Rethinking Exercise in Perimenopause – Part 2

Dr. Kamila Hortynska is a Clinical Psychologist, Functional Medicine Practitioner, Psychotherapist, and Spiritual Guide with over 25 years of experience, specialising in perimenopause. Luna Kulu is a personal trainer and nutritional advisor based in Crete whose approach focuses on building stronger bodies and healthier minds.

In Part 2 of their conversation, Dr. Kamila and Luna get practical about how women can begin strength training without feeling overwhelmed. Luna explains why starting with simple bodyweight movements can be enough, how resistance can be added gradually, and why even a short workout at home can be worthwhile.

They also discuss recovery and nutrition, including why women may sometimes be training hard without eating enough to support their bodies. Luna shares how to recognise when the body needs more rest and why her own approach to training has shifted towards building a strong, balanced and well-functioning body rather than focusing purely on appearance.

Finally, the conversation moves into joyful movement. Luna shares her love of dance as a form of self-expression, while Dr. Kamila discusses ecstatic dance and the value of moving in ways that feel enjoyable rather than forced. As Luna reminds us, movement can start very simply — and we are often stronger than we think.

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 0:57 How to Start Strength Training as a Complete Beginner
  • 2:06 Starting With Bodyweight Before Adding Resistance
  • 5:02 Can You Strength Train at Home in 20 Minutes?
  • 6:28 Why Simple Exercises Are Enough to Get Started
  • 8:38 Getting Professional Guidance Without a Big Investment
  • 10:01 Recovery, Nutrition & Eating Enough
  • 12:21 How to Know When Your Body Needs Rest
  • 15:12 Training for a Strong, Balanced & Functional Body
  • 15:55 Dancing, Joy & Movement as Self-Expression
  • 22:03 Luna’s Message

Articles if you want to explore this topic further 

• Beginner bodyweight and resistance training
• Recovery and nutrition for strength training
• Groove On Demand — joyful dance and intuitive movement https://www.bodygroove.com/
• Ecstatic dance and movement practices

About the Guest

Luna Akullo

Luna Akullo is a personal trainer and nutritional advisor originally from Uganda who grew up in London before moving to Crete 11 years ago.

Her philosophy goes beyond training for aesthetics. Through her work, she focuses on helping people build stronger bodies and healthier minds, with an emphasis on strength, mobility, confidence and creating a healthier relationship with the body.

Luna works with people at different stages of life and has supported women experiencing the physical and emotional changes associated with perimenopause. Her approach recognises that personal training can be about much more than exercise — it can also create a space for people to feel supported, challenge themselves and discover what their bodies are capable of.

How to find her:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_true_body?stkn=amg3YTNtdjYxMnNm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075101556216 

Gym: https://www.instagram.com/indramuaythai?stkn=MWhvdHFqeHR2bTlweA==

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