As women age, attention to daily physical activity will improve health and wellness. An active lifestyle doesn't require joining a gym or working out complicated routines. Focusing on physical activity can be as simple as gardening or raking leaves. A daily morning walk or bike ride are also good options.
Absolutely. Machines at the gym mimic activity you do outside - they just allow you to do it in a smaller space. As mentioned above, walking, biking, swimming, gardening, are all things you can do outside of a gym - walking being the most accessible in almost any area. Add wrist weights and ankle weights, or flex bands into your walking routine and you’ll improve your strength as well as build bone density which tends to decline after menopause. The important thing is to stay active!
Swimming is a great workout. If you work, the lap lane at lunch time is perfect and refreshing. Water aerobics is great exercise and fun.
There’s bike riding around town or out in the woods.
There are countless numbers of body weight exercises you can use to increase muscular strength. Just get moving.
Pick out the things you enjoy or think you might enjoy. Just get moving.
Sit down and do nothing and you are done for. Get up and get moving.
Yes! There are several successful fitness and wellness opportunities and videos for menopausal women. Many women have personal trainers, joined wellness classes and walking clubs or work out at home, etc. The gym is only one of many options for fitness. Check your local fitness programs and check with your doctor about how to start on your fitness level.
Yes you can! Start by walking it's free and you can enjoy the outdoors. When walking outside isn't suitable you can choose indoor walking through malls or even school gymnasiums. I also recommend resistance bands, they are an inexpensive way to gain strength and come with instructions on the many the ways to use them.
Absolutely! A steady fitness practice has many benefits, especially when one is going through the many changes menopause can inflict. A gym is not the only place you can exercise, so don't feel obligated to join one if it isn't realistic for your lifestyle. Depending on where you live, you probably have many options to take classes that can help to improve your fitness level. Yoga can be a great, low impact way to exercise and help to develop strength and endurance. At barre3 we are big fans of walking. A brisk 30 minute walk outside is a great way to stay in shape and can be a wonderful mood enhancer. You also have many options to exercise in the comfort of your own home, from DVD's to stationary machinery there are a lot of ways to fit exercise into your lifestyle. The key is finding methods of exercise you like and to commit to doing them a few times a week. Try a few different options and see what sticks!
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.