Perimenopausal and Menopausal research suggests that just under a third of women drop off from physical activity during Menopause, yet the desire to be active is high.1
Media Release
Paddle WA is excited to announce our Pause for Life wellness with menopause program has been selected to receive funding under Stream 2 of the Australian Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program, supporting local initiatives and ideas to address participation barriers faced by women and girls to engage in sport and active recreation. This funding will allow Paddle WA to run the program over the next three years.
About the Program
Aimed at women aged 40 – 60, Pause for Life will challenge women to embrace the change and introduce paddling as a preferred regular physical fitness activity, in conjunction with healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the symptoms of Menopause.
The program encourages connection, education and open discussion with a variety of physical and mental health and wellness workshops, menopause education sessions and regular paddling exercise.
Participants will be monitored over the six-week program with a fitness tracker and app to keep them motivated and provide valuable research data on the effectiveness of the program.
As part of this, we are proud to partner with BetterMe: Health Coaching, a leading wellness app, whose tailored programs will support participants in managing menopause symptoms and maintaining motivation throughout their journey.
An end of Semester weekend retreat to revisit their learnings, be motivated by their peers, discuss their experiences and desire to support each other and continue to Pause for Life and embrace the change.
Quotes attributable to Executive Officer of Paddle WA, Rosalie Evans:
“We’re incredibly proud to launch Pause for Life and to be part of a movement that empowers women to take charge of their health and wellbeing during menopause. This program is about more than just paddling – it’s about connection, education, and long-term lifestyle change. We’re grateful to the Department of Health for supporting our vision and to our partners, including BetterMe, for helping us deliver meaningful tools and support. With such a passionate team behind this initiative, we’re confident it will become a model for supporting women through this important life stage.”
Quotes attributable to BetterMe:
“An active lifestyle shouldn’t have an expiration date. With the right tools and guidance, every woman can feel empowered to prioritize her health and well-being. BetterMe is dedicated to making wellness accessible and practical, so women can stay active and confident through every stage of life.”
Supporting Information
Research has shown 38% of women aged 45-54 do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity and 23% are considered inactive.2
Research from the Mayo Clinic3, Women In Sport4, and the Australasian Menopause Centre5 all suggest that aerobic activity, flexibility training and strength training are the best methods of exercise to assist in mitigating menopause effects.
Paddling is a low impact activity that can improve aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility. Specific health benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness and increased muscle strength. The recognised benefits of paddling for physical fitness and mental health and wellness have also been supported by our grassroots Member Paddle Poll.
This project will increase awareness of paddling, and the many benefits it brings to lifestyle, health and wellness. Once engaged, these women will become great paddling ambassadors within their communities, encouraging increased participation of paddling and healthy lifestyle choices.
The Pause for Life program aims to address the stigma and get women moving and talking about menopause.
Participant outcomes of the course include:
- Education about menopause, it’s symptoms and effects.
- Understanding how exercise can mitigate menopause symptoms.
- An understanding of foundation skills in strength training.
- Understanding of how to exercise safely.
- Understand the benefits of a healthy diet during menopause.
- Awareness of dietary changes for a changing body.
- Increased mental wellbeing.
- Increased confidence.
- Creation of new friendships.
- Development of a new support network.
- Basic kayaking and water safety skills.
Paddle WA have engaged well respected, industry leading partnership stakeholders to develop the program in alignment with our Strategic Vision and National Standards and guidelines.
We are very excited to be introducing paddling to the wider community and believe Pause for Life – Embrace the Change will demonstrate paddling as an inclusive and supportive fitness choice as part of an achievable healthy and active lifestyle.
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For further media information contact:
Leanne Hampson
Project Manager, Pause for Life Program
communications@paddlewa.asn.au
(08) 9285 8501
Pause for Life – Paddle WA
About Paddle WA
Paddle WA has been proudly representing the Paddlesports community in Western Australia for over 50 years.
As the State Sporting Association, Paddle WA is a not-for-profit organisation, governed by a board of directors and affiliated with Paddle Australia.
Its role is to develop, promote and support all aspects of Paddlesports in Western Australia including, competitive racing, recreational and social paddling, coaching, education and training, safety, volunteering and waterway conservation.
Paddling is a low-impact, cradle to grave recreation with eleven different disciplines: Canoe Sprint, Canoe Slalom, Canoe Marathon, Wildwater, Paracanoe, Canoe Ocean Racing, Canoe Polo, Freestyle, Sea Kayaking, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding), recreational and social paddling. There are three Olympic Paddling Events: Canoe Sprint/Paracanoe, Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross.
About Play our Way
The Play Our Way program was established to promote equitable opportunities for women and girls to benefit from sport at all levels and locations, by addressing the barriers they experience when participating in sport and physical activity. The nationwide grant opportunity offered two streams:
- Stream 1: Facilities – to support new and upgraded facilities, playing areas, or spaces for sport and physical activity, specifically for women and girls.
- Stream 2: Participation and equipment – to support sustainable and enduring sport participation programs and/or new or upgraded equipment, specifically, for women and girls.
Successful projects across both streams of Play Our Way will maximise the opportunity for women and girls to access, participate and remain involved in sport and physical activity.
Further information about the program is available at: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/sport/our-work/play-our-way-program
About BetterMe
BetterMe is a health & wellness company with accessible digital health products, athleisure goods, and wearables for people of all ages, backgrounds, and physical abilities. The company offers expert- backed guidance on fitness, nutrition, and mental wellbeing to 150M+ users worldwide.
Proudly supported by:
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