Exercise Helps Relieve Menopause Symptoms

Why Exercise is So Important
While regular exercise is important for all women, it is especially important for those approaching or going through menopause. Regardless of whether you have or have not always been physically active, the benefits of a fitness regime during menopause are enormous. Not only will it help to prevent weight gain, it will also sustain and improve muscle mass and it will assist in avoiding the loss of a defined waistline and the dreaded middle-age spread. According to Promedica.com, exercise combined with a regular intake of vitamin D can slow bone loss during and after menopause, which will reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Of course exercise is also proven to prevent many health problems including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and certain types of cancer.
Menopause and Its Effect on Our Bodies
Menopause is an important transition in a woman's life and it is a time when she must take extra care of herself. Menopausal weight gain can lead to major health issues such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Regular exercise will not only reduce the risk, it will also increase your feeling of well-being and improve physiological health, although of course this applies at any age. Menopause in most cases seems to creep up on us, but generally speaking the average age is 48 to 55. The symptoms are many and can vary from woman to woman and it can also have a profound effect on mental well-being and cause severe depression, but there is a lot of help available to learn how to cope with menopause, so it is crucial to seek early guidance to avoid worsening symptoms. Menopause affects women in different ways and there are no hard and fast rules. However, one thing is certain: Millions of women around the world are going through it and will eventually be grateful that they no longer have to plan around those pesky monthly cycles. There is a bright side!
The Right Type of Exercise
Many people have a hard time finding space in their schedules for exercise, but even 20 minutes a day is better than nothing! Aerobic exercise like brisk walking, dance, kickboxing or even running is great because it is energetic and exercises every part of the body, while yoga and Tai Chi are great for increasing your flexibility and relieving stress. Of course you should include any physical activity which will increase your heart rate and exercise large muscle groups to fully take advantage of the cardiovascular benefits. Regular strength training will help to increase lean body weight and boost your metabolism. Build up slowly and set goals which you can increase as you become more fit. Remember that you should always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
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