{"id":1004,"date":"2024-02-04T06:46:55","date_gmt":"2024-02-04T06:46:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/athletichique.com\/?p=1004"},"modified":"2024-02-05T10:18:21","modified_gmt":"2024-02-05T10:18:21","slug":"how-to-be-empowered-through-perimenopause-a-fitness-odyssey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/athletichique.com\/index.php\/2024\/02\/04\/how-to-be-empowered-through-perimenopause-a-fitness-odyssey\/","title":{"rendered":"How to be Empowered Through Perimenopause: A Fitness Journey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As women navigate the diverse landscapes of life, there comes a pivotal moment when the body undergoes significant changes, ushering in the perimenopausal phase. This transformative period, marked by hormonal fluctuations and physical shifts, often challenges maintaining fitness and well-being. Yet, it’s also a time of empowerment, self-discovery, and resilience. This article explores how fitness during perimenopause reclaims yourself, provides countless benefits, sets up future years, and, in many ways, helps to defy societal expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Perimenopausal Shift<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many women, perimenopause signals the onset of various physical and emotional changes. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decline in estrogen levels, can contribute to weight gain, decreased bone density, and altered sleep patterns. These changes and societal misconceptions about aging can impact a woman’s self-esteem and well-being. The irony is that it should be a time and age where you should be more connected to your true self, yet you feel like a stranger in your own body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My journey<\/strong>
It first started after I turned 45. It was nothing specific; the subtly snuck up out of nowhere. As an active mother of two, I found the once-energetic woman; I began experiencing fatigue, mood swings, and a sense of disconnect from my body. Doctors just shrugged; it was a change of life. The things I never had to worry about before became a daily struggle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I started to look for ways to cope not just for physical transformation but also for mental and emotional well-being. Do I claim to have all the answers? No. I am far from it; the journey is ongoing and developing as I type. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is something I will look at later in my life, but for the time being, the approach will be through health and fitness. Please research and talk to your healthcare provider to see what works best for you and your needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some of My Key Learnings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rediscovering Joy Through Movement<\/strong>, A Move to Strength Training<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rediscovery of the joy of movement, all and differen<\/em>t kinds. Being involved in sports, cardio was always the go-to, never weights, that was for the gym junkies; however, something had changed. From yoga to strength training, I had to shift my thinking. I found mobility and strength training was what helped me. Both promote overall health and well-being, particularly during perimenopause. As women go through this transitional phase marked by hormonal changes, incorporating strength training into their fitness routine can offer numerous benefits, such as bone health, muscle mass and help with metabolism. Most of all, it helped to foster a sense of empowerment and control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the pandemic, I built up some basic home weights, resistant bands, and kettlebells. I also downloaded an app to help me on my journey to keep me honest. I like to walk, so bare minimum, I walk for 20-30 mins most days. Tailoring your workouts to suit your needs may help you stay motivated and keep you moving. Movement is medicine, and here are some products I used to get you started (I built up over time). <\/p>\n\n\n\n