Laura Heikkila, 55: The Influential Fitness Coach for Women Over Forty

Laura Heikkila is a remarkable 55-year-old fitness coach who is dedicated to empowering women and helping them embrace a healthy lifestyle. With her extensive knowledge and experience as a Holistic Health Practitioner, Menopause Specialist, and Fitness and Nutrition Coach, Laura is well-equipped to address the unique challenges that women face during menopause. She understands the struggles of weight gain and hormonal imbalances, and through tailored exercise routines and personalized nutrition plans, she helps women transform their bodies and manage menopause symptoms. With her compassion, expertise, and dedication, Laura is an invaluable resource for women seeking to improve their well-being during this transitional phase of life.

How old are you? And how old do you feel? 

I am 55 years old. Most days I feel like I’m in my 20’s or 30’s. I’m not sure what 55 should feel like. 

What age did you start your fitness journey?

I started at 35 after having my daughter. Before that, I wasn’t a regular exerciser and my nutrition was hit or miss.

What has been the biggest changes in your life since you started? 

I grew to have such a love for fitness and nutrition that I got my Personal Trainer and Nutrition certification and Holistic Health Practitioner certification and started my own business coaching midlife women through the changes after 40.

What is an example of a challenge that you have had to face while getting into your fitness journey?

In the beginning, it was finding time as I owned a large insurance agency and had a young child. I had to figure out time I could exercise, meal prep, etc.

Do you have a specific brand you prefer to use?

I love the Sparkle Wellness line of collagen products.

Is there something that you would like to try to learn how to do now?

I love anything to do with travel and adventure, so I would love to learn how to incorporate that with my coaching business.

What is a goal of yours?

Become a public speaker advocating for women’s wellness during midlife. Live a long healthy life!

How do you maintain your fitness routine during winter seasons or illness?

I live in California, so I am blessed to be able to stay active all year long. I eat a diet high in whole foods, prioritize me sleep, and manage stress to avoid illness.

In regards to menopause, what are symptoms of menopause that women can find relief for that they likely aren’t aware of?

Lifestyle and nutrition can have a significant impact on menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, low energy, brain fog, PMS, weight gain, and more.  I suffered from very few symptoms because I focused on managing stress, balanced nutrition, exercise, etc.

How does fitness and nutrition affect menopause?

First, I can’t stress enough the importance of building muscle as we age. This helps keep our metabolism thriving and helps with strength, mobility, and bone density. Any type of exercise can be great for our mental health, which can be impacted during menopause. Proper nutrition helps build muscle and helps with hormonal balance during a time when our hormones are all over the place, and we are much more likely to experience insulin resistance. Fitness and nutrition are the first two things I focus on with all clients.

What would be your top 5 health & wellness tips for women? 

1) Focus on a balanced diet of whole foods.

2) Make strength training a priority and focus on getting strong, not just a number on the scale.

3) Work on managing stress. Stress impacts all our hormones.

4). Have a purpose in life.  Sometimes, we can feel lost as our kids grow up and leave home. Find a new purpose.

5) Don’t be afraid to get help if you are struggling with your hormones, weight, mental health, etc. 

Do you have any advice you would like to give to someone who wants to get into fitness in their 50+ years, and is afraid they are passed the point of starting?

It is never too late to start, so start today by making small changes and keep building upon that each week. So many women and men on social media have started midlife and are so inspiring. 

Join Laura, the remarkable 55-year-old fitness coach, on her journey to empower women and embrace a healthy lifestyle during menopause. With her extensive knowledge and experience as a Holistic Health Practitioner, Menopause Specialist, and Fitness and Nutrition Coach, Laura is well-equipped to guide you through the unique challenges of this transitional phase. Follow her on Instagram for invaluable health, fitness, and wellness tips tailored specifically for women over forty. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform your body, manage menopause symptoms, and achieve a healthier lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Laura’s 8 Week Body Transformation Program.