I don't let my age define me, but the side effects are getting harder to ignore.
Menopause is a period of incredible change in women physically and mentally. It can be a period of empowerment too!…. an older woman I know referred to entering her 5th decade as the “F@ck It, 50s” when she finally arrived at a place where she cared less about what other people think and more about who she was and wanted to be.
That said, it’s hard to ignore the myriad physical changes often associated with menopause, including more aches and pains! The good news? We can control some of these common menopause symptoms by adding strengthening exercises like Pilates into your weekly regimen.
According to a systematic review of studies conducted by the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2022, there’s a pretty extensive list of how strength exercises can help menopause symptoms that lead to common aches and pains, including::
Improved Muscle Strength and Tone
Improved muscle strength and tone can help alleviate aches and pains by providing better support for your joints. Stronger muscles also mean that your body can handle everyday life tasks more efficiently and painlessly, too!
Increased Bone Density
When you exercise, your muscles pull on your bones, creating stress. This stress stimulates bone-building cells to reinforce the bone tissue, resulting in stronger and denser bones and fewer aches and pains.
Increased Flexibility
Improved flexibility through stretching and lengthening muscles can help reduce stiffness and tension in the body caused by tight muscles.
Improved Posture
Strengthening the core muscles that support the spine can help alleviate the myriad pains caused by poor posture.
Reduced Inflammation
Regular exercise can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a common cause of aches and pains associated with menopause.
Hope this list is convincing enough to begin - or enhance - a strength training like Pilates. There is no time like now!
For more information on how to get started, email sghughes@corevaluepilates.com.
Stacy Geant Hughes, Owner of Core Value Pilates, LLC, Certified Pilates Instructor