Weightlifting for women post-menopause is not a phrase that you’ll hear sprinkled into everyday conversations. Working out to fit into a wedding lehenga? Sure. Preparing for a 10K marathon? Say no more.
But fitness for women post 50? Expect crickets chirping into the abyss. While exercising at any stage of life is beneficial, bone density and muscle mass are known to nosedive after menopause. This is where weightlifting can ride in as a white knight to rescue plummeting bone density and muscle mass.
Miley Cyrus may have convinced us that we can buy ourselves flowers, but you might want to exchange that bouquet for a set of dumbbells instead—here’s why. Your body changes after menopause You’ll hear menopause being waved off under a vague umbrella of hormonal changes, but the reality is starkly different. Expect hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, insomnia , mood swings, and reduced bone health.
“This stage of life can often lead to bone density loss, muscle mass reduction, increased fat storage and a slower metabolism,” says Dr Asha Dalal, director of obstetrics and gynaecology at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai.
Long story short? There is a heightened risk of both osteoporosis and heart disease. Why exercising is crucial at this stage of life But all isn’t gloom and doom. Experts agree that postmenopausal exercise can combat most of the physical and emotional impacts of ageing.
Think better cardiovascular health, improved muscle mass and reduced .