short but continuous physical activities throughout the day, can be beneficial.”

She believes in the power of resistance training for women’s health. “Strength training is the missing piece of the wellness puzzle. It can reduce the risks of heart disease, type 2 Diabetes, and dementia. It’s key to reducing osteoporosis, and it’s a great boost for mental health,” she explains.

Fitness for Wells is a lifestyle choice. From strength training, aerobic activities like walking to mobility and stretching exercises. “It’s never too late to embark your fitness journey,” she says.

Furthermore, she expresses her concern about the taboo around menopause, especially in South Asian communities. “We must normalize the conversations around menopause with our loved ones, the men in our life, at home, and in the workplace. It’s time to break the taboos, raise awareness, and show that support is available.”

Groups like the Late Afternoon Lounge are crucial as they condense expert advice and personal experiences to aid women in understanding and managing menopause. Much like this digital space, Federica Wells is a beacon of support for women navigating the intricate and often overwhelming labyrinth of menopause.

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