Ease Your Symptoms With Exercise

Keeping moving isn’t just for losing weight – these activities can also help you manage your menopause

- Faye M Smith

The menopause isn’t called ‘the change’ for anything. From insomnia and low mood to joint pain, the symptoms (there are a staggering 34 of them) can make you feel old. ‘It’s a time of transition,’ says pelvic floor specialist Jane Wake (myinnovo.com/uk). ‘It affects women both physically and mentally.’ But, despite almost 80% of women saying exercise has helped their symptoms, a third have actually canceled plans to get moving because of them*. These simple workouts can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Here’s how…

1 STRETCH away insomnia

Trouble sleeping? You’re not alone. Up to 61%** of menopausal women experience issues. ‘A stretching routine, such as Pilates, can reduce tension and create a sense of deep relaxation in the body, which is more conducive to slumber,’ says health coach Mary Nash, who works with women struggling with menopausal symptoms. ‘Alternatively, gentle stretching in the evening can help de-stress from the day and get the body ready for sleep.’ Watch the beginner’s guide to Pilates at nhs.uk.

2 BOUNCE to boost bone health