Dr. Kamila Hortynska is a Clinical Psychologist, Functional Medicine Practitioner, Psychotherapist, and Spiritual Guide with over 25 years of experience, specialising in perimenopause. Luna Akullo is a personal trainer and nutritional advisor based in Crete whose approach focuses on building stronger bodies and healthier minds.
In Part 1 of this conversation, Dr. Kamila and Luna explore what exercise can offer women during perimenopause — beyond weight loss, appearance or simply “staying fit.”
They discuss why maintaining and building muscle becomes increasingly important as women age, and how strength training can support everyday function, mobility and independence later in life. Luna explains why it is never too late to start strength training, while Dr. Kamila explores some of the physiological changes that can make muscle particularly important during perimenopause.
But physical strength is only one part of the conversation. Luna shares why her philosophy of training is about creating both a strong body and a healthy mind. They discuss body image, confidence and the vulnerability women can experience around their changing bodies, as well as how pushing through challenges in training can help develop resilience outside the gym.
They also explore the place of cardio alongside resistance training, why strength without mobility and flexibility is not enough, and the importance of maintaining basic movements and physical capacity as we get older.
Finally, Dr. Kamila and Luna discuss something that can easily be overlooked: recovery. Training alone does not build muscle. Sleep, adequate nutrition and giving the body time to recover all matter — particularly during perimenopause, when women may notice that their energy, strength and ability to recover are no longer as predictable as they once were.