If you read my previous article in this series I can assure you that I am drinking my healthy smoothies almost daily. However, regular exercise has proven to be difficult as I approach 50. My mind tells me that I can still work out like a 20 year old…but my body sometimes finds itself in recovery for weeks. Yoga has helped me significantly in more ways than simple recovery from a hard workout. Keep scrolling to learn more…

My original workout routine consisted of Orange Theory Fitness 2 days a week and supplementing my workouts with daily walks or bike rides. Physically, this worked for me. But I wasn’t achieving the results that I hoped for. So I kicked it up a notch and started a more vigorous regimen working out 4 days a week as opposed to 2. That was until knee and lower back pain crept in… to the point where I couldn’t even stand or walk. What good is a healthy routine if you can’t even get into the routine?

It wasn’t until I incorporated yoga into my schedule that I started to feel limber and able to take on the more strenuous workouts. In fact, you can find me at Thrive Yoga Studio in Palm Beach Gardens two days a week. I knew this was a good move to help me recover from my tougher workouts. What I didn’t realize was that it would also help with some of the peri menopause symptoms that were contributing to my not so fabulous feelings as I approach the big five Oh No!

If you are 50 something then, like me, you are probably experiencing some or all of the symptoms of peri menopause. This is where fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels trigger hot flashes, anxiety, irritability, weight gain, insomnia, fatigue, depression, mood swings, memory lapses… I got the full gamut and I rarely feel like myself these days. Regular yoga practice has helped to alleviate my symptoms. In fact, I find that I sleep better, I am more mindful of the foods that I eat and I even started to notice a positive change in my body and mood. This is one of the best decisions that I have made toward achieving my goals.

Psst…If you are wondering about that green smoothie that I mentioned earlier click here for the recipe.