Women should have a healthy and fulfilling fun life, says fitness expert

Afra Afzal Sait | NT

Bengaluru: Women across India are celebrating National Women's Health and Fitness Day on September 27, which promotes women's wellbeing through exercise and health.

Across the country, an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 women of all ages gather at local health and fitness events. News Trail spoke to Wanitha Ashok, a Fit India Ambassador and Get Fit initiator, about fitness tips for working professionals beyond 40 years of age.

"Women must set aside a specific time each day for exercise, incorporating strength training, taking multiple breaks from work to move the body, seeking professional help, and choosing enjoyable activities like cycling, swimming, or dancing," she said.

It has already been proven that managing stress through exercise and food promotes better sleep and lowers the risk of lifestyle diseases. Dark chocolate, avocado, almonds, chamomile tea, spinach, and oranges are foods that help manage stress.

Wanitha adds that practicing meditation and deep breathing exercises are also helpful. "Yoga and gym both offer unique benefits to the body and mind, with a combination of both being beneficial," she said.

Yet another Zumba Education Specialist, Sahana Jagannatha recommends Zumba, a popular Latin dance fitness exercise for women.

"Zumba is for everyone. This fitness format improves cardiovascular fitness, balance, coordination, agility, and to some degree, strength through beginner-accessible choreography. Besides weight loss, it also improves mind-body coordination, relieves stress, and can improve overall well-being. The social aspect of Zumba classes reduces loneliness and isolation," said Sahana.

Zumba offers special workout formats like Aqua Zumba and Zumba Kids & Kids Junior, she added.

"I would say this is one of the most meaningful days on the calendar. However it shouldn’t happen just on one day that women come forward and scale it up by creating awareness, educating and promoting women’s health," Wanitha said.

Experts say that talking about menstrual well-being is often considered taboo, but it is an essential topic for every woman. A regular menstrual cycle, free of health issues, is crucial for a woman's physical and emotional health.

Engaging in physical activities like working out, yoga, and Zumba, can help women maintain fitness levels and support regular menstrual cycles. The right fitness and lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on a woman's menstrual well-being. Some of the common exercises suggested by both the enthusiasts are gym workouts such as deadlifts, bicep curls, shoulder presses, and lat rows to maintain a fit body.

"Yoga exercises like Surya Namaskar help in keeping the mind and body healthy. Remember to seek medical consent for any cardiovascular fitness classes, including Zumba," the two experts said while asking the other women to feel free and dance to the heart's content.