As fitness and Pilates instructors, we all know the joy of seeing clients light up when the right track plays in class. Suddenly, their posture lifts, their smiles widen, and their movements flow with more ease. But did you know that pairing music with movement isn’t just a feel-good moment — it’s a powerful tool for brain health, especially for women navigating the challenges of menopause?
Why This Matters During Menopause
Menopause brings a rollercoaster of hormonal changes that don’t just affect the body but also the brain. Many women report:
- Brain fog (difficulty focusing or remembering things)
- Mood swings or low mood
- Sleep disruption (which impacts cognition further)
Oestrogen plays a role in supporting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, both crucial for learning, memory, and motivation. As oestrogen levels decline, cognitive shifts can feel unsettling.
This is where movement — and music — step in as powerful allies.
The Science Bit: Music + Movement = Brain Boost
When we move to music, several things happen in the brain at once:
- Neuroplasticity kicks in. Music stimulates multiple brain areas (auditory cortex, motor cortex, limbic system), while movement lights up motor pathways. Together, they create new neural connections, strengthening memory and learning capacity.
- Rhythm supports coordination and focus. Following a beat helps with timing, motor planning, and attention — all of which are skills menopausal women may feel are “slipping.”
- Dopamine release. Music triggers dopamine, our brain’s “reward chemical,” improving motivation and mood. Pair it with exercise, and you get a double dose.
- Stress reduction. Music lowers cortisol, while movement releases endorphins. This duo can ease anxiety and improve resilience to stress.
Think of it like giving the brain a mini “spa session” every time your clients move to music!
Practical Ways We Can Harness This
You don’t need to turn every Pilates class into a disco — subtle touches make all the difference:
- Layer in rhythm. Use gentle background music with a steady beat to help with flow and coordination.
- Introduce patterned sequences. Ask clients to repeat short movement flows to the rhythm. The patterning challenges memory while the beat supports timing.
- Play with tempo. Try speeding up or slowing down movements in time with music — it boosts adaptability and cognitive flexibility.
- Encourage joy. Choose uplifting tracks that encourage smiles and laughter. Emotional engagement is key to stronger brain benefits.
Why This Resonates with Your Menopausal Clients
Many women in midlife want more than just physical exercise — they want something that supports their mind, mood, and sense of self. By weaving music and movement together, you’re offering:
- A way to sharpen memory and focus
- A mood-boosting, stress-busting experience
- A fun, social environment that combats isolation
And let’s be honest — who doesn’t want to see their clients leave class with both stronger cores and bigger smiles?
Final Thought....
As instructors, we’re in a unique position to not just guide movement but also create experiences that nourish the whole person. Combining music and movement taps into something deeply human — rhythm, connection, and joy — and for menopausal women, it might just be the missing piece that keeps both body and brain thriving.
So next time you cue up your class playlist, remember: you’re not just setting the mood. You’re helping to build better brains.
✨ Ready to Bring Music + Movement to Life in Your Classes?
If you’d like to take these ideas further, our Groovelates Instructor Training is designed exactly for this. You’ll discover how to blend uplifting disco beats with Pilates-inspired moves to create sessions that energise the body, sharpen the mind, and boost mood — a perfect fit for supporting midlife and menopausal women.
👉 Find out more and join our Groovelates training courses here:www.groovelates.com
Give your clients more than a workout — give them a feel-good brain boost with Groovelates!
📚 Further Reading & Resources:
- Altenmüller & Schlaug (2015) – Music, brain plasticity, and stroke recovery
- Thaut et al. (2007) – Rhythmic auditory stimulation in rehabilitation
- Zatorre, Chen, & Penhune (2007) – When the brain plays music: auditory-motor interactions