Walk off menopause symptoms!

A new study shows that women who walk regularly during menopause have far fewer hot flashes and other menopause-related woes than those who don’t! In fact, researchers say that walking is so effective, it can:

1 Lift self-esteem and nix the blues!

In the study, women who walked three times a week were happier with their looks and with their lives overall! “Exercise helps boost serotonin, which promotes feelings of calmness and wellbeing,” says obstetriciangynecologist Lauren Streicher, M.D. “It may also help curb mood-altering hormone fluctuations.”

2 Whittle your middle!

In a University of Virginia study, middle-aged women who took three short, fast-paced walks weekly lost an average of five inches from their waists in just a few months. One reason? Exercise thwarts belly-fat-boosting hormones like cortisol. Other research found fitting in even one minute of really fast walking builds calorie-burning muscle as effectively as 45 minutes of leisurely exercise!

3 KO hot flashes!

Walking for 30 minutes several times a week cuts the odds of hot flashes 30%, reveals a study of 3,500-plus women! Walking helps steady hormone levels and the temperature-regulating areas of your brain.

4 Improve sleep!

A daily 10-minute walk calms your brain and improves your body’s internal temperature control—allowing you to fall asleep more easily and avoid menopause-related night sweats!

5 Erase brain fog!

Menopause-related hormone changes can up cortisol, inhibiting concentration. Luckily, “any aerobic exercise lowers cortisol,” says Al Sears, M.D., author of PACE: The 12 Minute Fitness Revolution. No wonder pre-menopausal and menopausal women feel less stressed and more focused after a short walk!