Why fitness is important for menopausal women

Our bodies are constantly changing, adapting to the biological and physiological changes that occur with the passing of time. There are 2 crucial transitions in a woman’s life, when she get’s her first period and when she enters menopause. This latter stage causes many physiological changes that require special attention.

During this period, it is important to adapt our lifestyle to manage the menopausal transition in the best way possible and avoid premature aging and developing the common symptoms and diseases that come with it, like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

When a woman enters menopause, the levels of oestrogen and progesterone decrease dramatically. These hormones are important to balance the health of a woman’s body. Oestrogen, for example, helps keep the bones healthy and maintain a good level of cholesterol in the blood. Therefore, there is an increasing chance of developing osteoporosis during and after menopause. Furthermore, following menopause, a rapid loss of bone and muscle mass occurs, therefore, it’s during this time where exercise becomes a women’s best friend. Not only will it help prevent osteoporosis, but it will also tone the muscles and prevent weight-gain caused by hormonal fluctuations.

What benefits does exercising have in menopausal women?

• Favours blood circulation
• Strengthens the muscular skeletal system
• Prevents osteoporosis
• Prevents cardiovascular diseases
• Maintains muscular elasticity
• Improves physical coordination and mobility
• Boosts mood and energy
• Helps maintain a healthy weight

As muscle mass begins to decrease significantly and continuously once a woman enters menopause, it’s important to work the muscle tone a couple times a week. Weight training is extremely beneficial to strengthen the muscles and bones. In addition, it’s important to also combine anaerobic exercises with aerobic exercises that work the heart and lungs. By combining these 2 types of training methods, you will be able to accomplish better results and ameliorate the symptoms caused by menopause.

In order to experience a healthy menopause, it’s important to keep yourself physically active and follow a healthy and balanced diet. This way, the transition that your body is going through will be easier to manage and you’ll also improve your health and wellbeing.

What are you waiting for, get fit and healthy!