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Aug 15 2024
Menopause Exercise: How Jazzercise Keeps Women Healthy at Every Stage
Perimenopause is the transitional stage that leads to menopause. Perimenopause begins most commonly in women from age 40-44. It usually occurs 8-10 years before menopause and can last several years. Symptoms for perimenopause include irregular periods, heart palpatations, worse PMS symptoms, headaches, and concentration difficultuies.
Once your body stops producing estrogen and your period ends, you enter menopause. There are the infamous hot flashes and night sweats, but meneopause can also increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and osteoperosis. Women in this process may be unsure how to combine exercise and menopause.
Don’t worry…there’s good news coming! Studies have proven that exercise is an effective way to combat the many frustrating symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. As a champion for women’s health (since 1969), we know the benefits of a consistent fitness routine during this stage of life. Jazzercise workouts will help you improve bone density, lower cholestoral, and build muscle mass—all while feeling like an epic dance party!
Keep reading to learn about how Jazzercise is one of the best workouts for menopause.
Why Exercise Matters During Menopause and Perimenopause
Exercise is SO important to maintain during menopause and perimenopause.
Why?
The major hormonal shift women experience during this season results in a decrease in overall muscle mass, which can make it hard to lose or maintain weight. Changing hormones also contribute to decreased bone strength and density.
When you exercise regularly (and eat a well-balanced, protein-rich diet!), you help to build and strengthen muscles, which help protect bones and burn fat.
The benefits of fitness go beyond just physical. Plus, exercise does so much more! When we exercise, we improve the quality of our sleep, which is vital for hormone regulation.
Lastly, exercise is a great way to relieve stress. Keeping your stress hormone, cortisol, under control is a key factor to overall mental and physical health, and can help us to achieve our fitness goals more easily during perimenopause and menopause.
Does Exercise Help with Hot Flashes?
Yep! It might sound counterintuitive since we get hot and sweaty during exercise, but regular movement actually helps to regulate our internal temperature throughout the rest of the day! Plus, hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause and perimenopause can disrupt your sleep patterns, but - you guessed it - exercise is an incredible solution for this problem.
Bottom line? Prioritizing movement in your daily routine will regulate your hormones so you can stay as comfortable as possible during the day and night.
What Are the Best Exercises for Menopause and Perimenopause?
While any type of exercise will help your menopause and perimenopause symptoms and overall wellbeing, experts agree that some type of resistance training is crucial. That’s because declining bone density and muscle mass are improved with resistance training.
That doesn’t mean you have to start a powerlifting program in an intimidating gym! Most Jazzercise formats incorporate strength training and achieve incredible benefits using handheld weights or resistance bands. The blend of dance cardio and strength training makes Jazzercise an impressive menopause exercise. The key is to keep building muscle, so if strength routines begin to feel easy, consider upping your weights or looking for a Sculpt class for an extra challenge.
Are There Any Exercises to Avoid During Menopause and Perimenopause?
As we said, your muscle and bone mass starts to decrease with age, so the key is careful moderation! While it is perfectly safe to do resistance training and high impact workouts during menopause and perimenopause, you don’t want to risk an injury while your body is changing. Be sure to listen to your body, talk to your instructor, and modify movements as necessary.
How to Create a Sustainable Fitness Routine During Menopause and Perimenopause
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: The best workout routine is the one you’ll stick to!
An exercise program that brings you joy will provide endless benefits for your body, mind, and spirit. If you look forward to your daily movement, you’re more likely to keep it as a part of your routine for years to come.
Functional fitness exercises, like Jazzercise, help you achieve a better quality of life. Our program is carefully designed to boost longevity, relieve stress, and keep your workout fun! You have a variety of effective formats to choose—from low impact to HIIT classes. Pair that with our dedicated instructors and welcoming community and you’ve got a workout that has your back for life!
Join a Jazzercise class today and discover the benefits of fun, effective fitness tailored for every stage of life.