Whether you are going through menopause or not, getting regular exercise should already be a regular part of your lifestyle.  If it is not, it becomes even more important as your body goes through the changes brought on by menopause.  Getting exercise will help prevent the extra pounds from piling on while also keeping your heart healthy and your bones strong, all three of which are common problems associated with menopause.

 

Getting Started

 

If you are not already engaging in an exercise routine, it is important to start off slowly.  If you jump right in and try to push yourself too hard and too far, you will become frustrated by the process and may hurt yourself in the process.

 

The easiest way to get started is to simply get out and walk.  Before you start a regular walking routine, make sure you have a pair of comfortable shoes that provide plenty of support.  Shoes with inadequate support can result in achy arches and can aggravate your bones if they have already started to lose density.

 

If possible, find someone to walk with you.  That will help fend off boredom and will also help keep you motivated.  If there is no one available to walk with you on a regular basis, you might want to consider getting a pet dog.  Taking your dog out for walks is the perfect excuse for getting out there and getting moving.

 

Going to the Next Level

 

Once you are comfortable walking to a certain distance, challenge yourself and see if you can walk that distance at a faster rate.  Make it your personal goal to shave off time each time you head out.  Then, gradually add to the distance that you walk.  In order to help keep yourself motivated, keep a log of how long and how far you walk.  When you look back at where you started a month after you start your walking routine, you will be amazed and proud of yourself for the progress you made.

 

Build Muscle

 

Now that you are getting some aerobic exercise, it is time to add strength training to your routine.  Strength training is particularly important when it comes to keeping your bones strong and preventing fractures.  Just a simple set of dumbbells can work perfectly for weight training.  Before beginning a weight training regimen, however, be sure to talk to your doctor about the types of exercises you should engage in.

 

Squeezing Exercise In At Unexpected Places

 

In addition to your regular exercise routine, you can also get more exercise into your day in places you never thought of.  For example, rather than circling a parking lot looking for the closest available space, park far away from the store.  Not only will this be less frustrating, your car will be less likely to get damaged and you will put some extra steps in your day.  Then, when you get home, take each bag of groceries in one at a time.  This will help you get some extra steps in your day while also getting a little weight training by carrying in the weighted bags.  With a little creativity, you will find exercise opportunities all around you!