How to fit it all in? Well, you actually don't have to. But what you do need to know is this...

Exercising in perimenopause (and beyond) is easier said than done. I am not going to be the one to tell you the obvious - exercise is good for you (well, it is, but that’s not the point).

What I want to outline here is WHY it’s important and how you can make it work for you.

The first thing to understand is that you need to become very purposeful with your exercise routine. Exercise is a tool in the holistic universe of wellbeing (in perimenopause or otherwise), so you need to use it to benefit from it.

Here are the golden rules for your perimenopause toolkit:

• Fuelled exercise only: whatever you do, fasted workouts should really disappear from your routine. Make sure you're fuelled appropriately for your session

• More isn't better: Longer gym hours won’t make you feel better in the long term. With limited time (and energy!), make sure each session has a purpose and uses time efficiently. You can fit a lot into 20 mins. 

• Weights and jumping over long cardio: unlike in our 20s. Long cardio sessions can add stress to an already stressed body and, as a result, worsen the already deregulated system. A short and focused session including weights and/or plyometric exercises will work much better. They will make you mobile, strong, improve your balance and work wonders for your brain and bones.

• Fun is important! Set aside some time (not necessarily a lot of time) for doing exercise that brings you joy and calms your system: walking, dancing, yoga. My personal favourite is an easy bike ride to the local cafe for a cinnamon bun and an Americano 🙂

These 4 principles are key for a better understanding of the exercise puzzle in the bigger jigsaw of your health in perimenopause.