Ask any woman who has undergone it, and they’ll tell you that menopause is no walk in the park! At the onset of perimenopause and menopausal symptoms, women are 25% more likely to experience a decline in mental and physical health due to the various hormonal and physical changes our bodies go through during this life phase. Luckily, studies have shown that Pilates can offer significant relief for those experiencing perimenopause and menopause. From regulating body temperature to promoting pelvic floor function, improving mental health and more, regular Pilates practice can help alleviate menopausal physical and hormonal changes.

At Sheppard Method Pilates in Westwood, we care about your holistic health during all stages of your life! Rather than face menopausal symptoms alone, Pilates can be a beneficial tool of community care to help you experience menopause with grace, while also alleviating some of the more difficult symptoms that can occur. Read on to learn all the extraordinary benefits of regular Pilates practice for perimenopausal and menopausal women!

Want to learn more about how Pilates can benefit you during perimenopause and menopause? Contact Sheppard Method Pilates in Westwood to get started!

Managing Menopausal Symptoms with Pilates

Perimenopausal symptoms generally begin to occur in your early to mid 40s, marked by changes in the menstrual cycle and hormonal fluctuations. Menopause generally occurs within a decade following initial perimenopausal symptoms and is marked by the end of the menstrual cycle altogether. Aside from changes to your cycle, both stages actually share similar symptoms. And while everyone is different, this means there are several years within every woman’s midlife that she will experience menopausal symptoms.

Though symptoms may vary, hormonal effects that Pilates can help to alleviate include:

  • Weight gain
  • Increased PMS symptoms
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Decreased libido
  • Forgetfulness
  • Heightened stress levels
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Fatigue
  • Increased risk of depression and anxiety
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches and joint pain
  • Poor pelvic floor health

Luckily, Pilates can alleviate symptoms during perimenopause and menopause that are brought on by hormonal and physical changes. By focusing on healthy movement, the mind-body connection, and regulating the nervous system and certain hormonal functions, Pilates can provide a holistic approach to ensuring mental and physical wellness through perimenopause and beyond.

Pilates Improves Physical Functioning, Flexibility, and Balance

The endocrine system affects so many functions within our bodies, including our physical functions. If you’ve ever noticed increased clumsiness during PMS, you’ll understand how estrogen drops or surges can impact functioning, flexibility, and balance. During menopause, these effects can be even more dramatic. Pilates enhances core strength, promotes better balance and stability, and improves flexibility through controlled stretching to help you feel in control of your body. With regular practice, menopausal women can ensure overall physical wellness despite hormonal shifts.

Additionally, resistance training also helps increase bone and muscle density. Pilates helps to promote bone, joint, and muscular health and alleviate the aches, creaks, and potential injuries that can occur for women over 40 due to hormonal changes.

Pilates and the Mind-Body Connection During Menopause

The positive effects of Pilates practice on mental health cannot be overstated. Pilates helps to not only regulate hormones through the release of endorphins and dopamine, but also reduces the production of adrenaline and cortisol, that can cause both insomnia and fatigue, increased stress levels, and put you at a higher risk for depression and anxiety. By regulating these hormonal functions, you will be able to treat hormonal mental shifts holistically.

Additionally, through the integration of controlled movements and breathing techniques, Pilates shows improved cognitive abilities, memory retention and concentration skills to help combat menopausal brain fog and memory issues.

Pilates emphasizes the mind-body connection by focusing controlled breathing, promoting relaxation, focus, and calmness. By connecting to your body, you can alleviate the mental challenges during this transformation, and feel at peace. With the foundation of a wellness community, Pilates empowers women, allowing them to rejuvenate mentally and emotionally.

Pilates for Menopause in Westwood

At Sheppard Method Pilates in Westwood, we offer a number of various Pilates classes to help any symptoms you may be experiencing. We understand the unpredictability that menopause can unleash on your life and want to remain a foundation of care for your holistic wellness and overall health. With our Pilates group classesfor all levels, and private stretching classes, and even private studio or at-home classes to tend to your personal needs, such as a more gentle or active recovery practice, available, we are here to support you. More than anything, Pilates is  community; be a part of ours today!

Call the Westwood Pilates instructors at Sheppard Method Pilates to sign up for Pilates classes, today.