Suzy Gibbons Mitchell explains why we need to move and breathe well during menopause

Even those not directly experiencing symptoms of Peri menopause or Menopause can’t help but be aware of the condition, it’s finally been added to the list of media subjects worthy of discussion. The presenter Davina McCall has been forging a front line of information and advice invaluable to a society previously largely kept in the dark. And yet, all too often when women approach their GP’s concerned with a variety of health issues, they are reminded of their age and the inevitability of age-related issues.

I don’t profess to be an expert on the subject, but I have taught women of all ages for the last 22 years, adolescent, pre-natal, post-natal, post miscarriage, during IVF, after illness, injury and during Chemotherapy. Peri menopause and post Menopause. I’ve taught women in all their life circumstances and no one woman was the same, no experience the same and no exercise approach the same. Currently my oldest client it 78, one of my recent Retreat guests told me how she had taken up Ballet at 61. My own Ballet teacher is 75 and still teaching daily.

When I did my first Personal Training course over 20 years ago, exercise for the ‘over 50s involved a lot of wringing out the towel to strengthen the wrists and seated exercises for safety, thankfully thinking has changed (at least I hope so). I’ve been told previously not to allow Over 50s to bend forward due to increased risk of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis, my question, how exactly does my client put their high heels on without bending forward (or make the bed if that sounds more likely than heels). The point is, every woman I have taught has been unique, Menopause is just another time in our lives to pay attention to the body. Weight loss and building muscle are often given a lot of focus, and in terms of our health we absolutely need to make efforts to maintain strength and flexibility but isn’t it interesting that although our brain makes up only 2% of our body mass, it uses up 20-25% of our body’s oxygen and glucose supply. So, if we are restricting our nutrition and paying little attention to our breathing then brain fog, depression and anxiety suddenly make more sense, whatever age we are.

The simple truth is that when it comes to creating positive habits either in regular movement, nutrition, or stress management we need to treat our bodies as a living, breathing, evolving landscape, both internally and externally. When we take in things that are unhealthy for us, through food and drink but also in the environments and people around us, we are forcing our mind and body to work harder. When we start to observe where we thrive and where we truly don’t, we can establish better routines more easily, as with my client, if you’ve always wanted to dance then find a class, if you hate the gym then why put your mind and body through it?

Movement should be a joy, not a chore. Anything you love to do, you are more likely to do more often and more consistently, your body will thank you by reducing the presence of stress hormones allowing your body’s nervous system to regulate itself more evenly. A reduction in stress supports the Immune system and the nervous system. I can’t promise it will ease all your symptoms, but it will set your body and mind up to manage the inevitable stresses of life whatever age you are.

Move well. Eat well. Breathe well. Be well.

Suzy Gibbons Mitchell is a Pilates and Yoga Teacher and Founder of Seraphina Pilates