"Let lifting become your strength in this transitional phase of life"

I have never been a gym bunny, that's not me.

As a child, I had zero exposure to sports in my school.

The idea of girls lifting weights or running was unheard of.

The first time I ever engaged in any form of physical activity was handling a heavy rifle as part of my college degree.

My body ached for days, but I loved the challenge.

"In our family, girls don't do this stuff. It's not good for you to exert yourself," said my dad.

Despite this, I rebelled, and that moment marked the beginning of my journey.

In my mid-thirties, I took up running after battling post-natal depression.

It became a passion, but it led to the loss of muscle mass and excessive weight loss.

Fast forward to my 40s, and here I am, feeling my best and enjoying the reflection in the mirror, thanks to seven years of consistent weightlifting (with a break during the COVID period due to limited access to heavy weights).

I'm sharing this with you because although you can't control the decline of your sex hormones, you can control the process of ageing.

For women over 40, losing muscle mass means burning fewer calories and a softer physique.

Focusing solely on weight loss rather than muscle gain might not be in your best interest.

Many women I speak to daily are not lifting weights consistently due to various reasons such as fear of the unknown, fear of judgment, lack of knowledge, environment, or motivation.

I understand these hurdles; I was once the person eyeing the weights area while sticking to the treadmill for similar reasons.

Here are five key reasons why lifting heavy weights can be beneficial during the perimenopause stage:

1. Preserve Muscle Mass:

Lifting heavy weights helps preserve muscle mass, which tends to decline during perimenopause. Maintaining muscle mass supports a healthy metabolism and aids in weight management.

2. Boost Metabolism:

Resistance training with heavy weights can increase your basal metabolic rate, allowing you to burn more calories even at rest. This can be particularly helpful for managing weight fluctuations during perimenopause.

3. Enhance Bone Density:

Weightlifting puts stress on your bones, which can stimulate bone growth and improve bone density. This is crucial during perimenopause when women are at an increased risk of osteoporosis.

4. Hormonal Balance:

Engaging in heavy weightlifting can positively impact hormone levels, including the production of growth hormone and testosterone, which can help counteract the hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause.

5. Improved Functional Strength:

As you age, maintaining functional strength becomes increasingly important. Lifting heavy weights can help improve overall strength, making daily activities easier and reducing the risk of injury.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the benefits of lifting heavy weights during perimenopause are numerous, ranging from preserving muscle mass and boosting metabolism to enhancing bone density and improving functional strength.

Incorporating weightlifting into your fitness routine can be a transformative step in maintaining overall health and well-being during this transitional phase of life.

It's time to embrace the power of lifting and enjoy the positive impact it can have on your body and mind.

Farah Kariamburi

Founder of Deep Body Health™ & The Meno-Fit Fat Loss Method™