Exercise without the pain

It’s the medicine we should all be taking, so don’t let the thought of injury put you off starting a new workout routine in 2022

- DR PHILIPPA KAYE

What does the word ‘exercise’ mean to you? Does it conjure up memories of shivering on a netball court, being made to trudge along a cross-country running course, or maybe even joyful memories of winning matches and crossing the finish line first? My biggest school sporting achievement was winning the silver medal in the sack race on sports day. I couldn’t have been older than about seven.

Unfortunately, for many women, our feelings about exercise were shaped by PE at school. And while not all experiences were bad, the idea that being good at team sports is the only way to exercise may have stuck, and this isn’t the case!

Exercise is essential for health. And by exercise I don’t mean running marathons, but all forms of moving your body. Studies have shown that regular physical activity lowers your risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, as well as decreasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. It helps lower your chance of bowel and breast cancer, of falls and hip fractures, and of osteoarthritis, and helps keep you functioning, active and independent as you get older. It can also decrease your risk of dementia, prevent and treat depression and improve your mental health.

When it comes to the menopause, women who exercise have fewer symptoms. If you haven’t previously exercised regularly, starting at the time of the perimenopause and menopause may initially bring on hot flushes but, over time, exercise reduces hot flushes and night sweats.

HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?