It's no secret that gaining weight after fifty is easy to do. Nor is it a surprise that losing weight after fifty seems difficult, if not downright impossible, for some. For women over 50, there is a particular challenge to successfully lose menopause pounds which are attributed to side effects of going through "the change."
Men, too, have difficulty losing weight after a certain age. Consider actor Alex Baldwin, for example, who strutted a less-than svelte form in the film, "It's Complicated." However, look at him now...his middle-age tummy has taken on a youthful look and his entire body appears transformed as well. To what does Mr. Baldwin owe his success? Possibly to his wife, Hilaria, who has a background as a Yoga instructor and more.
While it is obvious that Mr. Baldwin did not have to go through menopause, perhaps he went through "Manopause" and has transformed into a studly new man thanks to his interest in Yoga (and likely a dietary makeover.)
YOGA AND PILATES can help you lose menopause pounds. Here's how.
1. Yoga creates body self awareness. It is a pretty crummy feeling to not be able to hold a certain yoga pose because your belly is in the way (we know this from experience). Yoga poses require excellent posture and being aware of your own body (and it's weaknesses) actually encourages you to aim for correct posture, increasing body awareness as you work toward a stronger, more flexible body.
That belly will shrink as you work on yoga poses. Remember the old story about the tortoise and the hare? Slow and steady wins the race. Work at your own pace, and don't forget to breathe.
2. Pilates movements encourage a focus on the body's core, or torso. The back must be kept absolutely flat while performing various floor movements and the effort to do so will reward you with a tighter tummy and a stronger lower back as well.
Pilates also increases flexibility and strength, which turns your body into a fat-burning machine even when you are not engaged in physical activity. Pretty super, huh?
Take a yoga class once or twice a week and try a Pilates class once or twice a week as well. Buy DVD's if going to a gym or studio is out of the question -- there are a lot of great Yoga and Pilates DVD's out there. Throw in some walking or cardio a few times a week and see if you are able to lose menopause pounds. Give it a minimum of 6 weeks and then do a body check...good news, right?
Read more about the benefits of Yoga and why Yoga exercise is good for you HERE.
