The Importance of Exercise for the Health of Elderly Women (Menopause)

Stepping into menopause, women will experience several changes in their bodies. Starting from a warmer body temperature, sweating at night, stopping menstruation, the vagina becomes drier, to mood swings that are too fast.

Sometimes, these various changes make women more lazy about doing physical activities, including sports. In fact, exercise is very good for women who have entered menopause.

It is common knowledge that the more active you are, the less weight you will have. In fact, a National Institute of Health review showed that people who do 10 minutes or more of aerobic activity each day can have a waist size that is 6 inches smaller than people who don't exercise at all.

More than that, exercising regularly after entering the menopause phase also has a number of other benefits, namely:

• Reduces the risk of developing bone loss or osteoporosis.
• Reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
• Improve insulin resistance.
• Keep joints and muscles stronger and less likely to get injured.
• Relieves depression and anxiety disorders.

Even so, not all sports are suitable for women who have entered menopause. Here are some sports that are suitable to do, including:

1. Cardio

One good sport to do during menopause is cardio. This aerobic activity is done by utilizing several large muscles while keeping the heart rate up in the body. Some good cardio activities to do are walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming. If you're not used to it, try starting with 10 minutes and gradually increasing the intensity.

2. Strength training

You can also do strength training as a sport when entering menopause. This is also done to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which damages bones. This exercise can help increase bone and muscle strength, burn body fat, and increase metabolism in the body.

3. Yoga and meditation

Yoga and meditation can also be alternative exercises that women can do when they have entered menopause. This relaxation technique is great for calming the nerves by focusing the mind and relieving the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, irritability, and fatigue. You can do deep breathing, yoga, and meditation.

4. Zumba

One sport that is currently popular as well as healthy for the body, especially when women have entered menopause, is zumba. This sport is done with a group of people, so you won't get bored easily. Zumba moves incorporate salsa, merengue, and Latin-inspired music. This movement can burn calories and train the muscles in the body because all parts of the body move when doing it.

Apart from exercise, don't forget to check your health regularly because estrogen levels will decrease due to menopause and can increase blood pressure. It is better to carry out routine health monitoring to avoid various chronic diseases. Immediately consult your health condition after menopause with the ob-gyn specialist at the nearest Hermina Hospital.