Promoted as “moving through the menopause” local running coach and menopause specialist Rachel came and spoke to us about maintaining fitness throughout life. But Rachel told us the best way to keep moving was to “not let the old lady in”, this was disappointing to two members who had just bought bungalows.
By that we weren’t told to start running marathons in later life or to start getting “hench”, but to think about what activities we would want to do and how we could start now to ensure we still could.
Rachel spoke about changes in hormone levels and how this can lead to a decrease in muscle mass, and bone density. That simple exercises such as squats, balance, push and pull can lead to maintaining movement, and that it’s never too late to start, even if motivation levels can drop off as we get older.
Rachel recommended Menopocalypse by Amanda Thebe. She also spoke about increasing protein in diets to ward off increases in fat, and to be wary of fad diets that have often been trialed on morbidly obese men, rather than women. She had us balancing, which is a vital skill to enable walking, although we all look as though we’re marching.
Then to make it more difficult she had us moving our arms whilst we stood on one leg.
It was a very interesting meeting and Rachel told us about her Facebook group: Running Through the Menopause and the best way to keep active and to not become reliant on others – keep doing what you’re doing!
Next month is cheer leading to put these words into action.
The Lincoln WI 