Menopause is no laughing matter, especially if you are the one going through it. Fortunately there is a way to lessen its detrimental effects through exercise. No matter when you start, it's never too late but peri-menopause is a good time to start.

Exercise Makes Menopause a Little More Tolerable

By adding exercise to your daily, or at least a few times a week, routine you will be accomplishing two things: 1. You will feel better about your self and body and 2. You will be releasing very important hormones in your body which help to manage your emotions.  When you workout for a thirty minute session, your adrenal glands work to convert androstenedione into estrogen which will keep your estrogen at a balanced level. 
Still not convinced?

There are other reasons to add exercise to your menopause alleviating repertoire including:

Lessens the discomfort associated with hot flashes
Possibly eliminates the need for any hormone therapy
Makes your heart and bones stronger for improved health
Reduces weight gain
Improves your overall sense of self and well being

There are an equal number of reasons not exercising is detrimental in the fight against menopause:

Increases the risk of obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure
The incidence of chronic back pain increases exponentially
Bowel movements slow down when there is no physical activity
Muscles become flacid and weak
Shortness of breath
Disrupted sleep
Depression

By simply adding some cardiovascular activities to your routine such as walking, jogging, hiking, rowing, and aerobic dance you help to put these problems behind you. Not only will adding workouts reduce the discomforts associated with menopause but will also help you with preventing or reversing the effects of osteoporosis which is the weakening of bones leading to possible fractures in the years ahead. Exercise actually encourages the growth of new bone tissue making not just your muscles stringer but your bones as well.  The truth is exercise does make menopause a little more tolerable. 


There are three things you want to look for in your workouts prior to menopause:
Stretch to improve flexibility
Strength train for muscular tissue and bone regeneration
Improve overall health and wellness with cardiovascular workouts

Regardless of what you choose, by adding exercise of any type to your daily routine you will be lessening the very real side effects that come with menopause such as hot flashes, weight gain and erratic mood swings. Gear up and get moving for a happier, healthier you.