Exercise for Life
Finding the right workout or fitness program is a wonderful start for preparing you to meet menopause with open arms. Be open to suggestions and be creative. Hang around with your kids and play catch. Go for a long walk after dinner with a special friend or by yourself. Lift telephone books while you're on the phone. Put on your favorite dance music and hop around while you fold laundry. It's all about getting the blood moving again, any way you can. Every calorie you burn, every muscle you flex, every joint you move, gets you closer to your goal.
Question
I want a program I can commit to. What's a good way to start?
Walking has the lowest dropout rate of any exercise program. It's free, you don't need a lot of special equipment, and you can do it throughout your life. Most experts recommend walking more than three miles per hour if you are walking for weight loss. (You burn 416 calories per hour at that speed.) But don't forget to mix it up and add other activities to build a complete exercise program.
Don't give up! Even if you have to step away from your usual exercise routine for a few weeks due to work or illness, get back into it as soon as you can. Taking a positive step toward improving your physical condition is something to be proud of. Changes for the positive will be gradual, so don't be disappointed if the miracle transformation doesn't happen overnight. Keep at it, and you'll see the results.
