Menopause And The Pilates Method of Exercise
Menopause is defined as that period which marks the permanent caseation of menstrual activity. Usually occurs between the ages of 35 and 58. It is this gradual change in ovarian function that makes up an entire phase of a woman's life.
During menopause or as it used to be known, the 'change of Life' woman want to stay active, look and feel as beautiful through this transition and wll into their 30 plus years of life beyond.
Many books are published on the subject of menopause, one of my favorites is by Dr. Chrisiane Northrup. In 'Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom', she writes, " To make the most of the menopausal transition, I encourage a woman to think of it as a process during which she'll be creating the healthy body she needs to last her until the end of life." She states, "the menopausal transition is an excellent time to focus on the prevention of problems that appear to intensify at this stage."
Many exisiting problems can be exacerbated at this stage, conditions like adrenal exhaustion, fibromyalgia and arthiritis. I know first hand because it happened to me.
It was the fatigue and muscle pain that motivated me to search for relief. And in that search I found Pilates to be the best exercise method for my body. Having been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which is a chronic pain in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joints. Also having been diagnosed with adrenal exhaustion from years of burning the candle at both ends. Throw in with that a bout or two of Lyme's disease and by perimenopause I was a walking disaster.
Many other forms of exercise only made my symptoms worse. It was not until I found Pilates that my body began to actually feel better after a workout session not worse. Before Pilates I was to the point where daily activities were difficult, not to mention my career was in jeopardy as my work requires a fair amount of physical strength.
After my first Pilates session, I noticed a sublte difference. I felt I was able to stand taller at the end of a long day.
As I continued in bi-weekly sessions I began to get stronger, and in gaining strength I re-gained confidence in my body both mentally and physically.
Today at 51, I workout daily, carry a full time massage client schedule, and on the weekends have energy to ride my motorcycle and even take a horseback riding lesson or two.
Sharon Spaziani New Jersey State Certified Massage Therapist and Certified Pilates for Studio Practitioner. She can be reached at millstonepilates.com
