It’s important to take care of your physical and mental health with exercise during the menopausal transition
Physical activity provides major physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages. For women approaching menopause, exercise is important to support heart and bone health.
Bone and cardiovascular health are particularly affected by this life stage, especially for women who experience menopause at an earlier age. Hormone therapy, while a common menopause treatment, is insufficient to protect the bones and the heart.
“Women do best with a combination of cardio exercises like brisk walking, biking, swimming or dancing and strength training, including weights or body-weight exercises.” – Jessica Pettigrew, M.S.N., C.N.M.
Pettigrew, an instructor with the OB-GYN department at the University of Colorado, notes that physical activity can also enhance social well-being.
“Many women like doing group strength training or cardio classes for the peer support and friendships that can be built,” added Pettigrew.