What are the Benefits of Exercise During Menopause

Women tend to exercise less as they get older, however, research shows that during perimenopause & menopause exercise (and in particular strength training) can significantly improve quality of life, ease symptoms, and boost health in older years.

Exercise through Menopause: Strengthen Your Bones

Postmenopausal women are at a significantly higher risk of osteoporosis. The bone loss associated with osteoporosis is largely due to the hormonal changes that occur during this transition period.

However, strength training has been proven to strengthen bones and reduce bone loss and deterioration.

Maintaining strong bones as you age, not only helps to prevent pain but also reduces your risk of falls and fractures.

Exercise through Menopause: Maintain Lean Muscle

As women age, muscle fibers tend to shrink. This can lead to an influx of secondary health conditions and ailments.

Maintaining muscular strength through menopause and beyond is extremely important for women who see themselves remaining active and youthful in their older years. Menopause is a fundamental time to prioritize strength training so avoid significant muscle loss. 

Exercise through Menopause: Boost Energy

Menopause can be a huge energy drain. Many women describe having days they struggle to get out of bed, or suddenly need a nap at 2 pm when they were previously used to running around all day.

While it might seem counter-intuitive, exercise can actually boost your energy levels and re-invigorate you. 

This might not be the time to try and run a marathon or do super intense HIIT training sessions but carefully planned workouts will give you a boost of energy and reduce that feeling of sluggishness you might feel otherwise.

Exercise through Menopause: Improve Your Mood

Exercise is proven to reduce mild depression and anxiety, something that many women report experiencing during menopause. 

During exercise, hormones flood your body, causing you to relax, and the depression-fighting neurotransmitters in the brain surge.

Exercise through Menopause: Prevent Bladder & Bowel Issues

As estrogen lowers and muscles get weaker, women are more likely to experience incontinence, as well as pelvic pain.

Strengthening your core & pelvic muscles strengthens the vaginal muscles and improves bladder control, resulting in less leakage and pain.