We all know that getting moving and being mindful about diet are the best way to fight menopause weight gain. But what if you’ve let your exercise regime slide, or really can’t face the idea of going to the gym? Jane Dowling, Clinical Exercise Practitioner – and menopause advocate at Meno & Me – has put together a simple, short chair-based routine to get your fitness regime started again.
“Moving more will help you feel better mentally and physically – and will help burn that menopausal belly fat!”
Top tips for fighting menopause weight gain
- Try to do this video three times per week, but not on consecutive days.
- In between sessions, look at ways to become breathless in your everyday life: give yourself 10 minutes to park a bit further away or get off the bus a stop earlier and clock up more steps.
- Ditch the lift and take the stairs at every opportunity.
- Use housework as an opportunity to exercise – put on some music and do it with more vigor!
- To monitor your steps how about downloading a step counter on your phone? There are lots of other gadgets on the markets that you can wear on your wrist to have a look at the amount of steps you take and how many calories you are burning.
Here are the best exercises for you to try in menopause that are fun, intense and can help you control your weight and stay healthy through menopause.
More great ways to fight menopausal weight gain…
As well as putting together this fantastic video for you, Jane has some great suggestions to help you build on fitter foundations and get into great shape.
Join a local rec center
Local rec centers often run classes and can allow you to access gym quality exercise at a fraction of the cost. If you have a specific problem such as weight management, high blood pressure, cholesterol, anxiety or depression your doctor can write a covering letter to the specialist instructor who will be running these classes you attend to make sure they’re safe for you.”
Try some over 50’s sessions – make friends while keeping fit
“50’s sessions run at local rec centers and you will be surrounded by like minded women. These can be a studio class or session in the gym lead by an instructor who understand your needs. It’s a great way to become used to a gym or class environment to build up your confidence to take part in other activities.”
Aqua sessions are ideal if you have joint problems
“I love teaching these sessions! These are great if you have any joint problems. The classes are such fun and you will be surrounded by other menopausal women! You will burn more calories in this water-based class vs a land-based class as the water increases your workload without impact or stress on your joints. You can work harder without sweating!”
About Jane Dowling
Jane Dowling is a clinical exercise practitioner, health professional and menopause advocate. She combines her experience of menopause and experience as a coach to help women navigate through menopause and to come out the other side using her award-winning blog, Meno & Me , her qualifications include: PT award YMCA; BACR Phase iv Cardiac; Postural Stability – falls prevention for the elderly; Dr Dawn Skelton Later Life Training; Doctor referral scheme for Later Life Training.
You might also be interested in…
How to look and feel fabulous, whatever your waist size by Gilly Woo, Stylist
Menopause nutrition by Rosie Letts
