About this episode
Is your after 50 exercise routine working for you? A new study in the Menopause Journal confirms it. The more physical activity you do, the better you feel during menopause. An earlier study published in April confirmed the relationship. This one confirmed there’s a threshold where you’re really supported. You probably didn’t need a study to tell you this. If you’re already active you know it. Did you know how much? And that low-to-moderate may not cut it? After 50 Exercise Routine Starting Point If you’re not active, the knowledge alone is not enough, is it? The question for you is… how do I stay with it? Long enough to feel better? The study also clearly showed two other interesting points: Depressive symptoms increased in postmenopause compared to perimenopause. The Facts About an Optimal After 50 Exercise Routine Menopausal women with medium Physical Activity (PA) scored higher on life satisfaction than women with low levels of PA. Even in the presence of depressive symptoms, life satisfaction scores were not affected. However, with adequate Physical Activity life satisfaction scores increased. The take-away? Don’t wait to feel better to exercise. The exercise will make you feel better. As you feel better, you will gradually increase your level of exercise. Depressive symptoms respond better to exercise than to cognitive or prescriptions (that come with negative side effects). Exercise is Medicine When you’re in the moment of depression or the grips of anxiety it is pushing the base of a snowman uphill in sticky snow. (Iowa girl analogy) Still, applying principles of an effective after 50 exercise routine will work if you add a little more insurance. Namely, these two things: Don’t do it alone Know that with medicine or without you’ll still have obstacles: expect them so you’re able to say, “I saw you coming” and have a plan that keeps you on track – call a friend, report to your coach after the walk/workout you’ve got in your plan that day. Telling someone is level two. Having an accountability call to report it is level 3, hitting the home run. Want support with your after 50 exercise routine? Join the 5 Day Flip (and there’s a knee-friendly version if that’s a better option for you). References: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/2020/04000/the_role_of_physical_activity_in_the_link_between.6.aspx https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5845641/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3674785/ Resources: Flipping 50 Fitness Specialist Flipping 50 Facebook Insiders group – Join! Other Episodes you may enjoy: 5 Walking Workouts You’ll Run to For Results Is Moderate Exercise Really What You Need Right Now? Full Body or Body Part Training ? Reader Q and A show notes: flippingfifty.com/exercise-routine