The benefits of exercise during and after the Menopause are far reaching. Besides the obvious health benefits such as weight management and lowering the risk of certain diseases it can also help with the low moods and anxiety that some people also experience.
While exercise does not prevent the symptoms of Menopause, Aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, running and dancing for about 30 minutes a day, will improve fitness levels and heart health. Studies and research have also shown that Aerobic exercise could improve anxiety and depression due to the fact that it can increase blood flow and create endorphins that are related to happiness. It is suggested that running, walking , jogging or dancing for ten minutes can help improve mood and the aim should be to build up to 30 minutes a day.
Exercise such as walking , jogging and dancing are exercises that anyone can fit in to their daily routine. It does not have to cost money or require joining a group unless desired. For my own part I found that a brisk walk on my own worked for me. I had a Fitbit and an App on my phone (Endomondo). These tracked my progress....my speed per kilometre. I found that it stimulated me to do regular walks and to keep up a good pace......pushing me to better my previous record! I was never a sporty person but walking using the Fitbit and Endomondo really did motivate me to keep up my steps and keep me at it.
An interesting article from everydayhealth.com