Ladies (and Gentlemen too, you need to know what your partner, wife, sister, girlfriend, mother is going through!), let’s be real – menopause can be sh*t! But with the right tools and support, we can power through it and come out on the other side feeling better than ever!
First of all, it’s important to acknowledge that menopause can bring on some tough symptoms – feeling fatigued, irritable, achy, forgetful, and just generally overwhelmed. But let’s focus on the positives! We are becoming wiser, more confident women who have a wealth of knowledge and experiences to share.
So, let’s talk about how exercise can help us manage the symptoms of menopause. As women, our hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) can go haywire during peri-menopause and decline during menopause, leading to a host of unpleasant symptoms like joint pain, dry skin, weak bones, trouble concentrating, hot flushes, anxiety, and depression. But with exercise, we can take control and start to feel better, both mentally and physically.
Now, I know it can be tough to get motivated to exercise when you’re feeling down, but trust me when I say that it’s worth it! I’ve been working in the fitness industry for 14 years, and for the last 5 years, I’ve been focusing on fitness for women’s health issues, including menopause. I understand how challenging it can be to show up for a workout, but I also know how amazing it feels after you’ve done it. Exercise can improve strength, balance, and flexibility, reduce body fat, and improve cardiovascular health. It can also help to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and improve mental clarity and focus. And that’s just the physical benefits! By working out, we also regain a sense of control and accomplishment, and boost our confidence and self-esteem.
So, what kind of exercise is best for managing menopause symptoms? The answer is simple: find something you enjoy! Whether it’s yoga, swimming, weightlifting, or just taking a brisk walk outside, make sure it’s an activity that you look forward to. And if you need a little encouragement, why not find a workout buddy or hire a personal trainer? Having someone who “gets it” and has your back can make all the difference.
So Yes! Exercise is a fantastic tool for coping with some of the symptoms of menopause. Every time you finish a workout, you’ll feel proud of yourself and a little more equipped to tackle your day and who knows, you might even find a new hobby that you love!
