According to Tamanna Singh, Certified Menopause Coach & Co- founder of MENOVEDA, "At age 40, a woman's body responds to exercise differently due to fluctuating hormones, muscle health, metabolism, and stress levels. The debate between yoga sessions and high-intensity workouts is becoming a talking point, and health experts suggest not focusing on choosing one over the other, as both yoga and high-intensity workouts play their own role in a woman’s body during midlife."
Why The Sudden Need To Change Fitness After 40?
Women experience various physiological changes in the body such as fluctuating estrogen levels, decreased muscle mass and strength, low bone strength, sleep deprivation and loss of energy beyond the age of 40. These changes are more noticeable during menopause and require a regimen of exercise. While some women prefer yoga to attain flexibility and relaxation, others turn towards high-intensity workouts for strength and stamina. Both yoga and high-intensity exercises are meant to support different aspects of healthy ageing.
How Is High-Intensity Fitness Helpful?
A gradual loss of muscle mass is observed in women beyond 40, influencing their strength and daily energy expenditure. Therefore, intense workouts like HIIT, strength training and endurance exercises become significant for maintaining muscles and metabolic health. Intense physical activities for short duration help to improve cardiovascular fitness, endurance and body composition. Strength training is important for preserving muscles to support mobility and independence with age.
What Is The Need For Yoga Beyond 40?
Yoga provides a holistic approach by combining exercise, breathing practices and mindfulness. Regular practice helps to improve flexibility, posture, balance, and joint mobility. Breathing techniques support relaxation and emotional well-being and also contribute to stress management. Weight- bearing yoga poses help to maintain strength and stability. Yoga helps women who are experiencing mood changes, disturbed sleep and elevated stress levels due to hormonal imbalance.
What Is The Perfect Formula?
Instead of viewing yoga and high-intensity fitness as rivals, combining both offers a more beneficial approach. Where high- intensity exercise provides strength, muscle gain, improved metabolism, and endurance, yoga promotes recovery, flexibility, and mental well-being. A balanced fitness routine includes strength training, moderate to high-intensity moments, yoga and adequate rest.
The future of fitness lies in understanding the changing needs of the body and creating a sustainable balance between strength, recovery and inner well-being.
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