Menopause is a stage in life that will affect every woman. Its effects can vary individually but for most, it can have detrimental effects on the body. Research has found that regular exercise can reduce these negative symptoms.
To get a better idea of why it’s so important to exercise when you’re entering the phases of menopause, let’s briefly review what the menopause is.
Menopause describes the stage of a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop permanently, and her hormones change to prevent pregnancy. It can last 2 to 8 years, and the time leading up to the menopause is commonly known as ‘perimenopause’, which can last 3 to 4 years. So a woman can be in the phases of the menopause for up to 12 years!
That’s why making exercise a part of the daily routine can really be beneficial to help reduce the long-term adverse effects the menopause can have on the body.
What are the effects of menopause on the body?
Some women may experience mild menopausal symptoms, or none at all!
For most women, the menopause symptoms can include hot flashes, trouble sleeping, joint and muscle discomfort, mood changes and forgetfulness.
In addition, during the menopausal transition, the body begins to use energy differently. The distribution of fat in the body changes, and women may gain weight more easily. They may also experience changes in their bone density, heart health, body shape and composition, or physical function.
Why is exercise important to help with the menopause?
The fall in oestrogen levels are responsible for many of the symptoms associated with menopause, and exercise can help with improved symptom management. Staying generally active and participating in an individualised exercise program alongside a Personal Trainer can help with both symptom management of menopause and long-term health outcomes.
These benefits include:
Maintenance of bone mineral density
Reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease
Improved blood vessel function
Improved insulin sensitivity
Reduced risk of developing metabolic syndrome
Improved quality of sleep
Improved mental health and wellbeing
Increased quality of life
Why should I train at Shape if I’m going through the menopause?
At Shape, you can join a community of like minded individuals who are also experiencing similar life phases as you!
We encourage going for a coffee after our fitness classes so we can have those mindful conversations as well as creating a community within our gym. So you can workout with ladies experiencing the same symptoms and life stresses as you, and take some “me time” to benefit your mind and body.
Not only this, but at Shape we host seminars covering topics such as stress management, nutrition, sleep and much more to help you deal with daily life better.
Please make sure to share this with a friend or family member that may be going through the perimenopause, menopause or post menopause phase in their life that could benefit from reading this article.
Freya
Personal Trainer at Shape