Vol 14 - Winter 2006

Welcome to our quarterly newsletter. This is the place where you find the latest updates on exercise science, most recent events at Unique Fitness and the most current information on new programs, people and Health updates. Make sure you revisit this site frequently for the up-to-date information

Feature Article:                                                              

Does Menopause lead to Weight Gain?

Are you scared that you will put on weight because you are entering menopause? It is a common believe and sometimes even physicians tell their patients that menopause can cause weight gain. Menopause itself doesn’t need to lead to weight gain. However, there are other changes during that time which contribute to the extra pounds.

Research shows that obesity in women rises significantly with every decade until late adulthood. The average weight gain for women is about one pound per year. While one pound doesn’t seem to be “too much”, we need to keep in mind that when you are 40 years old and start putting one pound on each year, by the time you are 50, you put on 10 pounds, and by the age 60, you put on 20 pounds. Such a weight gain may lead to obesity. Obesity is related to many health problems such as heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer.

The Healthy Women’s Study published in “Postgraduate Medicine” (2000) observed weight gain in women pre- and postmenopausal and concluded that women can gain and lose weight at any stage of their life. However, post-menopause women have a higher body fat percentage, and the accumulation of fat concentrates more in the abdominal area rather than hips and thighs compared to pre-menopausal women. Age related changes and other lifestyle factors, rather that menopause, seem to be responsible for weight gain.

After the age of 50, a person starts losing muscles that cause the resting metabolism rate (RMR) to slow down. This means, even though you may be eating the same amount of calories you will put on weight because your body burns less calories in a resting state than it used to. One way to overcome this disadvantage of aging is to weight train. Weight training not only increases the amount of muscle fibers and fires up the metabolism, but it also prevents bone loss.

In addition, in order to counter balance the additional fat storage, especially around the abdominal area, you need to do aerobic type of activities. Walking, biking, swimming etc. are all good means of targeting the fat layer. However, a stroll in the park will hardly be enough to fight the extra fat storage. A sensible training program that will fit your current fitness condition and health is important to get you started and to be successful. With the right program you will be more motivated, stay with a program and last but not least will make you a healthier person.

So if you still like to sit back and blame nature’s course of time, go ahead. But if you feel you are in control of your own destiny, call us. We will
help you to take a critical look at your lifestyle, nutrition and physical activity level. With our exercise program you will build muscles, increase bone density and will lessen the discomfort of going through menopause.

 

Upcoming Member Event:                                             

Social Hour

Upcoming AFAA Event:                                                  

Personal Trainer Certification:

Welcome 'Connection':                                                   

Unique Fitness will be conducting classes offered by the 'Learning Connection'

Our "Healthy Back and Great Abs" class will also be offered by the the Learning Connection. Please contact the Learning Connection by calling 1-800-432-5520 or visit their web site at www.learnconnect.com to find out more details.