As your body changes, strength training ensure you can experience a stronger, healthier future as you transition through perimenopause and menopause. The team at Kieser Norwood explain.

Menopause is one of the most significant changes in a woman’s life. There’s a major flux in hormones – including a sharp drop in estrogen – which causes what scientists dub the ‘renovation project of the brain’. But this hormone shift also impacts how our body operates: we store fat differently, our muscles are affected and bone loss increases.

Strength training – especially through programs developed at globally renowned clinics such as Kieser Norwood – stands as one of the most effective strategies for combating the effect of menopause, particularly when preserving muscles and bone health.

How does menopause impact the body?

As estrogen levels drop, your bones become more fragile and your muscle mass diminishes. The combination of this increases the development of osteoporosis and sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss).

Without intervention, research suggests that women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone density during the menopausal transition. The first five years post- menopause are the most critical for action, particularly when you also consider that after the age of 40, women can lose approximately eight percent of their muscle mass per decade. Together, these factors mean postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of falls and fractures with restricted mobility.

How can strength training help?

Kieser’s scientific and evidence- based approach is one of a kind.
The Norwood-based clinic (one of 175 worldwide!) is home to unique Swiss-engineered equipment designed to isolate and target specific muscles that improve your overall strength.

In the lead up to menopause, resistance exercises can help improve bone density and slow the rate of bone loss. Through specific movements and exercise, the body responds by building stronger bone tissue – an important, protective element for your future health.

Building muscle mass is also crucial. Strength training activates muscle fibres, which can prevent muscle loss and, in some cases, reverse it. Kieser’s specialised equipment ensures you can progressively increase your strength. And by improving your muscle mass, you’ll see overall enhancements in your balance, coordination, health and strength.

Further, menopause slows your metabolism and impacts how your body stores fat. Muscles are metabolically active, meaning they burn calories even when resting, and strength training can help you control your weight. Lastly, core, back and leg exercises – plus pelvic floor activations – will improve your posture, balance and mobility while also reducing the risk of falls and incontinence.

A long-term solution

Back, shoulder, hip and knee pain – and related injuries – are common amongst women post or currently experiencing menopause. At Kieser, the team of leading physiotherapists curate your exercise program, ensuring it’s tailored to addressing your aches and pains while increasing muscle mass and bone density.

Your body and its limitations – like joint pain, stiffness, muscular pain or existing injuries – are always accounted for and you will never be pushed outside your capability. This means you can progress your strength journey and manage chronic pain without stress.

Ready to start?

Kieser offers a structured and personalised approach to strength training, guided by physiotherapists. This allows for a gradual increase in weight and intensity, in a safe and sustainable way.

Variety in your program is also important. At the Norwood clinic, you’ll have the opportunity to move between diverse equipment and exercise to keep your workout fresh while delaying plateaus. Kieser’s Swiss-developed equipment is also world-leading in its ability to target major muscle groups (think core, legs and back) for overall strength improvement.

However, consistency is your ticket to ensuring your muscle and bone health is protected during and after menopause. Kieser recommends you attend a strength training session two to three times a week, giving your body time to rest and recover between workouts, for the best results.

Accessible Approach

At Kieser, eligible people have the potential to unlock fully funded private health programs through their insurance, making it easier for some menopausal women to take control of their health in a safe and supportive environment.

Kieser Norwood
Level 1/166 The Parade, Norwood
08 7095 5556
kieser.com.au
@kieseraustralia