How to balance your hormones

How to balance your hormones with exercise
 
Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They affect our energy, fertility and moods, and need to be kept in balance to protect our health.

Exercise reduces some of the problems linked to hormone imbalances and releases mood-enhancing chemicals to help us cope with stress. Training with resistance is also a great way to combat oestrogen depletion, which occurs as women age, and helps to keep bones strong and ward of conditions such as osteoporosis.

This cardio and strength workout will help promote hormone balance and keep both your body and mind in tiptop shape.

>>SET UP YOUR CIRCUIT
Complete 3 x five-minute rounds, doing as many reps as you can of each exercise per minute:

• 1 minute of wall balls with a 4kg ball (6kg for men), and a 2.5m-high target.
• 1 minute of sumo deadlift high-pulls with a 10kg barbell or dowel rod (15kg for men).
• 1 minute of box jumps with a 40cm-high plyo box.
• 1 minute of push-presses with a 10kg barbell or dowel rod (15kg for men).
• 1 minute on a rower or treadmill.
• 1 minute rest.

INTERMEDIATE: Use a 6kg ball (9kg for men) and a 2.5m-high target; a 15kg barbell (20kg for men); and a 50cm-high plyo box.

ADVANCED: Use a 6kg ball (9kg for men) and a 3m-high target; a 25kg barbell (35kg for men); and 50cm-high plyo box.