Every woman experiences the menopause differently. Anxiety, weight gain, exhaustion, depression, hot flushes, aching joints… the list of menopausal symptoms goes on. Some women will sail through the menopause with very few symptoms, while for others the symptoms are so extreme and unpleasant that it takes over their life for a period of time. The great news is that you can take positive action to help alleviate many of these symptoms by adding exercise to your daily routine, and making simple nutritional and lifestyle changes. These actions can transform your menopause journey, and allow you to embrace the transition and thrive.

The benefits of exercising during the menopause include:

• Feel better - it can lift your mood and increases energy levels

• Weight management - it can help you to maintain your weight or lose weight

• It can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression

• It can improve your sleep

• It helps maintain bone density

• It helps maintain/ build muscle mass

Types of Exercise

• Cardio/ aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, cycling, dancing, swimming, all help you to maintain a healthy weight and burn fat.

• Strength training is important before, during and after the menopause as oestrogen rapidly declines during this period. Strength training helps to slow bone loss, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. It also helps to increase muscle mass, which increases your metabolic rate.

• Performing core and pelvic floor exercises is important to help you to keep control of your bladder and bowel. The pelvic floor muscles often weaken during the perimenopause as hormone levels reduce, which can result in pelvic floor problems.

Online coaching and in person coaching available.

Certified Menopause MOT Professional