Over 40? Here’s why you need to exercise for weight management.

As women approach 40's they begin to experience fluctuations in their reproductive hormones (initially oestrogen and progesterone) that cause many changes to their body. Changes to the reproductive hormones don't just affect a women's menstrual cycle but also, digestion, muscles, memory, bones, heart and mood. Exercise plays an important role in keeping our bodies strong and healthy AND managing symptoms of fluctuating hormones so the ride isn't so bumpy.

Here's 5 Reasons why you should exercise

1. Weight management and weight loss

Changing hormones leads to a decrease in the daily total energy needs of your body. So, if you keep eating the way you used to you will inevitably gain weight and find that your waist line is getting thicker. To prevent weight gain you need to get moving to put those extra calories to use.

2. Maintain muscle and movement

Hormonal changes and ageing leads to a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in body fat. A decrease in muscle means we burn less calories, store more fat and and become physically weaker. So, including exercises such as Pilates, resistance training or body weight exercises combined with a balanced diet can help preserve muscles, prevent weight gain and keep you strong & mobile.

3. Decreasing risk of osteoporosis

Oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining bone structure. When our oestrogen levels decrease our bones can become weak and brittle. Resistance training and body weight exercises help reduce bone loss & reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Together with an improved muscles tone, bodies remain strong & mobile which is what we want as we get older.

4. Stress management

Managing stress is important for so many reasons including, improved digestion, hormonal balance, reduce risk of diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune diseases. Exercise that incorporate deep breathing such as, Pilates, walking in nature & meditation help activate the parasympathetic system (rest digest and restore system) that can reduce stress hormones & their effect on the body and promote the body to heal and function better.

5. Improve Mood

Exercise stimulates the brain to release the 'feel good' hormones reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and negative moods and improve self-esteem, confidence and memory. Other benefits include, improved sleep and reduced tiredness and irritability. The positive effects of exercise on mood help you get through your day a happier, calmer, more energetic person and prevent emotional eating.

Choose an exercise that you enjoy, stay consistent & committed and reap the rewards of your effort.