Menopause, a natural phase in a woman’s life, changes the body and mind significantly. While it may present its fair share of challenges, exercise is a powerful tool to help you navigate the transition with assurance and vitality. Regular physical activity offers a multitude of benefits that can alleviate menopause symptoms.

So, let’s explore the various ways exercise and diet can help reduce the symptoms of menopause and keep you thriving during this important life stage with helpful tips from Dean Zweck, product development manager at Total Fitness.

Mood enhancement

Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can bring about mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Thankfully, exercise acts as a natural mood booster, stimulating the release of endorphins – the feel-good chemicals in the brain. This flood of endorphins promotes happiness, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental well-being, reducing cortisol levels.

Exercises like tai chi, yoga, and meditation enhance your mood. They incorporate gentle movements, stretching, and deep/slow breathing, ideal for reducing anxiety and stress. They can even help improve mental focus – a must for those periods of brain fog.

Weight loss

Menopause changes estrogen levels, increasing fat stores and a drop in metabolic rate. This means burning fewer calories throughout the day, coupled with heightened hunger, making weight gain more likely. To combat this, focus on quality protein sources like chicken, fish, eggs, pulses, soy, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, and avocados. This approach helps create a calorie deficit.

Opt for minimally processed foods, which tend to be more satiating, reducing post-meal hunger and curbing snacking. Remember, you can still enjoy processed foods in moderation. So, be generous to yourself and start with an 80/20 split between whole and processed foods and adjust as needed.

Bone health

The decline of estrogen during menopause risks bone health, increasing the chances of osteoporosis. Strengthening exercises, such as walking, jogging, and weight training, play a pivotal role in increasing bone strength, which minimises the risk of injury in the future.

Activities such as walking burn Many calories naturally throughout the day. So, try to be as active as possible by using stairs rather than lifts or parking slightly further away from the shops – all will contribute to the calorie burn needed to lose weight and maintain bone health.

Hot flash relief

The dreaded hot flushes and night sweats accompanying menopause can disrupt sleep and daily activities. Regular physical activity can alleviate the frequency and intensity of these symptoms. By incorporating different types of exercise into your routine, you’ll experience better sleep, enhanced comfort, and a newfound control over your body.

Hormone balancing

Exercise plays a crucial role in hormone regulation, including cortisol (the stress hormone) and endorphins. By reducing cortisol levels and increasing endorphins, exercise helps restore hormonal balance during menopause. This balance minimises symptoms like mood swings and fatigue, allowing women to feel more centred and in control.

Powerful pelvic floor

Menopause often brings about changes when it comes to the pelvic floor, including incontinence and discomfort. It’s, therefore, important to increase strength in your pelvic floor muscles. To achieve this, try incorporating Kegel exercises throughout your daily routine, even while exercising, especially in yoga or Pilates sessions.

The best position to start in is lying down or sitting; begin by contracting your pelvic floor muscles and holding it for a few seconds. It’s important to avoid holding your breath or tensing other muscles during the exercise – focus solely on your pelvic floor. As you become more comfortable with the exercise, gradually increase the duration of each contraction.