Stair-climbing recommended exercise for postmenopausal women
Stair-climbing lowers blood pressure and builds leg strength, especially in postmenopausal women with estrogen deficiencies who are more susceptible to vascular and muscle problems.
This is according to a new study published in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
According to the study, identifying the right form of exercise for postmenopausal women to achieve the desired benefits without creating additional health problems is complicated.
It was found that stair-climbing offers the benefits of aerobic and resistance exercise for improving cardiorespiratory fitness and leg muscle strength in postmenopausal women without them having to leave the house or pay a fee, which tackles a sense of embarrassment women could feel as well as any monetary concerns.
The exercise also offers the additional benefits of fat loss, improved lipid profiles, reduced arterial stiffness and blood pressure and reduced risk of osteoporosis.
Dr JoAnn Pinkerton, NAMS executive director, said:
“This study demonstrates how simple lifestyle interventions such as stair-climbing can be effective in preventing or reducing the negative effects of menopause and age on the vascular system and leg muscles of postmenopausal women with hypertension.”