4 Reasons Why Older Women Should Run

Do you think that sports are only for younger people? Have you ever felt that you are too old to start running as a form of exercise? Think again.

As you get older, you need to run more than ever. Why? One word. Menopause.

Even before menopause, from your forties onwards, your hormones fluctuate as your body prepares to shut down its baby making factory. Female hormone production drops. Drastically.

Estrogen, a female hormone, protects your body against heart disease and oesteoporosis. On top of that, the fall in your female hormones cause your body to store more fat around your waist.

Then there are the other symptoms of perimenopause like insomnia and mood swings.

Guess what. Running helps with these problems.

#1 Heart disease
Running strengthens your heart. Not only does your heart get a great workout as it pumps harder to circulate your blood, your cholesterol levels go down. You will have a healthier heart as a result of running.

#2 Osteoporosis
Running increases bone density. Your bone is living matter, with your bone cells replacing themselves with time. Just remember to take calcium supplements or eat food that is rich in calcium while you are at it. Running is a weight bearing exercise that strengthens your bones and helps negate the osteoporosis effect of perimenopause and menopause.

#3 Insomnia
Running lets you sleep deeper at night

#4 Weight gain
Whether the fat is gathering around your hips or your belly as is the case as you get older, running will certainly help. It is the most effective weight control exercise around and is something anyone can do.

So what are you waiting for? Get your running gear and start running.