What’s the Best Exercise for Menopause? Here’s the Honest Answer
Why Exercise Matters During Menopause
Menopause brings many changes — some subtle, some less so. As oestrogen levels drop, two parts of your body need extra care and attention: your heart and your bones.
1. Protecting Your Heart
Lower oestrogen means we lose some of the natural protection our heart once had. Cardiovascular exercise helps to fill that gap.
Anything that makes you breathe a little faster and gets your heart rate up will help strengthen your cardiovascular system — things like:
- Brisk walking
- Jogging or running
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Dancing
- Rowing
- Gymstick
These activities challenge your heart and lungs, making them more efficient at rest and helping you maintain good heart health as you move through menopause and beyond.
2. Strengthening Your Bones
Another major effect of menopause is the gradual loss of bone density. As oestrogen levels lower, bone growth slows, and if we don’t support our bodies through nutrition and movement, our bones can become weaker and more fragile.
This is where resistance training becomes essential. You don’t need to lift heavy weights at the gym (unless you enjoy it!) — resistance can come from your own body weight, resistance bands, Gymstick class or light weights. The key is to load your bones and muscles safely and progressively.
Resistance training helps:
- Improve bone strength
- Maintain muscle tone
- Support good posture
- Prevent injury
- Boost overall confidence in movement
The Honest Approach to Exercise in Menopause
At Honest Body by Launch Exercise Therapy, I take the confusion out of exercise. There’s no pressure, no spiritual spin — just clear, safe, and evidence-based guidance to help you understand what your body needs right now.
Whether you join an Honest Body Retreat or book a 1:1 session, you’ll learn how to move safely, build strength, and support your health in a way that feels right for you.
If you’d like to learn more, explore the Honest Body page here:
👉 https://launchexercisetherapy.co.uk/honest-body/
In Summary
There’s no single “best” exercise for menopause — only the one you’ll enjoy and keep doing. The most important thing is to stay consistent, protect your heart, and strengthen your bones.
Move in ways that feel good, build your confidence, and let your body thank you for it.