Why Exercise is So Important for Women

International Women’s Day is just around the corner so it’s time we celebrated the wonderful females in our life. It’s also a great chance to remind you of the importance of exercise for women.

Exercise is of course important to all, but let’s look at some of the female specific benefits of moving more!

Why Women Need to Exercise

Manage Your Mood

Whether mood disruptions are being caused by your menstrual cycle or menopause, physical activity can play a key role in regulating the disruption. When estrogen levels drop, such as before and during a woman’s period or leading up to menopause, women lose a natural source of the “feel good” brain chemical called serotonin. This makes them more susceptible to moodiness, depression and anxiety attacks, such as the symptoms found in severe premenstrual syndrome or post-partum depression.

Strengthen Those Bones

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing, “the prevalence of osteoporosis among those aged 50 and over was estimated to be 23% of women and 6% of men. This estimate includes both diagnosed and undiagnosed cases of osteoporosis.”

As the prevalence is higher in women, this means we need YOU to move MORE. Women naturally having thinner bones than men, so doing the right exercise can help these bones stay strong when you age.

Maintain A Healthy Weight Range

As women age and the hormonal changes begin, women are more susceptible to gaining weight.

In one 20-year study of 3,500 men and women conducted by researchers at Northwestern University, all participants gained weight as they aged, but those who exercised gained substantially less weight. Women, especially, benefitted, gaining 6 kgs less, on average, than inactive women.

Exercise can play a key role in managing weight and helping you feel more positive about your body image.

Reduce Risk of Female Specific Cancer

Gynaecological cancer will made up approximately 9.7% of new female cancer cases in 2019, with 6,454 females estimated to be diagnosed with gynaecological cancer in the year. 

Breast cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in Australia and also the second most common cause of death from cancer among females. In 2019, it was estimated that it will remain the fourth most common cause of death from cancer and the second most common cause of death from cancer among females.

There is very strong evidence to support the fact that exercise plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing cancer.

As we age and our lives get busy, exercise tends to fall down the priority list for most women. We are challenging all women to get active today!

If you’d like to talk to any of the staff (male or female) at PACE Health Management – Get in touch today!