Barre for Managing Hormonal Changes
“Regular exercise can greatly impact women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, primarily because it can help manage hormonal changes and alleviate many associated symptoms. Through the Barre Series method we focus on functional movement that safely moves through strength, low impact cardiovascular exercise and restorative movement. These exercises are crucial for maintaining muscle and overall body longevity. Barre draws from ballet and Pilates principles making it a safe and highly effective workout. We have listed below key benefits highlighting the impacts exercise has during the menopause phases.”
Catie Miller, Founder Barre Series
“Movement in Menopause is absolutely essential to make sure we support our bodies through the metabolic changes that are happening. Barre is an amazing way to do this because not only does it help us to maintain optimal muscle mass it also helps to regulate blood glucose by engaging all of our bodies in movement in a way that is safe and accessible to everybody.”
Dr Federica Amati, Medical Scientist, Nutritionist and Author
- Hormone Regulation: Exercise can help regulate hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate during menopause. Regular physical activity may help stabilise these hormones, reducing some of the symptoms of menopause.
- Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Exercise can help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats, common menopausal symptoms. It may help improve your body’s temperature regulation and tolerance to temperature changes.
- Weight Management: Many women experience weight gain during menopause due to hormonal changes and a slower metabolism. Exercise can help maintain a healthy weight by burning calories and increasing muscle mass, positively affecting hormone balance.
- Bone Health: Menopausal women are at an increased risk of osteoporosis due to declining estrogen levels. Safe and effective exercises like Barre and Pilates can help strengthen bones, build stamina and reduce the risk of fractures.
- Mood and Mental Health: Menopause can accompany mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and it can improve overall mental well-being, reducing these symptoms.
- Cardiovascular Health: Estrogen has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, and its decline during menopause can increase the risk of heart disease. Regular exercise can help maintain heart health by improving blood pressure, cholesterol levels, circulation and cardiovascular fitness.
- Sleep Quality: Menopausal women often struggle with sleep disturbances. Regular physical activity can help improve sleep quality by promoting better sleep patterns.
- Metabolism: As metabolism tends to slow down with age, exercise can help counteract this effect. It can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, which can be particularly beneficial for women dealing with menopausal insulin resistance.
- Stress Reduction: Exercise is an excellent stress reliever. It can help reduce stress and anxiety daily during menopause by promoting relaxation and improving mood.
- Self-Esteem and Body Image: Regular physical activity can enhance self-esteem and body image, which may decline during menopause due to changes in body composition.
It’s important to note that the type and intensity of exercise should be tailored to an individual’s fitness level and preferences. Consult a healthcare provider or a fitness professional before starting a new exercise regimen. Additionally, combining exercise with other healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet and adequate sleep, can further optimise its benefits for managing menopause and hormonal changes.
