Put Some Steps In Your Spring!

March can come in like a lamb or a lion and go out as either also. It is the month of the year that spring returns and we come out of our hibernation mode. Warmer weather, longer days and more light can inspire us to get outside, move our bodies a little more and shake off the cobwebs of winter.

One of the most underrated things we can do for our mental and physical health is to walk. Now, if you are a woman who has been inundated with diet culture messages, you may have been led to believe that walking isn’t exercise. I am here to tell you that this is wholly untrue. 

Walking has many benefits. It can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. This is really important to understand because as we reach menopause we are at higher risk for insulin resistance, heart disease, osteopenia and bone density loss. 

As estrogen drops in perimenopause and post menopause, movement is key to the health of not only all of our body systems, but our joints. The reduction in estrogen causes our joints to be less lubricated and motion is lotion for joints. Remaining mobile is imperative to our independence as we age and to our ability to continue to enjoy life. Getting walks in as part of the recommended 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise a week can become an easily attainable goal for most of us. So put on your favourite podcast (I highly recommend The RAW Podcast!) and put some steps in your spring! Reach out to me at Make The Change Menopause Coaching if you need more ideas on midlife movement. 

 

Carol Peat is a woman's health advocate, Mum of three, wife to one, Nana of two and dog Mum to Piper, a golden retriever. She is passionate about you feeling your best, brave in your body.