How Does The Menopause Affect The Way I Exercise?

Am I restricted to Aqua and Pilates Post-Menopause?

Hi Ladies

This is a common misconception amongst women going through “the change” they get confused as to what is ok and are often told Aqua or pilates. Now don’t get us wrong these are great forms of exercise however is that really all you can do?

Read on to find out more.

Firstly, what are the health issues of the menopause?

Osteoporosis as bone density decreases, weight gain as hormones change, higher risk of heart disease and type two diabetes as your cells become less susceptible to absorbing insulin.

So, as you can see it is important to think about staying or getting active at this time in your life as exercise and an active life can help with all these health issues.

Aqua is a great non impact cardio exercise class, keeping you active without the stress and strain on the joints improving oxygen floor and helping the cells become more susceptible to insulin, so a great form of exercise but it doesn’t have to be the only thing you do!
We think Pilates is such an amazing benefit to everyone keeping the body mobile and strong. It’s something everyone would benefit from doing regularly whatever your age. 

However!

It does seem to be that if you haven’t exercised for a while and want to get back to doing something, these are the two options most highly prescribed as the way forward if you want to combat the issues most commonly linked to menopause.

The good news is there is so much more you can do, and we see more and more women starting to feel the benefits of training differently post-menopause.

By introducing strength training 3 to 5 times a week studies show you will gain more energy, became stronger by progressively increasing the weights you use and feel more confident and with an improved mindset.  Less joint pain more mobile and find day to day tasks much easier.

There is a big misconception that strength training can make women look manly and build too much muscle, women have low levels of testosterone meaning building muscle is much harder for them, but toning up is definitely achievable.

So if that’s what would worry you then move past that and realise that muscle mass will burn body fat so the more lean muscle you build the more body fat you burn and this ladies does not stop as you reach the menopause.  By introducing this type of training you will be adding in weight-bearing exercise so improving bone density.  You are working anaerobically boosting your metabolism, keeping your heart and lungs healthy and basically proving that we all can look and feel, fit and fabulous at 50 or 60 or 70 or 80.