Too much cardio was toxic for me
Hey lovely, how are you? I hope you’re fab and well?
Recently, I’ve been reflecting more on my perimenopause journey, and I want to share a lesson that has truly transformed my life, especially as we navigate the changes that come with life after 40.
Last year, as I turned 45, everything shifted. My body and energy levels began to change dramatically due to perimenopause. For years I had loved intense cardio workouts, believing that pushing through would keep me energised and fit. And for many years this served me well because I loved the sweat and feeling the burn, and I felt great.
However, as my hormones began to decline, I found that the activities I once loved, like running and pounding the cardio machines, left me feeling depleted and exhausted rather than invigorated.
Instead of leaping up in the morning, wanting to go for a run or use the x trainer for ages, in anticipation of feeling awesome afterwards, I started to find it all very tiring… I found my physical energy was depleting. I wasn’t feeling the same as I used to.
I also started to feel very anxious and overwhelmed, which was really scary. This then manifested in panic attacks, which was a very clear signal to me that my body and mind were out of balance and something had to change.
This experience opened my eyes to the importance of truly listening to my body. I realised I had to make some big changes. I understood that something wasn’t right. I knew it was linked to my hormones and changes caused by the perimenopause. Have you experienced anything similar to his?
I began to cut back on the cardio and embraced a gentler approach to movement. Walking became my absolute go to. I focused on adding in some strength training and resistance workouts over high-intensity cardio, which felt very alien to me. Alongside these changes, I also re-evaluated my nutrition; making choices that nurtured my body, helped with energy levels and helped to balance my hormones too. These shifts not only rejuvenated my energy but also gave me a sense of calm and well-being. I started to feel like myself again.
Nurturing ourselves is so key. Our hormones are powerful players; influencing our energy, mood, and physical capabilities. It’s so important to acknowledge these changes and adapt our routines to help ourselves during this time. Embracing rest and self-care isn’t just beneficial; it’s crucial. Movement is incredibly important, but so is allowing our bodies the time they need to recover and thrive. It truly is a balancing act.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about how to balance your lifestyle with exercise, nutrition, and mindset, I’m here to support you. Email me if you are in the perimenopause and want help with navigating this bit of your life journey. Let’s chat.
