Women’s Health Week
Women’s Health Week 2019 is upon us and Longevity Exercise Physiology Edgecliff, Lindfield, Marrickville and Randwick are excited for a week dedicated to raising awareness for women’s health, providing tools and information, and strategies to improve their health. The theme for 2019 is ‘Women’s Health, Powerful Stuff’ and we are here to advocate that exercise is a powerful tool for improving women’s physical and mental health.
Alarmingly, less than half of women aged 18 to 64 accumulate the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity each week and less than one quarter are doing strength training at least twice a week*.
Do you know much exercise you need to do to stay healthy?
-150-300 minutes of moderate intensity exercise
Or
-75-100 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise
Or an equivalent combination of both
And
-Muscle strengthening exercises at least twice a week**.
The missing component of strength training in women’s exercise routines is concerning for a number of reasons. One major reason is that women are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis because the hormone estrogen decreases when women reach menopause. In fact, osteoporosis affects 1 in 4 women aged over 75*** and strength training is known to prevent and slow the progression of osteoporosis. Other reasons women should engage in strength training is for weight management, mental health and prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and heart disease.
Time and priority are two big barriers for women not achieving enough physical activity. Women often feel guilty for taking time away from their work or children to exercise and often prioritise others health and wellbeing before their own.
This week serves as a reminder for women to make their health a priority. This might be going to that preventative screening you’ve been putting off, setting a goal to increase your activity levels and follow a healthier diet or checking in to see if you are getting enough sleep and relaxation time.
At Longevity Exercise Physiology, we also understand that the gym can be considered as an intimidating place for some women (and men). Longevity can provide a safe, comfortable environment for you to begin exercising and reaching your goals. We have three female Exercise Physiologists who are ready to help you! Call 1300 964 002 to get started today.
*https://www.essa.org.au/Public/News_Room/Media_Releases1/2019/Exercise_Right__Exercise_is__Powerful_Stuff__for_women_s_health.aspx
**The Australian Physical Activity Guidelines
***https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/osteoporosis/data
Written by Courtney Maher