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Why you should be exercising during the menopause

14th Sep 2023

Menopause is an inevitable phase in the lives of all women fortunate enough to reach that stage. However, it’s also a period in a women’s life that can leave her feeling isolated, overwhelmed and out of control.

Engaging in regular exercise has proven to alleviate some of the challenges associated with the menopause. Here are the top reason why incorporating ClubCycle Cambridge spin classes into your routine during this phase is crucial.

1. Exercise can reduce the amount of bone density lost during the menopause

Menopause often leads to a substantial reduction in bone density, with women losing up to 20% of their bone mass. This can result in weakened and brittle bones, making the susceptible to fractures from falls or even mild stresses.

Many forms of exercise, including spin sessions at ClubCycle Cambridge, generate both external and internal forces on the bones, which causes the bones to adapt and remodel to become stronger. Numerous studies have found the weight-bearing exercise can prevent the loss of bone density in both peri- and post-menopausal women.

2. Regular Exercise during the menopause can reduce the risk of Alzheimers disease by half

Women are twice as likely to develop Alzheimers disease compared to men. Although the precise reason for this discrepancy remain unclear, it is believe to be related to the decline in oestrogen levels in postmenopausal women. Oestrogen is thought to play a vital role in protecting the brain from the damage caused by Alzheimers disease.

Incorporating exercise into your routine during and after menopause can help protect the brain from Alzheimers disease by strengthening neural connections. Regular exercise will also help to maintain a healthy bodyweight, which is a risk factor of Alzheimers and other forms of dementia.

3. Exercise can improve the mental health of peri-menopausal women

The hormonal changes that occur during the menopause can lead to a range of emotional challenges, including feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, irritability and overall emotional distress.

It is widely recognised that exercise has numerous mental health benefits. Women who exercised regularly both during and after the menopause showed significant improvements across various mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

4. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce menopausal symptoms

It is no secret that maintaining a healthy bodyweight can help to protect us from many diseases and illness, such as heart disease or diabetes. The menopause is no exception.

It has been found in a recent study that being overweight or obese can cause more severe menopausal symptoms and lower quality of life during this period. Regular exercise, such as a weekly ClubCycle Cambridge spin session, in combination with a with a balanced diet, can help keep menopausal women a healthy bodyweight, which is crucial for overall well-being.

How can ClubCycle help with the menopause?

ClubCycle is Cambridge’s newest spin studio. With its state of the art bikes, friendly instructors and a strong community, ClubCycle provides women going through the menopause, and after the menopause, with a high impact workout to strengthen neural pathways, help maintain a healthy bodyweight and improve mental health.