What types of exercise are recommended for women entering or experiencing menopause?
The ideal kind of exercise for women just before, at and after menopause should include some weight bearing, some strengthening and some stretching components. Women start to lose bone mass, (that is, the actual structure and weight of the bone) as they reach menopause. Weight bearing exercise is recommended to help prevent that happening. As pressure on your bones is applied, the body’s natural defence system takes action to spread the load by actually building more bone. Activities such as brisk walking, low-impact aerobics, and dancing are considered “weight bearing” exercises. Stretching exercises keep muscles loose and toned, and tend to make us relaxed as well. Yoga is a good example of exercise with the stretch built in. Resistance exercises that require lifting or pulling, sometimes known as weight training, should also be part of a menopausal women’s exercise program.
