Here’s Why Strength Training Is A Must During Menopause
(Photo: iStock)
When it comes to reasons not to strength train, Louise Malone, a trainer educator based out of Montreal’s West Island YMCA, has heard them all. “It doesn’t give you that endorphin rush, your muscles are burning, it’s not fun,” says Malone. “However, the long-term payoffs are tremendous, especially for women in menopause.”
Improving bone density—and offsetting the risk of osteoporosis—is number one on Malone’s list of reasons to start strength training, followed by stabilizing mood, improving sleep, enhancing mobility, easing aches and pains and mitigating weight gain and muscle loss.
Not sure where to start? Book a session with a certified personal trainer who has a solid foundation in strength training, sign up for classes at your local gym or pick up some tips from a few of Malone’s favourite Instagram trainers:
Robin Niderost, @movewithrockinrobin
“She’s Canadian, she’s inspirational and she sets a great example for any woman going through the menopause journey.”
Mike Robertson, @robtrainsystems
“The epitome of how a trainer should teach a client.”
Cori Lefkowith, @redefiningstrength
“She’s wonderful and has a lot of menopause-related content.”
Read more about menopause wellness.
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Maureen Halushak is the editor-in-chief of Chatelaine. Outside of work she's an avid runner, writer, reader and dog walker.
