The nights are getting darker and the temperature is getting cooler and yet twice a week I am outdoors offering an exercise group for women experiencing menopausal symptoms... Who would be silly enough to be having an outside workout in Solihull when you could be curled up on the couch with a hot cup of tea eating a biscuit?
I love my outdoor exercise groups as they are effective at getting results and building confidence. weather you are new to exercise, have health problems or are experienced my group is a small group of supportive women.
I have looked at the science as to why my outdoor group works so well and here is what I have found:
1) Doing an outdoor workout feels like less effort
Exercising outdoors increases our performance but the perceived effort decreases! You may feel like you have done less than an hour on the treadmill but you have done more and it has felt easier and more enjoyable.
2) Exercising outdoors makes us feel good and reduces stress
Whilst during exercise our stress hormone levels of cortisol may rise they then reduce to lower levels. Outdoor exercise can decrease confusion, anger and depression
3) Increase our vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone density and muscle health. I have also seen that low levels of vitamin D are correlated to anxiety and depression.
4) Temperature regulation
Whilst exercise may increase core body temperature and hot flushes there is emerging evidence that exercising can reduce night time hot flashes. Exercising in a cooler outdoor temperature may reduce core body temperature from rising during exercise.
An increase in core body temperature increases energy metabolism, improves muscle compliance, and facilitates actin-myosin cross bridging .
5) Improves sleep quality
Even a small amount of exercise has been shown to improve perception of sleep quality during menopause. We also know that being outdoors walking at lunchtime helps with sleep at night.
I set out to write 5 benefits I have not even touched on improvements to strength, balance, heart health, heart rate variability....
Rather than me writing about the evidence why don't you join me for an outdoors exercise session in Solihull to see if you can feel the benefits for yourself?
If you would like to know more about managing menopause I am also offer a regular workshop on an introduction to managing the menopause. My workshops are an affordable way of meeting like minded women and getting your well-being questions answered by an occupational therapist and personal trainer.
If you can't see an upcoming event get in touch and I will add you to the mailing list to inform you of when the next one is.
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Sarah is an Occupational Therapist and personal trainer who is passionate about helping people flourish @MoodLifterPT She is always happy to be contacted if you want to find out more.
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