Recap: Change how you exercise during menopause | Dr Stacy Sims
Dec 17, 2024
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Dr. Stacy Sims, an exercise physiologist specializing in menopause, shares crucial insights for women navigating fitness during hormonal changes. She emphasizes the importance of adapting workout routines to maintain muscle mass and debunks myths surrounding women and weightlifting. Dr. Sims advocates for strength training over traditional cardio, explaining its myriad benefits. She also addresses gym intimidation, offering practical advice for beginners and affordable strategies to make fitness accessible and empowering for all.
Women in menopause should focus on heavy resistance training with fewer reps to counteract muscle loss from declining estrogen levels.
Accessible at-home and community training options provide opportunities for women to build strength and confidence outside intimidating gym environments.
Deep dives
Understanding Hormonal Changes During Menopause
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause significantly impact a woman's body and its response to exercise. As estrogen and progesterone levels shift, the lack of ovulation leads to changes in muscle function and strength due to reduced estrogen, which is crucial for muscle contraction. This change can result in women feeling weaker or less toned than before, as estrogen stimulates the muscle cells essential for maintaining lean mass. It is vital to recognize these hormonal effects to properly adjust fitness routines during this transitional phase.
Importance of Resistance Training
Engaging in heavy resistance training is essential for women navigating menopause, as it helps to counteract the loss of muscle mass associated with declining estrogen levels. It is recommended that women focus on lifting heavier weights with fewer reps to stimulate muscle and central nervous system responses effectively. By incorporating proper movement techniques and gradually adding load, women can regain strength and improve muscle coordination. Overcoming cultural stigmas around women lifting weights is necessary for longevity and better overall health.
Accessible Fitness Options for All
Many women find gyms intimidating, but there are numerous accessible options for incorporating resistance training at home or in community spaces. Online classes and fitness apps provide guided workouts, allowing women to develop their skills and confidence without the pressure of a gym environment. Utilizing available resources, such as bodyweight exercises or local playground equipment, can effectively incorporate strength training into daily routines. Understanding that fitness can be achieved anywhere fosters inclusivity and encourages women to prioritize their health, regardless of their circumstances.
Navigating the twists and turns of menopause can be a challenge. Hormone fluctuations bring about significant changes in your body - including how it responds to exercise.
So, how can you adjust your workout routine to best support your body through this change?
Exercise physiologist Dr. Stacy Sims tells us how we can optimise fitness during this unique stage of life.
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