[excerpt] Women in their first few years of menopause (search) can reap lots of benefits from exercise, say German researchers.
“This study confirms the importance of exercise in maintaining health,” writes Wolfgang Kemmler, PhD, a researcher for the study.
They say newly menopausal women who exercise get perks, including:
—Better bone density
—Lower cholesterol and blood fats
—Stronger muscles
—Slimmer waists Improved endurance
—Fewer mood swings
—Fewer migraines
—Reduced insomnia
Exercise didn’t trump hot flashes or depression in the study. However, other research has shown that aerobic exercise can have an antidepressant effect.
It’s probably no surprise to hear experts tout the perks of working out. Exercise is widely recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone from kids to senior citizens.
The German study goes a little further. It focused on women who had been menopausal for only one to eight years. Exercise has rarely been studied in such women, say the researchers.Read the entire article. "
