ESSENTIALS 5: EXERCISE
#5.4 Quick reference guide to exercise
- How we exercise in midlife will affect our muscle mass, bone density, how we sleep, our stress levels, mood and energy – get it right and you are on to a winner!
- Exercise isn’t all about intensity – this is a time for adding restorative exercise if you haven’t yet done so.
- Intense exercise is a stress on our body which adds to the risk of cortisol imbalance.
- Strength training, (not necessarily with heavy weights) is top of the list in midlife – it helps us maintain muscle and bone density.
- It may be time to change your exercise regime – what you used to do may not suit your needs now and you may need to mix it up more.
- Working round injuries and wear and tear can be frustrating but there is always a way!
- Exercise can help us reduce menopausal symptoms.
- Exercise should never be a chore – find ways to keep moving that you really enjoy or you will never keep it up.
- Here’s what we should be including – strength training, something to get your heart rate up, flexibility training, a restorative and relaxing form of exercise, something to challenge your brain and exercises that help you function in your everyday life.
- “Movement is improvement” and “motion is lotion” are my two favourite pieces of advice!