Link-up between Menopause Hub, ENGAGE and MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology students gets underway
Date posted
18 February 2026
14:01
The benefits of exercise during menopause have fallen under the spotlight this week thanks to an innovative project at Edinburgh Napier University.
Members of The Menopause Hub – a safe and confidential space where Edinburgh Napier colleagues can connect and share experiences of the menopause – have been given the chance to take part in free, supported gym sessions as part of a new partnership with ENGAGE and students from the University’s MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology programme.
Each session includes personalised guidance and supervision from a trained MSc student practitioner, with participants undertaking a full induction programme of the gym equipment and the development of an individualised exercise programme before receiving 1-to-1 support throughout the duration of their workout.
Regular exercise during menopause is crucial for mitigating health risks associated with falling estrogen levels, such as bone density loss, muscle reduction and weight gain. It has also been found to have a positive impact on mental health.
It is hoped the sessions can help build confidence using gym equipment within ENGAGE alongside developing healthy habits. Access to follow-on gym memberships is also available.
Alongside benefits for participants, the sessions give the MSc students valuable placement experience of implementing safe and appropriate exercise-based interventions that can support long term behavioural change.
The initial sessions with the Menopause Hub will last for three weeks. It is also hoped that the supported gym sessions will be a rolling programme at ENGAGE, helping build community while supporting staff across the University with their long-term health conditions, health, and wellbeing.
Muniba Khan, Team Lead, Talent Acquisition and Menopause Champion at Edinburgh Napier alongside colleague Audrey Hepburn, said: “By creating a safe and supportive space for open conversations about menopause and workplace wellbeing, we brought colleagues, academics and students together to support once another and share experiences and learning. These conversations matter. Creating safe spaces like these will help reduce stigma, allow open conversations and build an understanding which strengthens our community.
“Real change doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens when we come together with empathy, curiosity and a shared commitment to doing better. This session was a powerful step in that direction." 
Dr Kevin Kipling, Associate Professor of Clinical Exercise Psychology and the MSc Programme Leader, said: “This project is really beneficial for both students and staff members. Students gain valuable real-world experience, whilst staff receive 1-to-1 support, and the development of an individualised exercise programme, increasing their confidence in a gym setting. The aim is to break down the many barriers that may stop people from becoming gym members and to gain the health benefits from regular exercise.”
Laura Snedden, ENGAGE Team Leader, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for ENGAGE and students from the University’s MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology programme to be able to support staff with their health and wellbeing. Whether they are new to exercise or returning after a break the aim is to help increase confidence in the gym environment, learn how exercise can help to manage health conditions, creating a sense of community while encouraging people to become independent exercisers.”