The Strength Segment

'About To Turn 50, I Transformed My Body In Three Months - Here's How I Did It'

C&TH editorial director Lucy Cleland tried out Olympian-founded Roar Fitness - and could barely believe the results.

'Wasn't this basically what Hell was? People forced to endlessly lift and lower heavy things for no reason?' I used to feel exactly the same as Miranda July's nameless protagonist in her brilliant novel All Fours (2024), about a middle-aged woman hitting perimenopause - and a full-on identity crisis. But just like her, I came to find the gym - and specifically weight training - to be a route to something extraordinary. Not just to the most toned body I've ever had (causing my mother, on being shown a picture of my washboard abs, to comment worryingly, 'Shouldn't you stop now?'), but also to a strength and resilience that went beyond the physical. Just like my fictional counterpart, 'the weight of my own body became less arduous. I floated around as if gravity was balanced by an equal and opposite lifting force'. I was changing.

With my 50th birthday looming, I had signed up for Roar Fitness' Transformation programme. It's a gloves-off scenario from which there's no hiding. While it promises a staggering change in physique (just look at their socials or website - all those 'Transformation' pics are undoctored), there is a non-negotiable: you have to stick (almost) religiously to their plan. Almost because you don't want to set yourself up to fail.

Before I got going, every inch of me was measured with callipers - from chin to knee and scapula to stomach - and I was photographed, muffin top and all, in my gym kit like a police mug shot. That was my baseline; accountability would come through three-weekly weigh-ins and measurements. If you're not dropping weight, you're cheating. Simple as that.

For me, the transformation was about the desire to be in good shape (and thinner, let's be honest) - as well as strong for a world that demands us to be match fit to cope with the polycrises happening all around us - for my second half-century. Losing weight, especially around the stubborn tummy area, had become a Sisyphean task. There was the Mounjaro option if skinniness was all I wanted, and I can't say I've never been tempted. But that wouldn't bring me strength and power, along with the euphoric, endorphin-rich happiness and mental clarity that I experienced. No amount of Ozempic can give you that. And, despite all the people I know who are on it and loving it, I wanted to do it by myself. I didn't want to cheat.

Find out more about Lucy's transformation below.

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Why Is Creatine So Beneficial For Women?

For years, creatine has been associated with muscle-bound bodybuilders and gym-goers but that image is rapidly evolving and for good reason. Much more than a fitness supplement for athletes, it's considered a powerhouse for women looking to age well and stay strong. But what is it? And how can we work it into our routine?

What is creatine?

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound made from amino acids that plays a key role in cellular energy production. While our bodies make some amounts, we also get creatine from dietary sources, mainly animal products like red meat and fish.

'Creatine acts like a cellular battery charger,' explains Dr Jenna Macciochi, director of science and innovation at Ancient + Brave. 'It helps regenerate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is our cellular energy currency and fuels nearly every process in the body, especially quick, high-intensity efforts, which is why creatine became popular to support physical activity and exercise performance. But beyond performance, it's also emerging as a powerful tool for other energy-demanding cells, supporting brain health, bone strength, and metabolic function, as well as ageing.'

What are the benefits?

The science is there to prove why creatine is important - in fact, it's one of the most well-researched supplements out there. Benefits include:

Are there any side effects?

One of the most common misconceptions about creatine is that it causes weight gain or bloating. This belief comes from the bodybuilding methods of high-dose 'loading'. Menopause fitness coach Kate Rowe-Ham clarifies that when used correctly, there's no need for concern. 'Some people may notice a bit of water retention at first,' she explains, 'but that water is stored in your muscles, where it actually supports hydration and performance. It's not actual weight gain.'

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