Exercise To Beat Menopause Night Sweats and Hot Flashes

Did you know that only one in twenty menopausal women who exercise regularly suffer with hot flashes and night sweats? I know that exercise is a dreaded word for many women over a certain age, but once you get started it really isn't so bad. The trick is finding something you enjoy and combining it with a healthier lifestyle; quitting smoking, drinking less and eating better is always a winning health combination. It not only helps with the awful sweating but also lessens the risk of more serious issues associated with aging, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Exercise done properly can only be a good thing. If the idea of getting a better night's sleep and controlling your sweating has you limbering-up as you read this, then do continue for more health benefits to inspire you. Benefits of regular exercise It enhances muscle tone, flexibility and your strength It instills a sense of calm and wellbeing, which improves one's self-esteem Promotes increased energy and aids concentration It decreases anxiety and depression It relaxes, revitalizes and can diminish muscular and mental stresses and tensions Weight bearing exercise such as walking, dancing, and stair-climbing improve and maintain healthy bones. There is also less chance of developing the following conditions: Colon and breast cancer Cardiovascular disease Diabetes High cholesterol Osteoporosis Arthritis For general wellbeing there is nothing better than exercise. Endorphins are released naturally as you workout improving your mood, outlook on life, and general longevity. Exercise and Menopause Another dreaded side effect to the menopause is weight gain, (oh joy!) especially around the stomach area where some women will add an extra ten to fifteen pounds. Weight often shifts from the thighs and hips to the stomach; making more of an apple-shape as opposed to the more common pear. It is said that once women reach their late thirties they can expect to gain one pound each year until their mid-sixties! You don't have to let that happen of course, just twenty to thirty minutes of exercise a day can break the one-pound-a-year trend, and may even result in weight loss. Types of Exercise I'm afraid the excuse of not being able to afford astronomical gym prices is not going to cut the mustard! All you need is a decent pair of sneakers, the will and drive to improve your health, and a little time carved out of your daily schedule. Aerobics exercise is fantastic for the heart and controlling your weight, and depending on which type you choose it could even be enjoyable. Here's some fun examples of aerobics activities: Salsa dancing Ice skating Swimming Cycling Skipping Rollerblading Running, jogging and walking Isometric and Anaerobic exercises tone your muscles and increase your overall stamina. It also stops muscle turning to fat, making us much weaker as we age. Some classic examples are: Tai Chi Calisthenics Yoga Weight lifting Finding the will and commitment to do this regularly will no doubt be your biggest hurdle. (Don't worry, you're not alone) Once you overcome the mental obstacles, your daily regime will not only get easier, it will become enjoyable.