Why is Exercise during Menopause so Important?
©Alva Carpenter
Exercise is vitally important during menopause as it relieves stress and gives you inner calm, thus helping to reduce menopausal symptoms such as low mood and free floating anxiety if this is present.
Exercise is vitally important for a healthy body mind: if you have never exercised before now is the time to start.
So Many Benefits
Exercise can also make you feel great through the release of hormones called endorphins. 
These are hormones which can definitely make you feel good. Some people take up exercise for the first time during menopause and it changes their lives making them fitter and happier. Others notice that exercising lifts their spirits in general. So, if menopause is lowering your mood, you should definitely do something about it and start exercising regularly. It is now the time in your life to give back to your body that has helped you on your long journey so far.
Exercise is also good for your brain function by improving circulation of blood to the brain.
Even moderate aerobic activity five times a week can lower blood pressure by 4-9mm Hg. Being active will also help you to keep to a healthy weight, which is also good news for your blood pressure.
It has been found in some studies that oestrogen can increase following exercise. This will help reduce many menopausal symptoms, as it is the reduction in oestrogen which is responsible for many of these symptoms.
Exercise is the best anti-aging pill
We are all living longer and we want to enjoy those extra years with full mobility. The single most important thing we can do as we age is to take exercise. As the saying goes, if you don’t use it you will lose it.
Getting into the good habit of taking daily exercise is so important as it improves your body and keeps you fit and flexible for the future.
Getting started 
Many women do not exercise because they say they are too busy and put their own needs last due to family commitments or careers. But now is the time to decide to give yourself permission to take time out of your busy life for exercise because your body needs it. Think of it as body maintenance time.
Aim for a balanced mixture of exercise and plan to do something every day so that exercise is part of your daily routine just life brushing your teeth.
Try!
Aerobics for your heart such as dance or swimming or jogging – whatever you feel you could do.
Walking and Yoga or meditation to calm your mind. Get into the habit of a daily walk as walking has many benefits including fresh air, nature and helping to regulate the beat of your heart.
Pilates is great for beginners as it is mainly gentle stretching and if you haven’t taken exercise for a long time Pilates puts you back in touch with your body. It is slow and joining a class is a great way to make new friends.
Strength training is also very helpful at menopause time. This is because it stimulates bones to retain the minerals that keep them strong, and helps to slow down, or avoid the start of, osteoporosis. So see if you can get on the step machine and lift a few weights or join the local gym for a workout to strengthen and tone.
Swimming is good for the circulation, heart and internal organs: try to fit in a weekly swim. It is great for your breathing and helps you sleep well.
How to start the day
I believe everyone should start the day with a bit of stretching and a few gentle exercises to get the circulation going and to start the day well. If you look at animals, they instinctively yawn and stretch as they get out of their basket to start the day.
Even before you get out of bed you can start by gentle circling your hands and feet.
I suggest you start each day by performing my award winning Mini-Morning Workout before you hit the shower: it only takes ten minutes and you will be giving the best part of the day to yourself.
Morning exercise makes you feel confident and energised all day.
Click here to download my Mini-Morning Workout.
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