Sharon Peters Personal Trainer

This is a hard post to write but it is with a heavy heart that I inform you all that I have closed down my business, Sharon Peters Personal Trainer.

My home based studio gym has been a huge part of my life and it will be sorely missed – but its time for a new challenge and this one came out of the blue!

I have been offered a position at the Centre of Movement which is a Paediatric Neurological Rehabilitation Centre. The Centre of Movement delivers intensive paediatric therapy for children with neurological and developmental disabilities. They opened a month ago in Christchurch, whereas before this all parents doing the therapy programmes have had to travel to Australia to commence treatment.

I’m incredibly proud to be a part of the new team in Christchurch, and looking forward to supporting the amazing therapists they have.

This was definitely not an easy decision to make and I am still coming to terms with it. The past six years have been the happiest and most challenging of my career. To everyone that has supported me, I thank you so much. And to all of you who have become best mates and confidants – you poor things, but I love ya!

I have truly appreciated the support you have all given me over the time as well. The chats, interesting feedback (you know who you are lol), and most importantly the laughter will be missed and this is going to take some time to get used to. But this job is so rewarding as well as purposeful again and I hope to be of benefit to the kids and the families as well.

Thank you once again. And remember….. small efforts everyday creates massive results.

Big hugs to you all
Shazza # # #

Send a message to learn more

Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers .od and wishing you all the best for your big move 🏡 to pastures new!!

A lot of fun and laughs over the past five years and I can’t wait to see all your updates online with your new home!!!

Big hugs!

Lifting weights helps your bones stay strong. When you lift weights and resistance train properly, your body builds more bone, which helps fight off diseases like osteoporosis.

Studies have found that older adults who do high-velocity resistance training increase bone mineral density in the spine and hips.

Weightlifting also keeps your body healthy from the inside. It helps lower blood sugar, improve heart health, and boost your mood.

Studies have also shown that strength training activates stem cells in your muscles, helping you heal and stay young.

So next time you’re at the gym, don’t just walk on the treadmill—pick up those weights!

Ask yourself…… why?

Why do we not put ourselves first?

Our own health is vital to everyone around us, so putting ourselves first puts everyone else first.

We always use excuses as to why we don’t eat better or keep fit. Time, money, lack of confidence, lack of knowledge. But why put off until tomorrow which you can start today!

Make a choice for you and start your own health and fitness journey. Any change to your regular routine that is a positive one is a huge achievement.

Whether it is exercise or a nutritional change – go for it and embrace your journey!

If you need guidance or would like to organize a session to discuss strength training or nutrition then get in touch today!

[email protected] or visit my page Sharon Peters Personal Trainer today.

Based in Rolleston, Christchurch, NZ

We tend to take basic movement for granted.

It is not until something happens that restricts us from using that ability to move freely that we regret not using it to our advantage.

This could be sickness, age, injury or even having that ability taken away permanently.

We adjust the best we can, but we need to strengthen our bodies while we are able to, and also embrace the simple ability to move freely.

It's a gift. Embrace it. Don't waste it.

"Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states" Carol Welch

I HAVEN’T CHANGED WHAT I EAT OR HOW I EXERCISE BUT MY WEIGHT KEEPS INCREASING. WHY?

So many of my clients and/or women I meet on a daily basis are always asking me this.

I have been to talks about menopause and the perimenopause state, and I am continuing my research into this area.

People also assume that I don’t have this same issue (but I definitely do) and have had to change the way I eat and train to counteract it.

Perimenopause is something that others truly don’t understand until they actually go through it – no matter how they tell you they do or how much training they have had. It is not easy but all us girls will go through it at some point. So lets find out more about it so we can talk and comfort each other when we need to!

It also comes for most women at a time when they are always looking after everyone else and their needs, so our own needs tend to get put aside “to deal with at a later date”.

With this research I have found a page by Alison Tehan Nutrition. I love the way she went straight to basics in her explanation (and in general English), for everyone to understand the issue around balancing your blood sugar during perimenopause.

Please read this following excerpt from her webpage:
(FULL CREDIT TO THE AUTHOR: ALISON TEHAN NUTRITION)

The weight gain during perimenopause and menopause is one of the most frustrating and confusing elements of this phase in a woman’s life.

Blood sugar balance is the key to avoiding weight gain at any age and is particularly important as we approach this significant phase of life. The change in hormones creates an environment in our body where managing blood glucose needs to be done more carefully and thoughtfully.

Balancing our blood sugar across the entire day is a game changer for feeling more energised with no energy slumps, less snacking and less weight gain

Perimenopause can start for a women 2-10 years before menopause so what many women don’t realise is that their body is already changing shape during this time which is completely normal. However, if you are not adjusting your diet and lifestyle to support your body and hormones during this transition then the weight changes can feel unexpected and significant.

During perimenopause there is a decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone, which plays a major role in blood sugar fluctuations. As these hormonal levels go up and down, blood sugar levels also sway. The hormone insulin helps control the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood and women become particularly vulnerable to insulin resistance during perimenopause/menopause.

With insulin resistance, the body’s cells don’t respond normally to insulin. Glucose can’t enter the cells as easily, so it builds up in the blood. Chronically elevated blood sugar over time can result in insulin resistance. The result of this metabolic dysfunction is less energy, more inflammation, and a greater tendency to gain fat, especially around the middle. Insulin resistance can also cause high cholesterol, triglycerides and fat accumulation in the liver.

Estrogen is good for insulin sensitivity so with the natural decline of estrogen in late perimenopause and Menopause there is a risk factor for developing insulin resistance which can make the symptoms of perimenopause / menopause much worse

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The common symptoms I see of blood sugar imbalance include:
• Needing to snack often
• Feeling hungry after eating
• Weight gain around the middle
• Sugar cravings
• Poor sleep
• Fatigue

WHAT YOU CAN I DO TO MANAGE BLOOD SUGAR?

BALANCE YOUR MACROS:

I have found this to be so important at any age but during perimenopause it also helps with the moods, sleep and keeping up energy all day. We really can’t get away with skipping meals and eating on their own anymore.

Protein: this is a must at every meal and snack. This is what keeps us feeling balanced and satiated. Protein is found in meat, legumes, eggs, diary, seeds and smaller amounts in nuts. I recommend approximately 60g minimum of protein per day across the day – not just at dinner.

Complex Carbs: carbs are so important and also help maintain blood sugar balance but it’s the complex carbs we need to include in our diet.

Whilst bread, rice crackers, cakes, slices and biscuits are all very delicious they will not help your blood sugar and I recommend these to be occasional foods.

Focusing on the nourishing carbs such as black/brown rice, rolled oats, sweet potato, potato, pumpkin, quinoa and barley will keep you feeling energised.

Fats: Fats round out our meals perfectly and are important for absorbing nutrients. They provide a satiating mouth feel and usually a beautiful flavour. Fats are important for feeling satiated and balanced and good choices include extra virgin olive oil (dressing), ghee, avocado, feta, seeds and nuts.

AVOID PROCESSED FOOD:

This seems obvious but I see many women eating processed foods every day without realising. They are so easy and accessible it can be hard to avoid them but they do not suit our body or hormones or blood sugar.

BUILD MUSCLE

Muscle mass declines in women from the age of 40 so its important for so many reasons to work on building muscle. Muscle tissue plays a significant role in managing blood sugar and also increasing insulin sensitivity.

SUPPORT GUT HEALTH

This should always be a daily work in progress as the gut is linked to every aspect of our health. Fixing any underlying gut problems is key because dysbiosis from the gut can cause insulin resistance and blood sugar imbalances.

SLEEP

Sleep is king when it comes to balancing blood sugar and eating well. Decreased sleep is a risk factor for increased blood sugar levels. Even partial sleep deprivation over one night increases insulin resistance, which can in turn increase blood sugar levels. A good night’s sleep does become much more challenging during this transition so it’s important to find a good night routine that works for you.

SUPPORTING YOUR CIRCADIAN RHYTHM

This helps with blood sugar balance. Adequate sleep, eating at the same time most days and ensuring your eat protein in the morning – not just coffee are just some of the way to support your blood sugar.

TAKE MAGNESIUM

Magnesium deficiency is a significant contributor to insulin resistance and taking magnesium glycinate has been to improve insulin resistance. Magnesium is also great for women in the phase as it can improve sleep, curb sugar cravings and reducing inflammation.

(FULL CREDIT TO THE AUTHOR: ALISON TEHAN NUTRITION)

Your greatest defence against aging is muscle. Muscle is medicine.

The more muscle you have on your body, no matter what age you are, no matter what decade you are in - the more muscle you have, the more your body is protected.

As well as:

1. Increased bone density
2. Reduced lower back pain
3. Increased insulin sensitivity = lower blood sugar
4. Improved immune function
5. Better mood!

So start resistance/strength training today – its never too late to start!

Yep I'm still here - I have just been fully booked with clients for the past few months and it's been full on!

I also don't post to social media all the time. I am either with clients, writing up their programmes or doing research into a multitude of subjects from menopause to fibromyalgia and everything in between.

I don't have spare time to do videos showing off how much I can lift compared to others or exercises that would not suit the majority of my clients. They are all individuals and their programmes reflect that.

So please don't think I have gone anywhere - I'M STILL HERE 💯

I am close to fully booked but do have some spaces available now for the first time in about 5 months.

If you would like a free consultation, please get in touch!

PS - I am happy to film you if you like for you to post to your own social media platform. They are your achievements at the end of the day!

Thank you to all my amazing clients and wishing you all the best Christmas 🎄 wherever you may be….

Looking forward to seeing you all back after enjoying a great day with good food, good company and good chocolate!!!!

And a huge thank you for all my awesome goodies that I have been gifted with. The chocolate has already been consumed for Christmas breakfast. It’s tradition in my house to eat chocolate for breakfast on Xmas morning 🎅🏼

Thanks again and to everyone….
enjoy, indulge and be merry!