A good workout can boost your energy levels and your self-esteem, but did you know that exercise may also help alleviate the symptoms of menopause? There are certain exercises that are recommended for menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, loss of libido, and osteoporosis. Read on to find out more.
The Benefits of Exercise
Unbalanced hormone levels are the root cause of the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Exercise regimens reduce stress levels and increase blood circulation, helping to balance changing hormone levels. Consider incorporating the following four exercises into your daily life if you're suffering from menopausal symptoms:
Yoga
If you've done your homework on menopause, you've probably read plenty of articles about the importance of maintaining balanced hormone levels. What better way to promote hormone balance than with the ultimate exercise for balance and breathing? Yoga's slow, meditative movements encourage blood flow around the entire body and at the same time help you to reduce stress levels. For this reason, it's a great option for women who are experiencing anxiety, fatigue, depression, irritability, and mood swings, among other menopausal symptoms.
Swimming
Women who suffer from hot flashes and night sweats may cringe at the thought of exercise to treat their menopausal symptoms. Swimming is a great exercise for menopausal women because it provides a full-body workout without the added perspiration. Swimming helps to increase stamina, strength, and flexibility. For less intensity, experts recommend water aerobics.
Weightlifting
Exercises like weightlifting, which focus on resistance training, help to build muscle and boost testosterone. Testosterone aids in building muscle and reducing the risk of bones fracturing and breaking, and it can also boost the female libido. You may find that lifting weights 2-3 times a week is the perfect way to tone up and get your libido back.
Zumba
Zumba has all the advantages of cardio workouts - it gets your heart rate pumping and provides you with a full-body workout. This exercise incorporates hip-hop, salsa, merengue, mambo, martial arts, and belly-dancing to help you combat two symptoms of menopause: weight gain and loss of libido. Its Latin rhythms and smooth movements can help you get fit and feel sexier at the same time.
Recommendation
Making changes to your lifestyle and diet are the easiest ways to treat your menopausal symptoms, but herbal remedies and pharmaceutical options are also available. Click here to read more about treatments for menopause.
Sources
- BMJ Group. "Menopause: What is it?" Patient Leaflet. 2007.
- Hopkins, Virginia. Lee, John R. M.D. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause. New York: Warner Books Inc., 1996.
- Love, Susan M.D. Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
- Martin, Raquel. The Estrogen Alternative. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2000.