Experiencing a shift from High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to Pilates during perimenopause led to noticeable improvements within a short span - discover the advantages detailed here.
Ready to dive into the world of Pilates peacefully, even during perimenopause? It turns out that this low-impact, mindful exercise routine is a perfect match for midlife. Here's why!
You know that high-intensity workouts, like HIIT, were once your jam. But suddenly, they're feeling exhausting and draining, all thanks to hormonal shifts during perimenopause. Enter, lady-friendly Pilates—the perfect replacement to fuel your body and mind.
"Goodbye breathless HIIT, hello Pilates!" That's what I thought when I discovered the perks of this body-nourishing workout. Ditch the hardcore sweating, and enjoy a slower-burn, yet still intense (you'll get the feel when you hit that famous Pilates shake) workout instead. Reformer Pilates classes are anything but lightweight!
But wait, there's more! Here are 5 reasons why Pilates is a must-try during perimenopause and beyond:
- Street-tested full-body burn: Love those barre or Pilates workouts? They're a dream for joints and help build strength, mobility, and core control functionally. Don't be fooled by the low impact; Pilates packs a punch!
- Muscle mass construction and bone density preservation: Hormonal changes during perimenopause can leave us vulnerable to reduced bone density and muscle mass. But, guess what? Pilates is your new secret weapon to build lean muscle mass and safeguard your bones! The University of Exeter researched the benefits of resistance training, which includes Pilates with weights, and found it beneficial for women at any stage of menopause.
- Mindful movement: Managing perimenopause isn't just about coping with the physical symptoms; it's about calming the mind, too. Pilates will teach you to engage with your nervous system, using your breath to deepen moves and still the racing brain. You can even keep hormone levels in check by lowering your stress levels!
- Control and balance restoration: As midlife rolls around, our lives and systems can start to feel out of whack. From raising teens and caring for ageing parents to battling the rollercoaster of menopausal hormones, we need a nervous system reset, STAT. Pilates can help! With regular practice, you'll feel calmer and more like yourself again.
- Pelvic floor fortification: Struggling with post-childbirth pelvic issues? Welcome to this amazing side effect of Pilates—an improved pelvic floor function! It's no secret that perimenopause can cause urinary issues, but Pilates can help strengthen those vital muscles.
Movement is survival during menopause! Although research on Pilates specifically during perimenopause is limited, it's undeniable that exercise is essential for managing symptoms, reducing muscle and bone loss, and improving overall health. If you're suffering from perimenopause symptoms and find HIIT too taxing, don't fret. Swap it out for a gentle Pilates routine, or adapt your workouts to find the right balance between high-intensity and lower-impact exercise. Remember, listening to your body is key!
Want to give Pilates a whirl at home? Find an instructor who can teach you proper form, and watch your mental and physical health blossom!
- Pilates, a low-impact exercise routine known for its mindful nature, offers a perfect match for midlife individuals navigating perimenopause, providing a suitable replacement for exhausting high-intensity workouts.
- By embracing the gentle yet intense Pilates workout, individuals can bid farewell to breathless HIIT sessions and instead, focus on a body-nourishing exercise that offers a slower burn.
- Not only does Pilates serve as a dream for joints, but it also helps build strength, mobility, and core control, providing a full-body burn that is ideal for perimenopausal individuals.
- With regular Pilates practice, individuals can experience the restoration of control and balance, allowing them to feel calmer and more like themselves as they manage the rollercoaster of hormonal shifts during perimenopause.
- The practice of Pilates can also fortify the pelvic floor, an essential aspect for post-childbirth pelvic issues that many perimenopausal women face.
- As research suggests that exercise is crucial for managing the symptoms of menopause, adjusting routines to incorporate gentle Pilates or adapting workouts to find the right balance between high-intensity and lower-impact exercise can significantly improve mental and physical health during this transitional period.