Exercise is important throughout our life span, but it has been demonstrated to help with physical and psychological symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Exercise has many benefits including maintaining a healthy weight or body mass index (BMI), better quality sleep, improving cardiovascular health and bone density, prevention of frailty and falls, and improving mental and emotional well-being.
It is recommended that adults partake in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise (e.g. cycling or brisk walking) or at least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week (e.g. running, football, tennis). It is recommended to perform 2 days of strengthening exercises (aiming to address all the major muscle groups of the body, e.g. weight training, pilates). For older adults balance exercises are important to prevent falls and frailty (e.g. tai-chi).
Menopause and exercise
The UK Chief Medical Officer has published guidelines explaining the physical activity needed for general health in adults and older adults. See below and click on infographic to take you to the website.
