Menopause who me?
Menopause who me? No that's not happening to me. I'm still young and vibrant, full of energy and zest for life. I don't have mood swings, I have emotional diversity. I don't have wrinkles, I have laugh lines. Menopause is just a myth, a conspiracy to make women feel old and irrelevant. Well, not me. I'm not buying into it.
My friends and I thought menopause was something that only happened to old ladies who wore floral dresses and knitted sweaters. I was young, vibrant, and fabulous. I still had a lot to offer the world. Menopause was not part of my plan. So I searched for activities that made me feel strong and powerful. I had been meditating for a while but I needed something that screamed wisdom, experience and strength. So I turned to Kickboxing a form of Martial Arts that challenged my mental and emotional aspects such as confidence, discipline, focus and resilience.
I quickly learned that Kickboxing can be a beneficial exercise during menopause and peri menopause for several reasons.
It can help prevent weight gain by increasing muscle mass and metabolism. Weight gain is a common issue for women during menopause due to hormonal changes and reduced physical activity.
It can reduce the risk of cancer by lowering estrogen levels and improving immune function. Estrogen is a hormone that can stimulate the growth of some types of cancer cells, especially breast cancer,
It can improve mood and mental health by releasing endorphins and reducing stress. Menopause can cause mood swings, anxiety, depression and insomnia due to hormonal fluctuations and life changes.
It can enhance bone health and prevent osteoporosis by stimulating bone formation and density. Menopause can lead to bone loss and increased fracture risk due to lower estrogen levels and calcium absorption.
Kickboxing is a high-intensity, full-body workout that can challenge your cardiovascular system, strength, coordination, balance and flexibility. It can also be fun, social and empowering for women of all ages and fitness levels.
Sometimes I will wear floral dresses and knitted sweaters. But only because they're cute and comfy and not because they're old lady clothes.
It is important to consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any medical conditions or injuries. You should also warm up properly, wear protective gear, hydrate well and listen to your body during kickboxing sessions.