Exercise and menopause

Exercise is important at all stages of life and the health benefits are well documented. During perimenopause and menopause, however, a woman’s energy levels can drop and with it the motivation to exercise. Rather then stopping altogether, it’s important to find a type of exercise that’s enjoyable rather than a chore. The benefits of exercise during menopause cannot be overstated. Without it, bone density starts to drop, causing an increased risk of fractures. There is also a natural drop in muscle strength with the hormone changes, as well as a tendency to gain weight due to slower metabolism.

So, strength training for bone and muscle strength, as well as working on balance to help reduce the risk of falls, is really important at this stage of life. Aerobic exercise is also important to mitigate weight gain and for it’s positive effects on mental health and sleep. Both types of exercise also help reduce the risk of heart disease, which unfortunately can be another concern for perimenopausal women.

Our top pick if you’re not a lover of exercise is 2 restorative Pilates sessions per week, and 2 to 3 brisk walks of at least 20 minutes. Not everyone likes to hit the gym or the pool, so these are a great way to work on strength and fitness in a way you can gradually build up at your own pace. And the best part is, once you get started your energy levels lift and things get easier.. so take that first step and it’s all downhill from there!