Why choose a physical activity during menopause?

Let’s start with define physical activity. The activity physical and sport, it’s not the same thing! Sport is just one physical activity among many! Physical activity is defined by the Academy of Medicine as ” all movement body produced by the contraction of skeletal muscles resulting in increased energy expenditure compared to resting energy expenditure “. Physical activity therefore also includes activities such as cleaning, shopping, gardening, going for a walk or even shopping!

Why is physical activity so important during menopause?

The benefits of a sports activity at menopause are many ! Here is a non-exhaustive list.

The risk of heart disease increases with the arrival of menopause. Practice a physical activity reduces this risk by 30%, regardless of risk factors underlying or diet.

A physical activity regimen in postmenopausal women also has benefits on the occurrence of cancers. According to studies, it would prevent 20 to 25% of cancers (breast, colon, endometrium, bladder, stomach, esophagus). Even more interesting: even if the physical activity is started after the diagnostic cancer, it is beneficial on the risks of overall mortality, cancer mortality or relapses.

Physical activity in a postmenopausal woman also protects her bones. It slows down the loss of bone mineral density and lowers the risk of fractures. In addition, by strengthening muscles, physical activity lowers the risk of falling.

Another fear of postmenopausal women is the change in fat distribution, around theabdomen. Here too, physical activity works wonders: it decreases the mass visceral fat. In this area, endurance activities are particularly recommended: brisk walking, Nordic walking, hiking …

More generally, the practice of a physical activity reduces the sensation of tired and increases the quality of life! The practice of activity regular physicality also prevents possible low morale during menopause thanks to the secretion of serotonin.

Which women are involved in physical activity during menopause?

All women are concerned! To the menopause and even before, sedentary lifestyle must be reduced at all costs. The sedentary lifestyle is characterized by the time spent sitting or lying down while not sleeping: car or bus, screen, but also reading, or creative hobbies.

The presence of a chronic disease should not slow down physical activity, even if it must in certain cases be adapted. The objective is twofold:

• reduce the time spent sitting or lying down while awake;
• break the time sitting or lying down for a long time, if only by walking a few minutes every 90 minutes.

Should you seek the advice of your doctor before starting a physical activity?

In the absence of pathology chronic and if the chosen physical activity remains moderate, it is not necessary to consult a doctor before starting an activity. It is the same for a woman presenting a stable chronic pathology.

On the other hand, if a postmenopausal woman wishes to start a physical activity when she suffers from an evolving chronic pathology, it is better to seek the advice of a doctor, even if the chosen activity is of intensity. moderate. The doctor will sometimes recommend waiting for the pathology to stabilize.

For any high-intensity physical activity project, or even competition, or duration more than 5 hours per week, it is better to consult your doctor, or even a cardiologist.