Going to the gym is all very well for the women who can get to one easily, enjoy exercising in front of other people and who look good in a leotard. Exercise equipment at home is fine if you have the room to store the machine when you are not using it, and the will power to pull it out from the cupboard or under the bed everyday. For many of us exercise screams of torture and unpleasantness, and it doesn’t have to be that way.

Perimenopause can be a really exciting time in your life because you are finally freeing yourself from child rearing and family duties. Your commitment to the family, while still very strong, doesn’t (or shouldn’t) require you to spend all your time and energies devoted to them. Perimenopause is the start of the ‘ME-years’, and can be the start of a whole new adventure in your life.

Take the time at least 3 – 4 times a week to do something that you enjoy, and get a bit of exercise at the same time. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started.

Walking Activities – walking is one of the best types of activities you can do and the cheapest. Power walk in one direction then meander back home. Look for collectibles (flowers, rocks, shells, leaves) for creative work. Take a dog with you. If you are an urban dweller then take advantage of the early morning or evening to window shop- you won’t be tempted to shop because the shops won’t be open but you can keep yourself updated on what is going on in your area. For those readers that are near the water actually wading along the edge of a lake, stream or beach can be a pleasant way of increasing the exercise for your legs.

Swimming - Find the quietest times at your local pool or beach and enjoy a leisurely swim combined with some underwater exercises such as leg extensions and squats.

Dance around your house – add a touch of zest to the dusting or when vacuuming – turn the music up loud and dance to it as you work. That will get the pulse racing and make you feel good at the same time.

Take a project you enjoy and get your heart pumping – that is all that is truly needed in exercise – have fun with it.