-- Women-Only Fitness — St. Louis, MO — Led by Laura Porter
EMPOWERHER.
A women-only fitness community for women ages 30–65 navigating perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. We address the physical, mental, and hormonal shifts — together.
EmpowHER is not a generic fitness class. It is a community-driven, emotionally supportive space where only 8 women train together at a time — so every woman is seen, coached, and encouraged every session.
Women Only — Ages 30–65
Only 8 Per Class
Perimenopause · Menopause · Post-Menopause
All Fitness Levels
-- What Is EmpowHER
FITNESS BUILT FOR YOUR BODY. YOUR STAGE.
EmpowHER was created because women going through perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause deserve a fitness program that actually understands what their bodies are experiencing – not a generic class designed for 25-year-olds.
The hormonal shifts of this life stage affect everything: your bones, muscles, joints, metabolism, mood, sleep, and energy. EmpowHER’s programming is built around these changes — addressing the physical, mental, and hormonal dimensions of this transition through movement, community, and coaching.
- Only 8 women per class — intimate, personal, never lost in a crowd
- Programming designed around perimenopause and menopause physiology
- Emotional support and community woven into every session
- Women-only space — zero intimidation, zero judgment
- All fitness levels welcome — complete beginners to active women
EmpowHER deliberately keeps class sizes at a maximum of 8 women. This ensures Laura can coach every person individually, that the community bond stays genuine, and that every woman feels safe enough to show up fully – physically and emotionally.
Strength, bones, mobility
Mood, stress, confidence
Managing the transition
-- The Three Stages
WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW?
EmpowHER meets you wherever you are in the journey. Whether you’re just starting to notice changes or well into post-menopause, there’s a place for you here.
Perimenopause
Typically begins in your early-to-mid 40s. Estrogen levels start to fluctuate, and your periods become irregular. This stage can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years.
- Irregular periods and hormonal mood swings
- Sleep disruption and increasing fatigue
- Early hot flashes and night sweats
- Unexplained weight gain, especially abdominal
- Anxiety, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating
- Joint pain and early muscle mass reduction
Menopause
Confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly. Usually occurs between ages 45 and 55.
- Hot flashes affecting 75% of women, lasting up to 12 years
- Accelerated bone density loss (up to 20% over this period)
- Significant muscle mass reduction (sarcopenia)
- Vaginal dryness and genitourinary changes
- Increased cardiovascular risk as estrogen declines
- Mood changes, depression risk, and loss of libido
Post-Menopause
Begins after 12 months without a period and continues for the rest of life. Hormone levels stabilize at new lower levels. Lasts to approximately age 64 and beyond.
- Osteoporosis risk (1 in 2 post-menopausal women affected)
- Ongoing cardiovascular health management
- Continued muscle loss if not actively training
- Genitourinary syndrome (vaginal atrophy, dryness)
- Height reduction from bone loss over time
- Increased fall and fracture risk
All three stages are welcome in EmpowHER. You don’t need to be in a specific phase. Whether you’re early in perimenopause or years into post-menopause, EmpowHER has a place for you.
-- Why Exercise Is Non-Negotiable
YOUR MOST POWERFUL TOOL IS MOVEMENT.
Research consistently shows that the right type of exercise is one of the most effective interventions available for managing menopausal symptoms and protecting long-term health – without the risks associated with hormone therapy.
Weight-bearing resistance training directly stimulates bone formation and slows bone density loss. This is critical during and after menopause when bone loss accelerates to 1–2% per year. EmpowHER’s programming specifically targets bone health to reduce osteoporosis and fracture risk.
Declining estrogen accelerates sarcopenia — the loss of muscle mass and strength. Resistance training counteracts this directly. Every EmpowHER session includes progressive strength work to rebuild and maintain lean muscle mass, keeping your metabolism active and your body capable.
Stronger muscles protect your joints. Better bone density reduces fracture risk. Improved balance and coordination lower fall risk. EmpowHER builds the whole system — so you’re not just stronger in the gym, you’re more resilient everywhere in your life.
Exercise is clinically shown to improve sleep quality and reduce daytime fatigue in menopausal women — two of the most common and disruptive complaints. Regular EmpowHER training helps regulate your body’s rhythms and restore the energy that hormonal changes have taken.
Exercise increases serotonin, reduces cortisol, and improves anxiety and depression scores in perimenopausal women. The EmpowHER community adds an additional layer — the social connection and accountability of training with women who understand exactly what you’re going through.
Estrogen’s protective effect on the heart declines significantly after menopause, increasing cardiovascular risk. Regular aerobic and conditioning work directly counters this — improving heart health, blood pressure, cholesterol, and circulation at a time when it matters most.
Hormonal changes cause fat to redistribute toward the abdomen and slow the metabolism. EmpowHER’s combination of resistance training and conditioning directly targets metabolic health — reducing abdominal fat accumulation and keeping your body composition moving in the right direction.
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating are among the most frustrating menopausal symptoms, caused directly by falling estrogen impacting brain function. Exercise improves cerebral blood flow, cognitive function, and memory - helping you stay sharp and clear-headed.
Menopause can feel isolating. EmpowHER puts you in a room with 7 other women who are navigating the same changes. That shared experience creates real bonds - and those bonds make you more consistent, more motivated, and less alone in the journey.
-- Your Coach
LED BY LAURA PORTER
Laura Porter
I created EmpowHER because I kept seeing women show up to gyms and leave feeling like the environment wasn’t built for them — especially women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s going through one of the most significant physical transitions of their lives. You deserve a space that actually understands your body, supports your experience, and celebrates your progress at every stage.
Small-group training (max 8) focused on perimenopause and menopause. Community-driven, emotionally supportive, strength and conditioning focused.
1:1 coaching sessions fully tailored to your goals, health history, and current stage of life. Strength, mobility, and lifestyle coaching combined.
Joint health, flexibility, and movement quality work that directly addresses the joint pain and stiffness that affects many women during this transition.
-- Join EmpowHER
FLEXIBLE PRICING
No gym membership required. Spots are limited to 8 per class — reserve yours before it fills.
$29/class
Drop-In Class
Attend a single class with no commitment. See if EmpowHER is the right fit for you.
- Full 1-hour coached session
- All equipment provided
- No membership required
$79/ 4 classes
4-Class Pack
Four classes at a great rate. Enough to build a routine and truly experience the community.
- 4 coached EmpowHER sessions
- Use at your own pace
- No expiry date
$159/month
Unlimited Monthly
Unlimited EmpowHER classes every month. Full community membership and maximum results.
- Unlimited classes all month
- Priority spot reservation
- Full community access
EmpowHER is a women-only program. Only women attend. This is an intentional and non-negotiable part of the EmpowHER experience — the women-only environment is what makes the community possible.
-- Get Started
READY TO FEEL STRONG AGAIN?
Fill out the form to ask a question, reserve your spot, or talk to Laura about whether EmpowHER is right for where you are right now. No pressure, no commitment to start.
- No gym membership required
- Drop in for one class to try it out
- All fitness levels welcome
- Spots are limited — 8 per class only
- Prefer to reach out directly?
Call or text 314-669-5006 or email info@readyft.com to secure your Saturday appointment. Slots are limited — book ahead.
-- Common Questions
EMPOWHER FAQ
YOU DESERVE TO FEEL
STRONG AGAIN.
Perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause — whatever stage you’re in, there’s a seat in EmpowHER for you. Spots are limited to 8. Reserve yours today.
Questions? Call or text Laura at (314) 669-5006