I Bought a Treadmill. It’s Basically My New Midlife Sidekick
So, I did a thing. I bought a treadmill from Amazon. Not one of those high maintenance, stuck in a corner forever ones. Nah, she’s a shortie at little over three feet long. I can quickly slide her under the couch, fully aware that I am flirting with the all too visible threat of “out of sight out of mind”. But for now, I have faith.
Here’s why: menopause has decided to set up permanent camp in my body, and apparently, it brought a few extra pounds and mood swings as souvenirs. The kind that just won’t leave no matter how many salads you eat or how “grateful” you try to be. So, instead of spiraling into a snack-fueled Netflix abyss, I decided to fight back, one step at a time. Literally.
My Motivation
- To shed those stubborn menopause pounds.
I’m not aiming for a six-pack, I just want to zip my jeans without a belly bubble. The treadmill seemed like a low drama way to sneak in some movement and hit a respectable step count by the end of the day. - To fix my mood before it fixes me.
Apparently, exercise releases endorphins (science!) and helps balance hormones which, if you’re in menopause, is basically like saying “it might make you feel slightly less unhinged.” I’ll take it. - To walk while watching my guilty pleasures.
Picture this: me, power walking in my living room, watching Love Island Australia and pretending the chaos on screen is a metaphor for my own hormonal situation. It’s multitasking, but make it mental health.
The Cool Part: It Vibrates
This treadmill also has a built-in vibration plate, and let me tell you, that was the unexpected cherry on top. Everyone online is buzzing about lymphatic drainage right now, and while I’m still not 100% sure if my lymphs need draining, I figured it couldn’t hurt.
But after some light Googling (and a heaping amount of Instagram rabbit holes), here’s what I’ve gathered this vibration function is actually good for, especially for women like me in menopause:
- Improves circulation – because apparently, blood flow doesn’t just slow in the metaphorical sense after 50.
- Helps with muscle recovery – those calves need some love after a few thousand steps.
- Supports bone density – huge win since menopause can play tricks on your bones.
- May help reduce bloating and water retention – a.k.a. the difference between “I feel puffy” and “I feel human.”
Basically, it’s a full-body wake-up call. And if it can jiggle away a bit of stress while I catch up on Love Island, even better.
The Verdict
I’m a few days in, and honestly? I’m kind of obsessed. I get my steps in, I boost my mood, and I feel like I’m doing something nice for myself without leaving the house or changing into leggings that I’m beginning to wonder if I’m too old for (that’s a whole other topic!).
So if you’re also navigating the wild ride that is menopause, and you want to move your body without making it a thing, a treadmill like this might just be your new best friend. Bonus points if it vibrates.
P.S. This is the one that I got and loving it so far! https://amzn.to/43XjxYB
And full disclosure, I am an Amazon associate and I do earn a commission from qualifying purchases…and trust I would never get behind a product that I don’t use myself!
