About Sam At Beautifully Balanced
MOVEMENT, STRENGTH AND WELLBEING FOR MIDLIFE - IN HILTON, MICKLEOVER AND ONLINE
Hi, I’m Sam! A menopause movement coach, experienced yoga teacher and Ayurvedic health coach.
I teach strength training, cardio and yoga for midlife in Hilton and Mickleover, Derbyshire, supporting people to build strength, move well and feel at ease in changing bodies.
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My work blends current midlife fitness science with strength and mobility training, Ayurveda, nervous-system–aware movement and pelvic floor–aware practices, supporting midlife, perimenopause and menopause with steadiness, confidence and long-term wellbeing.
My Journey Into Health & Wellbeing
Before I ever taught movement, I was someone who felt deeply disconnected from my body.
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For several years, my health and energy felt fragile and unpredictable; including digestive issues, migraines, persistent tension, disrupted sleep and periods of anxiety and low mood. Despite trying a range of medical and dietary approaches, very little truly changed, and at times it felt as though my body was no longer coping.
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A turning point came when my speech and language therapist encouraged me to try yoga as part of my recovery. I was 30 at the time and genuinely believed yoga would be slow, boring, or simply not for me.
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Within six months of practising yoga consistently, things began to shift.
My migraines reduced.
My digestion settled.
My sleep became more regular.
Tension in my body eased.
My stress levels softened.
And for the first time in a long while, my nervous system had space to breathe.
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More importantly, I felt hopeful again.
Yoga opened the door and Ayurveda and nervous-system science helped me walk through it.​
Movement That Works With Your Body
Midlife is often the stage where the body becomes less forgiving of pushing through, ignoring signals or relying on willpower alone.
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At this stage of life for some people (including me), stress, hormonal shifts, poor recovery and inconsistent energy can all affect how strength, cardio and even yoga feel in the body.
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This is why I encourage you to:
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pace movement in a way that supports energy rather than drains it
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build strength without tipping into exhaustion
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recover well between sessions
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support sleep, digestion and emotional steadiness
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feel safer and more settled in your body while still making progress
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This doesn’t mean everything is slow or gentle. It means movement is thoughtfully timed, well-supported and responsive to where your body is on that day.
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It’s this blend of strength, cardio and yoga delivered with nervous-system awareness, that allows midlife bodies to build fitness, maintain mobility and stay resilient for the long term.
Turning 40, Two Pregnancies & Rebuilding Strength
Now in my 40s , after two pregnancies and many years of cardio-led exercise, I’ve become very aware of how easily strength can be lost during this stage of life.
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I’ve also noticed how little practical support there is for midlife movement that truly considers perimenopause, pelvic health and sustainable strength-building.
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Hormonal changes in midlife can influence:
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muscle mass
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bone density
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brain health
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pelvic floor function
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recovery
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stress resilience
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energy and metabolism
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I don’t want my world to subtly shrink as I move through this stage and I don’t want that for you either.
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SO I'M ON A MISSION TO REBUILD, MAINTAIN AND CONTINUE DEVELOPING STRENGTH IN WAYS THAT FEEL SUPPORTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE.
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My classes are designed to support you whether you’re building strength for the first time, rebuilding after a break or continuing your journey with a more thoughtful, midlife-aware approach to movement. We can do this journey together!​
My Qualifications & Therapeutic Background
YOGA & MOVEMENT TRAINING
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200hr Multi-Style Yoga Teacher Training — Trimurti Yoga, India
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300hr Therapeutic Yoga (Ayurveda, TCM, Yin & Yang) — Trimurti Yoga, India
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Strength Training Certification — Victoria Thomas Osteopath (UK)
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50hr Yoga Nidra Certification — Dawn Wright (UK)
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CPD: Yoga for the Nervous System — Laura Green (UK)
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AYURVEDA & MIDLIFE SUPPORT
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Ayurvedic Health Coach (Diploma) — Dru Yoga UK
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Ayurvedic Massage Therapist — Tri-Dosha, Nottingham
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Menopause Coach — Menopause Movement UK (in progress)
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Menopause & midlife study with Dr Sam Watts
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Ongoing study in menopause, brain health, bone health and nervous system support
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Informed by modern research, including Unbreakable by Dr Vonda Wright
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PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Before transitioning fully into wellness in 2017, I worked across:
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Education (teaching)
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Human Resources
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The NHS (supporting GP quality audits)
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These roles shaped my commitment to clear guidance, evidence-informed practice and creating welcoming spaces where people can thrive.
Looking Ahead
Alongside my classes, I’m developing a small number of midlife coaching courses to support you beyond weekly sessions.
You’re Welcome Here
Wherever you are in your midlife journey, you’re welcome here.
Join me in Hilton or Mickleover for inclusive, well-supported strength, cardio and yoga — thoughtfully designed to help you move with confidence and continuity through this stage of life.
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If you’re curious about moving with me, you’re very welcome to explore my current classes.