The Importance of Exercise During and After Menopause
Menopause is a time of marked changes in a woman’s body–physical, emotional and physiological. And although there are numerous medical treatments out there that can moderate these changes, many remain unconfirmed or controversial. There is, however, one treatment that’s proven to be effective for menopause symptoms and doesn’t require a prescription: exercise for women.
How can exercise moderate the changes of menopause?
Lower levels of the hormone oestrogen during menopause cause us to store more abdominal fat than we did in our younger years. A regular exercise routine like the Curves circuit, coupled with a weight loss eating plan, burns calories and may preserve muscle mass, and can help with the associated weight gain of menopause.
A regular workout plan may also provide natural stress relief and regulate mood changes, helping to stave off depression1 and sleep changes that may be an issue in some women going through menopause.
A regular workout plan is good for bone health, too. According to a study published in the Journal of Mid-Life Health2, a whole body workout that incorporates strength training for women, like the Curves circuit, can increase bone mass, slow down bone loss and help prevent osteoporosis.
A regular exercise routine may also help increase our good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce the bad (LDL). And physical activity reduces triglycerides and may lower risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.
What types of exercise are recommended for menopausal women?
Both low-impact, weight-bearing exercise and resistance exercises are recommended for menopausal women. These exercises should be done on a consistent basis, at least three days a week.
Brisk walking is a great low-impact weight bearing exercise. And the full body workout at Curves or MyCurves On Demand includes resistance and strength exercises for women in all stages of their lives.
Regular exercise is critical in maintaining good health during your menopausal years. The best remedy for menopause symptoms doesn’t come in a pill; you can find it at Curves, where you’ll get a full body workout that addresses multiple impacts of menopause at the same time. Curves is the perfect place for women to get weight loss encouragement, advice on how to follow a healthy diet, a complete workout, the support of fellow Curves members, and the guidance of a Curves Coach. You’ll work out next to women who are going through exactly what you’re going through, who also want to maximize their health and wellbeing and make the second half of their lives as healthy, or healthier, than the first.
Your Curves Coach is there to lead you through every gym workout. With your Curves Coach success is within reach. Visit ‘Why Curves’ to find out more about Curves women’s only gyms and our full body workout on the Curves Circuit, or find your local Curves and sign up today!
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