Why Fitness Will Guide You Through the Menopause Maze

We’ve all heard it before. Run more. Lift more. Eat less. Do this every day, of every week, of every month, of every year of your life and soon enough you’ll be the next Victoria Beckham.

Or will you be sat at home on a Saturday night with a handful of frozen peas while your dearest friends and family are out enjoying themselves? Relishing in all the delicious foods life has to offer. Enjoying a nice glass of merlot at a dinner table (a glass of wine does have as many calories as a slice of cake!) feeding themselves what they deserve and proudly unbuttoning their jeans to leave room, quite literally, for dessert?

But First… Love Yourself

Before I go on to give you an article on what you should and shouldn’t be doing to look a certain way, please remember to take a moment to appreciate who you already are. Appreciate every dimple, every wrinkle, every stretch mark, every inch of cellulite. You ask why? Because it is yours! They are a definition of a life that’s been lived and maybe even given life. Own them, be proud of them — let's not shame them.

Now, let’s get down to business! Or maybe not quite down and low as we may not get back up again. I’m sure we’re not alone in our daily ‘get off the couch’ struggles. Let me start by shedding a little light on why this dreadful torture some like to replace with a bottle of wine is so beneficial to us… before we crack open that bottle of wine, that is of course!

What Are the Benefits?

Investing a small portion of energy into some highly beneficial lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, soon allows for the results to speak for themselves:

1. Wave ‘goodbye’ to insomnia, one of many symptoms when hitting menopause. Exercising frequently can improve your quality of sleep immensely.
2. Brain health. Exercise activates and creates new neural pathways, improving memory, the ability to multitask and focus.
3. Ultimately there isn’t anything better that could reduce your risk of illness or chronic disease as much as physical activity does (with the exception of a nutritious diet — *cough* wine).
4. And last but not least, feel good in your skin no matter what shape or size. Exercising will help you form a new relationship with your body — one full of love, appreciation and trust. Exercise for yourself but also for those who love you and want you to continue thriving.

So What Exercise Is Best?

With so many professional opinions out there, and so many ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’, the most important advice I can give you is this: if you find something that keeps you active and you enjoy it, stick to it and do it with 100% commitment. You will always see the best results when you are doing something you genuinely enjoy because it keeps you committed and consistent on the path to achieving your goals.

If you are new to exercise and struggling to find something you enjoy without experiencing joint pain, here are a few ideas to explore:

• Walking. The power of walking is often underestimated. Not only does it improve cardiovascular (heart) health, it also supports steady weight loss without placing excessive stress on joints like running can. Whether outdoors or on a treadmill, walking can work wonders. Top tip: If walking on a treadmill, try increasing the incline.
• Classes. Group classes can be a fantastic way to get in shape and connect with others. Join a fun Zumba class, stretch and balance in yoga, cycle in a spin class, or try strength workouts such as Les Mills classes. Fitness instructors usually offer modifications for all ages, sizes and abilities so you will always be supported.
• Swimming. Swimming is one of the best exercises for protecting joints while improving weight loss, core strength and endurance. If you suffer from hip or knee discomfort, water retention, or posture issues, swimming can be an excellent option.

So there it is — your starting point and your opportunity to make a small but life-changing adjustment to your lifestyle. One that can help you navigate the menopause maze one step at a time.

Also read our article on how mindfulness meditation can help you better deal with menopause symptoms here.

Letti xx