Feel vital, confident, and stronger
My name is Marleen. I'm a pharmacologist, a personal trainer, and a women's menopause health and fitness coach. For many years, I worked in the healthcare sector in Amsterdam. Driven by my love for exercise and sports, I also spent a decade working as a personal trainer in London, where I thrived on training and motivating people to achieve their fitness goals. I used to row, but my passion extends to running, walking, cycling and hitting the gym. My career took a pause when my three children started school, leading me to work as a science technician at my son's school. Luckily, the school had a gym, which allowed me to maintain my training regimen. My enthusiasm and motivational skills soon attracted colleagues who had never been in a gym before. So, I ended up running weight training, cardio, and HIIT sessions, and they loved it! With my kids now grown up, the rhythm of my days has changed, opening up space for me to focus on my own growth and well-being.
Yet this new chapter brought its own challenges. As I moved into perimenopause, I started experiencing a range of symptoms- sleepless nights, mood swings, a dip in energy, and shifts in my body that I didn't fully understand. It was frustrating and sometimes overwhelming. But I know I wanted to feel strong and healthy again, so I took it upon myself to make changes.
I designed a personal exercise program and adjusted my daily routines, focusing on small, sustainable shifts that would support my body and mind. Gradually, I started to see a difference. My sleep improved, my energy returned, and I felt myself becoming stronger- physically and emotionally. The confidence that came with those changes was transformative, and I began to feel empowered and truly well.
Through this journey, I realized how important it is to have support and resources during the menopause transition. I know the challenges that perimenopause and menopause can bring, and I've felt first-hand the difference that self-care and thoughtful changes can make. That's why I'm passionate about helping other women who are navigating this transition.
This phase of life is not an ending but an evolution - a change to redefine what wellness means. I'm here to share what I've learned and support other women in feeling their best, confident and vibrant in this powerful new stage. Together, we can navigate the challenges of menopause and embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.