Women are from Venus and men are from Mars! How’s the temperature on those planets?! No clue! But, I know how the temperature feels at my place – H – O – T! I turn the thermostat down, hubby turns it up and accuses me of trying to ‘freeze various body parts off of him.’ Trust me, if that were my intention, freezing would not be my method of choice! 😉
The fact is I am experiencing, just say it, the M word, yes, MENOPAUSE! Such a cruel word!!! It means I’m getting older. So, those hot flashes and night sweats are REAL and if my demon possessed head is to keep from spinning, the room must be cool, even if I have to put on a sweater for a moment. Trust me, it will ONLY be a moment. I know exactly what I’m doing. Sweater on, sweater off! I got this! Hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings, oh my!
That’s not even the tip of the iceberg (pardon the pun). Let’s talk about the weight gain and slowed metabolism.
That middle pudge will not budge!!!
Or will it?
I say, “YES, YES INDEED!””
How?” you ask.
Let me tell you how! Exercise and a lifestyle of healthy eating! Shall I repeat that? Exercise and a lifestyle of healthy eating!
Yes, I know I’m told that I can have one cheat meal! tsk tsk tsk! I still can, but just one cheat meal a WEEK, not a DAY! And I have to forget that chocolate cake, creamy icing, ice cold ice cream, salty potato chips, chewy cookies, nutty brownies…..
NO WAIT! WHAT! Sorry, I got lost for a moment!
Benefits of exercise? Oh yes, so the benefits of exercise alone is worth the trip to the gym.
While I can’t possibly give you an exhaustive listing of benefits as there are sooooo many, here are a few at the very top of my list:
1) Women tend to lose muscle mass and gain abdominal fat before and during menopause. Regular exercise helps to minimize weight gain, overall. Muscle mass burns more calories and helps us to look better in those sleeveless dresses.
2) Maintaining a healthy weight minimizes the risk of major illnesses as we, uh-hum, age. (It’s just a number, right?)
3) Strength training reduces the risk of bone loss and the development of osteoporosis or fractures.
4) And finally, exercise releases endorphins which ‘kill pain’ and makes us happy, happy, happy! No exorcism required!
So, I say we embrace the final right of passage as a woman (and God help anyone who gets in our way)! 🙂 But, do it while taking care of our bodies and our health. Believe me, we will feel so much better if we do.
Stop in and see us! We can help.