Authored by Sports Dietitian, Exercise Physiologist and Gennev Health Coach, Stasi Kasianchuk
Holiday Season is here once again! A time of social gatherings, celebrations, travel, and busy schedules.
Let’s face it, routines can be difficult to stick to during the festive season, especially when it comes to exercise. This is a time of year when many throw their exercise routine out the window and say, “I’ll start again come January!” But if you’re a woman in menopause, movement is especially important for your continued good health.
During menopause it can be particularly important to maintain an exercise routine. With the normal decrease in estrogen that occurs during this time of life women are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Maintaining any type of movement supports your cardiovascular system.
Additionally, regular movement can help you sleep better, as well as better manage holiday stress and anxiety which can be further exacerbated during menopause. Finally, with weight management being more of a challenge during this time of life, keeping activity going throughout the holidays can play an integral role in supporting a healthy weight for you.
While exercise may be more of a challenge to fit in (or less of a priority), it does not mean it can’t exist. It may just look a little different than it does most of the year, which the month of December does for most people any way!
Here are some simple strategies to stay moving or even start a movement routine during this time of year.
Maintaining an activity routine, even if it is different from what you are used to, will make it more likely you will resume your routine in the New Year AND you can continue to get the health and wellness benefits of exercise all month long.
If you haven’t been moving as much as you like and were thinking of starting in 2020, here’s your opportunity to finish strong in 2019 and get a head start on 2020.
Want more strategies on starting or maintaining an exercise routine that is personalized to you? Join the HealthFix program and work with a Gennev Health Coach to get expert support to create a plan that’s best for you.
Tell us what has worked for you to keep moving, or share the challenges you face in the holidays (or any time!) in our community forums.
About Coach Stasi: As a Sports Dietitian, Exercise Physiologist, and endurance athlete, Stasi Kasianchuk has expertise both personally and professionally in using exercise and nutrition to optimize health and performance, and she's putting that expertise to work, helping women in menopause live their best lives. During her free time she enjoys trail running, cycling, swimming, backpacking, or group fitness classes. Exploring farmers markets, local farms and restaurants and cooking and baking at home also bring her joy.
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