In brief
In brief
Joint aches, muscle discomfort and stiffness are recognised symptoms around this transition, but they are not the only possible explanation for pain. The aim is to keep useful movement in your life while noticing patterns and responding to warning signs. Complete rest can sometimes make stiffness feel worse; forcing through sharp or escalating pain can also set you back. The middle ground is graded, adjustable movement.
Make today easier to start
- Begin with five to ten minutes of easy movement and reassess instead of deciding the full session in advance.
- Use a smaller range of motion, more support or lighter resistance while keeping the same movement pattern.
- Warm up gradually and keep early repetitions controlled; comfort often changes once the body is moving.
- Alternate demanding days with lighter strength, walking, mobility or rest according to recovery.
- Record where pain occurs, what it feels like and whether it improves, stays stable or worsens during and after activity.
A useful rule is that the session should not leave symptoms meaningfully worse for an extended period. That threshold is personal and can change. Shoes, technique, training volume, a new exercise, desk time and old injuries may all matter. Strengthening the surrounding muscles can be helpful, but the right exercise depends on the cause and location of pain. A physiotherapist or other qualified professional can provide individual assessment.
Sources
Where this guidance comes from
GlowUp checked this article against the sources below on 25 August 2026. This is source-checked editorial information, not a claim of independent medical review.
- Menopause: identification and management (NG23) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence · updated 15 April 2026 · accessed 25 August 2026
- Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause NHS · updated 19 May 2026 · accessed 25 August 2026
- Things you can do to help menopause and perimenopause symptoms NHS · accessed 25 August 2026