WHY PILATES IS SO VALUABLE THROUGHOUT THE MENOPAUSE

Improving your health during the menopause is essential but it’s just as important to prepare your body for menopause as well as looking after it post menopause. Exercise is the perfect way to improve your physical and emotional wellbeing but as your body experiences the changes that come with menopause you may be unsure what is safe and effective for you. Here are some tips to help you achieve your goals and why Pilates is so valuable.

Two significant factors for women going through the menopause is health risk to our cardiovascular system and bone strength. Maintaining physical activity not only helps address but also protect against these conditions. It’s important to mention that menopause isn’t the cause of cardiovascular disease but often the lifestyle changes that commonly occur in this period of life that increase your risk. Cardiovascular activities can be tricky during the menopause if you are experiencing hot flushes. This should not put you off exercising though as 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week can improve your health risks.

The benefits of exercise are maintaining bone mass, improving strength and flexibility, and improving balance which in turn reduces the risk of falls and therefore risk of fractures. Weight bearing (3-5 times per week) and resistance/strength exercise (2-3 times per week) help increase Bone Mineral Density by stimulating bone growth.

Pilates is a great form of exercise for bone loading due to the positions used and the action of muscles. We often don’t use our upper body sufficiently in our daily lives so four-point kneeling exercises on the mat will help you safely and effectively load your wrist bones.

During menopause the body experiences hormonal changes, loss of oestrogen has an impact on collagen which is important to maintain joint lubrication and tendon repair. You may also have noticed your muscle tone changes which can be frustrating when you have continued to exercise as normal. Softening of the muscles through hormonal changes not only means less strength but also less control over your movement. The reduction of oestrogen also leads to redistribution of body fat particularly to the abdominal area. Pilates is proven and evidence based to build core strength and muscle tone.

Women often mention brain fog this is when they lose their train of thought as they are going through menopause. Pilates focuses on the mind-body connection which means that your concentration will start to improve as well. Learning a new task has been scientifically shown to help brain health.

Menopause is inevitable so whether you are perimenopausal, menopause or postmenopausal, now is the perfect time to take a health audit, join a Pilates class and realign your future health.

To find a qualified teacher, visit the Body Control Pilates website

Jules Hardman Body Control Pilates Teacher www.jules-pilates-alderleyedge.co.uk

Baby Ballet

Tuesday afternoon at Handforth & Prestbury School of Dance, Dean Row Community Hall, Dean Row. Call Michelle on 0161 483 6678.

Baby Bounce suitable for 12 months and under - Tuesdays 9.4510.15. Wilmslow Library. Pleas book in advance by calling 01625 374 060

Baby Massage & More, Meet & Massage and Mother & Baby Yoga - Lushtums

Classes in Poynton, Hazel Grove & Parrswood at local venues or in your own home. Baby Massage & More is a lovely way to enhance your bond with your baby, aid relaxation and sleep, relieve colic and constipation and meet new friends. Postnatal Yoga with your baby to regain your strength and shape one day at a time, whilst having yoga fun with your baby. Babies welcomed with all their moods and states. Pregnancy Yoga and birth preparation also available. Contact Suzanne.wild@lushtums. co.uk or www.lushtums.co.uk.

Baby Reflexology

Thursday morning at Moor Lane, Wilmslow. Call Gabby on 07817 597288.

Baby Sensory

Tuesday morning & afternoon at St John’s Church Hall, Knutsford Road, Wilmslow. Call Beccy on 07503 547083.

Bon Bons

Wednesday morning at Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliff Road, Wilmslow. Call Bonnie on 07739 359948.

Caterpillar Music

Monday morning at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Rectory Fields, Wilmslow. Call Jan on 01925 860459.

The Creation Station

Wednesday morning at Dean Row Village Hall, Brown Lane, Wilmslow. Call Sarah on 0844 854 5065.

Friday Tots

Friday 10 – 11.30am at Alderley Edge Methodist Church. Call Susan on 01625 585166.

Little Footprints

Wednesday & Friday 9.15 – 11am at Dean Row Community Centre, Dean Row. Call Brenda on 01625 251097.

Little Strikers Pre-School Football

Monday morning at Parish Hall, The Corrs, Cliff Road, Wilmslow. Wednesday morning at The Scout Hut, Talbot Road, Alderley Edge. Call 07792 791382

Lego Club

Thursdays 3.30-4.30. Wilmslow Library. Pleas book in advance by calling 01625 374 060

Little Superstars Sports Club

Friday morning & afternoon at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Rectory Fields, Wilmslow. Call Louise on 07904 311552.

Mums, Dads & Tots

Wednesday 1.30 – 3pm at St. Benedict’s Church, Hall Road, Handforth. Call Jacquie on 01625 250471.

Music Bugs

Friday morning at Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliff Road, Wilmslow. Call Stacey on 0844 822 1175.

Praise & Play

Tuesday at 1.30 – 3pm at St Chad’s Church, Wilmslow Road, Handforth. Call Chris on 01625 530228

Puddle Ducks Baby & Pre-School Swimming

Friday afternoon at The Hallmark Hotel, Stanley Road, Handforth. Call 01477 410080.

Pregnancy yoga

Sundays 9:30 - 11:00 at the Dean Row Village Hall, Wilmslow. Call Anna on 07801 058379 or email anna@yoga4pregnancy.co.uk

Postnatal yoga

Thursdays 10:00 - 11:30 at the Dean Row Village Hall, Wilmslow. Call Anna on 07801 058379 or email anna@yoga4pregnancy.co.uk. Little ones welcome.

Raindrops Tots

Tuesday 10am – 12pm (term time only) at Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliff Road, Wilmslow.

Rhyme Time

Thursdays 11.00-11.30. Wilmslow Library. Pleas book in advance by calling 01625 374 060

Sally Williams Baby Ballet

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday afternoons at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Rectory Fields, Wilmslow. Call Sally on 01625 585070.

Songs & Rhymes

Mondays during term time at 10 am at Wilmslow Methodist Church. Please contact the church office on 01625 528892 for more info or to book a place.

Story Time for Under 5’s

Mondays 9.45-10.15. Wilmslow Library. Pleas book in advance by calling 01625 374 060

Talking Tots

Wednesday morning at Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliff Road, Wilmslow. Call Beccy on 07947 735373.

Tennis Tykes

Monday & Friday afternoon (term time only) at St John’s Church Centre, Lindow. Call Caroline on 07843 342662.

Tiddlywinks Mini Church (activities, play & stories)

Story, song and craft activity session on Wednesdays during term time 10.30 am - 12 pm at Wilmslow Methodist Church. Please contact the church office on 01625 528892 for more info.

Tiny Hands

Friday 10 – 12pm at St Mary’s Methodist Church, Wilmslow Road, Handforth. Call Margaret on 01625 526591.

Tiny Toes

Wednesday morning at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Rectory Fields, Wilmslow. Call Sally on 01625 585070.

Tumble Tots

Tuesday and Wednesday at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Rectory Fields, Wilmslow. Contact Megan on 07814 020095.

Water Babies Swimming

Monday afternoon / Tuesday morning at The Hallmark Hotel, Stanley Road, Handforth. Call Chris on 01270 611111. Also Monday & Wednesday afternoon at The Holiday Inn, Altrincham Road, Wilmslow. Call 01270 781239.

If you are interested in attending any of these activities please phone first to check the details.

EVERY THURSDAY LEGO CLUB: 5-6:30pm: ideal for 5+, free, no need to book so come and get creative - telephone 01625 374 060 for further details. Wilmslow Library.

FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH: WILMSLOW

WORDSMITHS WRITING GROUP: 10:30-11:45: write poetry, short stories or scripts in an informal setting, no experience necessary. Free, no need to book. Telephone 01625 374 060 for further details. Wilmslow Library.

EVERY SATURDAY MORNING:

COFFEE – CONCERT – COMPANIONSHIP

Coffee Morning 10 am – 12 noon every Saturday (except August). Come and meet your friends, have a natter, browse the stalls for home-made goodies, books, Traidcraft items and much more. Informal Piano Recitals from 11 am on the first Saturday of the month. Admission free.

Alderley Edge Methodist Church www.alderleyedgemethodistchurch.com

EVERY SUNDAY MORNING: THE ALDERLEY

EDGE, WILMSLOW AND DISTRICT

FOOTPATHS PRESERVATION SOCIETY

Visit www.footpaths.org.uk

EVERY SUNDAY: “HUNGRY FOR HELP”

Contact Suzi 07876 152 630 www.oagb.org.uk

EVERY SUNDAY: TAI CHI

All year round, every Sunday morning at 10.30am @ the Leisure Centre Cricket ground. No tuition. No charge and free parking!

SATURDAY 11TH MARCH: SOUPERDAY

Local volunteer-run charity Wilmslow Wells for Africa (founded 1984) will be holding another of their popular fund-raisers to continue financing sources of clean water for African villages in dire need. A choice of soups will be offered (all dairyfree and vegetarian), with home-made bread and a hot drink included for £5 cash. Cakes and home produce to buy.Join us 11.30–2.00 at The Wilmslow Methodist Church Halls, Water Lane, SK9 5AR, (parking at rear).

TUESDAY 21ST TO SATURDAY 25TH MARCH

2023 – FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL.

Presented by TEMPO (The Edge Musical Performing Organisation). TEMPO’s talented young cast are excited to be performing Footloose this year. Based on the successful

1980’s film it’s a show full of great choreography and unforgettable songs including the hits; Holding Out for a Hero, Let’s Hear it for the Boy and of course the unforgettable title track Footloose. Footloose will be at the Evans Theatre, Wilmslow Leisure Centre, each night at 7.30pm, with a Matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets, priced between £12 - £15 are on sale now, go to www.tempotheatre.com and follow the link or call 07536 398948.

SATURDAY 25TH MARCH:

THE LINDOW SINGERS SPRING CONCER

Conductor Kathryn Bradley. Accompanist Ethan Mitchell. The programme: Music of Stillness, Elaine Hagenberg, The Evening Primrose, Britten String Quartet Recital, Locus Iste, Bruckner, Become Spring, Mitchell,Five English Folk Songs, Ralph Vaughan Williams Good Night, Dear Heart, Dan Forrest. 7:30pm at St Bartholomew’s Church Wilmslow.Tickets: full price £12; Students £3. Available from choir members, call 01625 611124 or on the door.

SATURDAY 25TH MARCH:

THE LINDOW SINGERS SPRING CONCERT

Conductor Kathryn Bradley. Accompanist Ethan Mitchell. The programme: Music of Stillness, Elaine Hagenberg, The Evening Primrose, Britten String Quartet Recital, Locus Iste, Bruckner, Become Spring, Mitchell, Five English Folk Songs, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Good Night, Dear Heart, Dan Forrest 7:30pm at St Bartholomew’s Church Wilmslow.Tickets: full price £12; Students £3. Available from choir members, call 01625 611124 or on the door.

SUNDAY 26TH MARCH: THE BARNBY CHOIR Bruckner Mass in D Minor, Haydn Nelson Mass Starts 7.30 pm at St. Michael’s Church, Robins Lane, Bramhall, SK7 2PG Tickets £12 from Shan Bristow 01625 520193 or email: shan@shanbristow.co.uk

SATURDAY APRIL 22ND: WILMSLOW GUILD GARDENING CLUB ANNUAL PLANT SALE. The sale will be held in the main hall at the guild from 10am to 12 noon. The plants for sale are donated by members of the gardening club and there is always an eclectic mix of plants from some quite common ones to rare treasures. Gardening club members will be on hand to give advice about plant care. For more information contact 07421 350155