The topic no one talks about; menopause.
If you are female chances are you will go through menopause, perhaps going through it now or lived it already.
So why do we not know more about it?
I find it so strange that this is a topic that is rarely talked about in depth, until now and yet it is something all women will experience.
I have had clients who have experienced severe symptoms yet their doctors have told them to ride it out with no guidance or education as to what’s going on and how to ease the symptoms.
It can be an awful, confusing and lonely time for some women.
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Around 80% of women will experience menopausal symptoms at some time. 20% of women get moderate to severe hot flushes or night sweats. Up to 50% of Australian women in their early 50’s get significant symptoms but only 15-20% are on effective treatment.”
What’s going on during menopause?
You are doing the same as you have always done but you are putting on weight - particularly around your stomach and your waistline is gone.
You notice the tuck shop arms, your clothes don’t fit anymore and the number on the scales is getting higher and higher.
Oh yes and the hot flushes and the list goes on.
You try fasting, keto, low carb diets, you smash out high intensity training and pound the pavements because you believe this will help you lose the weight, but nothing seems to be working.
You don’t recognise yourself anymore and you don’t feel like yourself anymore.
What can you do about menopause?
The truth is with the decline of oestrogen we start to lose our lean muscle and store more body fat. We start getting unexplained joint aches and pains and we are now at a greater risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
I want to tell you that you can and will get through this and that you can get to a healthy, beautiful and happy place.
But it will take a lot of patience, consistency and discipline.
How do you tackle menopause?
You will have to make lifestyle changes and have a new approach to your health and wellness to work with your new body.
Regular exercise and good nutrition are an absolute must.
Strength training is the best exercise for you now as maintaining lean muscle is crucial.
Make lifestyle changes to help reduce your symptoms
Include strength training, pilates, yoga and mobility to maintain a healthy body and mind.
Walking alone will not do it for you - although it should be part of your daily exercise routine.
On the other end of the spectrum smashing yourself in the gym will only create a stress response in your body and make it store more cortisol which is already high especially in the mornings.
At Foundation Fitness and Wellbeing we totally understand this and prioritise strength training.
Anyone of any age can start and our trainers will ensure you are working to your level of fitness so you get long-term benefits.
We also value our restorative classes such as pilates, yoga and mobility which are vital to maintaining a healthy body and mind.
So if you are going through this period in your life and not sure what to do - come and see us.
We will set you on the right path to a happier, healthier and beautiful place, because after all this should be the best time of your life!
Kirsten x
Come and hear from expert nutritionist Kylie Pinwill in our Studio 18 April.
