The importance of exercise cannot be overemphasized when we talk about women’s health. Regular exercise provides a litany of health benefits such as regulation of blood pressure, reduction in cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases, improving mood and cognitive functions. For women, these benefits are critical because of our hormonal changes throughout life and related health risks.

Dr. Horowitz says:

“Many of the health issues that women face can be improved substantially with consistent exercise. It’s one of the best preventive options available and should be encouraged in childhood and throughout life.”

Of course, exercise requires energy, dedication, and motivation. Here are four motives to help make exercise a priority in your life:

1. Exercise helps in the improvement of hormone-related mood swings.
2. Exercise helps in the prevention of bone loss, bone immobility, and osteoporosis that can occur with diminishing levels of estrogen.
3. Exercise helps in maintaining weight and also helps with weight loss due to age preventing a decline in muscle mass and increased fat disposition.
4. Exercise improves our sleeping patterns

In addition to these benefits, exercise also improves one’s health in several ways such as:

• Helps the release of stress
• Reduces the risk of dementia
• Reduces risks of breast cancer
• Aids in reproductive health
• Improves mental well-being

Menopause plays an important role in women’s health and aging. Regular exercise is equally important for midlife women. Use this phase of your life as a reminder to take good care of yourself with these exercises for yourself.

Aerobic activities help you in maintaining your weight or if you are trying to reduce weight.

Regular strength training helps reduce body fat and also reduces the risk of osteoporosis (weights aren’t just for the boys!).

Stretching helps improve flexibility of your body muscles while maintaining the mobility.

Balance exercises help prevent falls and also help prevent injuries that can come from other exercises.

To keep yourself motivated, try to set realistic and achievable goals. Dedicate some time for exercise from your daily routine. Update your goals frequently. And it’s best to have a partner, friend or anyone who can provide you a company can create a difference too.  Just wear a mask if you’re exercising with anyone inside.