Did you know that only one in twenty menopausal women who exercise regularly suffer with hot flashes and night sweats?

I know that exercise is a dreaded word for many women over a certain age, but once you get started it really isn’t so bad. The trick is finding something you enjoy and combining it with a healthier lifestyle; quitting smoking, drinking less and eating better is always a winning health combination. It not only helps with the awful sweating but also lessens the risk of more serious issues associated with aging, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

It is believed that exercise also aids woman who use soy-solutions as a tool for reducing and controlling hot flashes. Either way, exercise done properly can only be a good thing, so if the idea of getting a better night’s sleep and controlling your sweating has you limbering up right now, then read on for some more health benefits to inspire you.

Benefits of regular exercise

• It enhances muscle tone, flexibility and your strength
• It instills a sense of calm and well being, which improves one’s self-esteem
• Promotes increased energy and aids concentration
• Decreases anxiety and depression
• Relaxes, revitalizes and can diminish muscular and mental stresses and tensions
• Weight bearing exercise such as walking, dancing, and stair-climbing improves and maintains bones.
   

There is also less chance of developing the following conditions:

• Colon and breast cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
   

For general wellbeing there is nothing better than exercise. Endorphins are released naturally as you work out improving your mood, outlook on life, and general longevity.

Exercise and Menopause
Another dreaded side effect to menopause is weight gain, (oh joy!) especially around the stomach area where some women will add an extra ten to fifteen pounds. Weight often shifts from the thighs and hips to the stomach; making more of an apple-shape as opposed to the more common pear.  

It is said that once women reach their late thirties they can expect to gain one pound each year until their mid sixties! You don’t have to let that happen of course, just twenty to thirty minutes of exercise a day can break the one-pound-a-year trend, and may even result in weight loss.

Types of Exercise
I’m afraid the excuse of not being able to afford astronomical gym prices is not going to cut the mustard! All you need is a decent pair of sneakers, the will and drive to improve your health and a little time carved out of your daily schedule.

Aerobics exercise is fantastic for the heart and controlling your weight, and depending on which type you choose it could even be enjoyable. Here’s some fun examples of aerobics activities: 

• Salsa Dancing
• Ice skating
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Skipping
• Rollerblading
• Running, jogging and walking

Isometric and Anaerobic exercises tone your muscles and increase your overall stamina. It also stops muscle turning to fat, which makes one weaker with age. Some classic examples are: 

• Tai Chi
• Calisthenics
• Yoga
• Weight lifting

Finding the will and commitment to do this regularly will no doubt be your biggest hurdle. (Don’t worry, you’re not alone) Once you overcome the mental obstacles, your daily regime will not only get easier, it will become enjoyable.

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