You may think a Fitbit is just for counting your steps. It does a great job of that. The ‘reminders to move’ can make a big difference to help regularly nudge you off your desk. Conversely, I know that it’s also the reason that puts women off using it, as it feels like it’s something else on their to-do list!
There are 3 ways I think a Fitbit is a great addition to your Exercise Toolkit, and can help you ‘listen to your body’. For many women after the menopause, having empirical evidence alongside how you feel can help you join the dots and develop wisdom and help with making exercise decisions. Particular with a back to basics approach to exercising again.
Resting Heart Rate
This is how much work your heart is doing on average. It can be higher if you are stressed, have something on your mind, feeling a bit poorly or lower when you feel chilled and rested. You can see where your general range lies, with peak and troughs as well as the averages. The lower your resting heart rate, the fitter you are and the less your heart has to work.
Sleep Score
There is a big difference waking up tired when you haven’t slept well and waking up tired when it looks like you have slept well! Sleep is your secret weapon during the menopause as it helps your body integrate and balance your hormones. Rather annoyingly interrupted sleep is common with the menopause, so this can be a deliberate focus and change in habits. Keeping track of your sleep and energy levels and adjusting your exercise intensity to match is a great stratergy during the menopause
Your History
I have had a Fitbit since 2017 which also means I have 5/6 years of data. I can see how my heart rate and sleep patterns have changed during the menopause.
In a world where we are overloaded with general information. Information on how your body has reacted to the changes in your body, while in transforms during the menopause is one of the best tools to help you make decisions and adjust your behaviour where needed.
When you are working out how to workout in your fifties, a fitness tracker such as a Fitbit can be a great addition in your Exercise Toolkit
Samantha Valand is a Pilates teacher, Yoga Instructor and Personal Trainer. Who helps women fall in love with exercising again after the menopause. You can find some inspiration over on the blog Samatha has a free newsletter and a fun way to sign up is through my 'Elements of Exercise | Post menopause Quiz' which help you figure out what type of fitness focus to set next using Elements of Exercise framework
