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Regular physical activity is a vital part of every woman’s life, preserving physical and mental health and improving quality of life. It helps keep women’s hearts, bones, mood, and dress size at their best.
Be dynamic and build physical activity into your daily life -- getting started is easier than you think and doesn’t have to take a lot of time.
- Add 15 extra minutes of activity to your daily routine: Go for brisk walks, play with your grandchild, climb stairs.
- Take the long way: Use the stairs instead of the elevator; park your car at the far end of the parking lot; walk wherever and whenever you can.
- Be active on weekends: Do something physical for one hour each weekend day. Try gardening, raking leaves, riding a bike, or some other activity.
- Look for support: Talk to your friends and family to find out what they are doing to become more active. Join forces to motivate each other by planning activities together.
- Keep it simple. Create an environment that is exercise-friendly. Move a stationary bike in front of the TV. Exercise in short spurts to accomodate busy schedules. Keep walking shoes at work or an exercise bag in the car. Continue the activities you are doing now but do them more often. Move frequently and do simple stretches.
Your healthcare provider can help you determine the initial level of exercise appropriate for your needs. Increase your activities as your body adjusts to your new lifestyle. Set a goal and once you’ve reached it, raise your activity level and try more intense exercise routines.
Once these goals have been accomplished, it’s time to establish a long-term plan. Use the following basic guidelines:
- There are three types of exercises to include in any exercise regimen: aerobic, weight-bearing, and flexibility. The goal is to improve endurance, flexibility, strength, and balance.
- Any activity is better than none, but professionals suggest 30 minutes of aerobic activity per day for the greatest effect on heart and lung health. Remember, this doesn’t have to happen all at one time. Three 10-minute sessions can have the same impact. Previously inactive women should gradually work up to this level. Walking at a moderate pace for 15 minutes, three times per week, is a good way to start. Women can gradually increase the time and exercise intensity.
- Weight-bearing activities, such as fast walking or working with weights to build muscle, can delay or prevent bone loss. Fitness experts recommend doing these two to three times per week.
- Flexibility exercises, such as yoga and stretching, help maintain function while aging. The exercises also improve balance, which can decrease the risk of fractures caused by falls. These exercises should also be done two to three times per week.
The benefits of regular exercise for midlife women are extensive -- from disease prevention to overall well-being. Finding ways to make exercise a permanent part of daily life will help insure a healthier future.
For more information on incorporating physical activity into your lifestyle, check out these Web sites:
Read about perimenopause and menopause symptom relief in the NAMS Menopause Guidebook and Early Menopause Guidebook. Visit www.essentialsteps.net to learn steps for staying motivated to exercise.
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