Motion is Lotion in Perimenopause
Women approaching menopause often want to exercise to improve their wellness but find it difficult while managing life’s demands. Physical activity, or exercise, can be performed almost anywhere, anytime, and it doesn’t need to cost money. That sounds easy, so why the resistance? Many view regular exercise as a luxury. It’s for the person who has more time, or for when there is “extra time”. However, scheduling exercise into a busy schedule enhances productivity and work-life balance, which in the end allows for more time!
Think of exercise as a basic need, like sleep and nutrition. It helps the body run efficiently and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. Additionally, a muscle-strengthening exercise involving all the main muscle groups should be performed at least twice weekly. This improves the function of the muscles, bones, heart, lungs, brain, metabolism, sleep, and helps manage pain.
Another great benefit of consistent moderate-intensity exercise is that it strengthens the body’s immune system. This is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. It fights off oxidative stress, which is like fighting off pollution in the body’s cells. Less oxidative stress allows the body to produce energy more efficiently. Even intermittent bouts of exercise help the body’s immune system protect it from illness and disease. Research indicates that three 10-minute bouts of exercise give the same benefit as exercising for 30 minutes. Avoid setting expectations of your exercise routine too high. Every bit counts so make a lifestyle commitment to work it into your daily routine. For example, take the steps instead of the elevator next time you are given the choice. Exercise will boost your ability to work smarter, more efficiently and improve your mood. A stronger immune system lessens the risk of illness and chronic disease.
Exercise isn’t a form of self-indulgence. We brush teeth daily to care for the only set of adult teeth we have. Schedule time most days of the week to manage the rest of your body’s health with regular exercise. You will enjoy the reward of living a healthier, active life.
