Menopause is coming.
You probably know me, I’m Coach Jennifer, the wife of the husband/wife owners of Northglenn Health and Fitness.
As a 51-year-old woman navigating the challenges of menopause myself, I genuinely understand the unique hurdles we face, especially those over 35. The journey isn’t just physical; it’s deeply emotional and psychological.
I wanted to share some things that might have you noticing changes in the mirror. You should have seen me yesterday, poking and prodding at a roll that I have NEVER seen before. And I see that area of my body quite a bit. These changes happen fast. Menopause got me and menopause is coming for you too.
The Evolving Landscape of Women’s Lives with Menopause
Life is an ever-changing journey. From scaling the heights of our careers to perhaps nurturing children or even grandchildren, to the inevitable physical and emotional shifts of peri-menopause, menopause, and post-menopause – we’re warriors, no doubt. But this journey also means stress often finds a way into our lives.
Stress and Cortisol: Friends or Foes?
Did you know cortisol, our “stress hormone”, has a significant say in our fitness journey? While it serves its purpose during “fight or flight” situations, when it overstays its welcome due to chronic stress, it starts playing tricks. Elevated cortisol might be the reason behind those unexpected cravings or even the stubborn weight that just doesn’t budge.
Stress and Sleep: A Tangled Web
The beauty sleep we so love? Stress tries to snatch that away, too. Poor sleep can increase stress, and increased stress can lead to poor sleep. It’s a vicious cycle, one that has direct implications on our weight management.
Tons of research exists about the damaging effects of stress on your health and fat loss specifically.
Making Choices: Mind Matters
Ever felt too stressed and skipped a workout or reached out for that extra slice of cake? We’ve all been there. Chronic stress can often cloud our judgment, making it harder to stick to our fitness goals.
But here’s the silver lining: With every challenge comes an opportunity. Recognizing and managing our stress, especially as we tread the waters of peri-menopause and beyond, can pave the way for better health, both mentally and physically.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s nugget of wisdom: I’ll share how strength training, something we passionately advocate for at Northglenn Health and Fitness, can be a game-changer in reducing stress and aiding fat loss.
To all the incredible women out there, remember, your strength is unparalleled. We do it all because no one else can! And if ever you need any more guidance on your nutrition or fitness journey, know that we at Northglenn Health and Fitness are here, ready to walk beside you.
Coach Jennifer
ps Walking can be a great way to get outside and connect with nature, which is great for stress relief.
If you would like a challenge to get more steps in outside, click here to learn more about our STEPtember step challenge! We’d love for you to join us!