As a woman, if you’ve ever set foot in a male-dominated weight room, you probably know the feeling: everyone’s either judging you, your form or the fact that you’re lifting weights at all. You’re not alone – experiences like this keep many women away from the gym. It’s no wonder, really, that women around the world are documented as being less likely than men to get the amount of exercise they need.
It’s not just this gender gap that deters some women from the gym. It’s that sense of self-consciousness that many women feel around other women – that feeling of not fitting in with a crowd that doesn’t “look” like you. Social media and ads don’t make it any better, with “perfect” young bodies telling women they can look like that too.
For a woman going through menopause, this is sure to spark some self-limiting beliefs. It may even be the reason why she walks away from working out altogether; “I’m too old for that”, “I’m too out of shape”, “I can’t keep up”. And yet regular exercise is one of the most powerful things she can do to reduce her risk of chronic diseases, build bone density and benefit her mental health.
Aly’s story
As a woman in her late 40s who has had two kids and battled breast cancer, ALY KHAIRUDDIN knows just how hard it can be to overcome the obstacles that can come with ageing. Luckily, as a certified personal trainer and Pilates instructor, she understood the power of physical activity right from the start. In fact, it’s how she clawed her way out of the hole that cancer treatment had left her in – immense pain to the point where she couldn’t get out of the tub by herself.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Perfect Pearly Whites!
Knowing you have white, sparkling teeth beneath your lips is a sure-fire way to make you smile with confidence. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow than \"hello\" lately, perhaps it's time for a visit to a dental clinic for a teeth-whitening session.
Save your Spine at Work!
Sitting in an air-conditioned office has its benefits in steamy Singapore. But, long, sedentary days can play havoc on our necks and backs. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR YILUN HUANG talks about spinal issues faced by office workers, and how to treat and prevent them.
Festive Fashion Show!
As the year draws to a close, now's a good time to stock up on festive fashion. White Ginger has released a fab new line just in time for party season. Plus, it's hosting a fun multilabel fashion soiree so you can view the looks with tasty bites and a glass of vino in hand!
Finding Eco-Luxury in Fiji
Here's a destination that's often a little bit off the travel radar for people in our region - but definitely shouldn't be!
48 Hours in Patong
CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.
Ticket to Thailand
Are you physically here but mentally on a beach in Thailand? We've found destinations for two types of holiday-goers: one for someone looking for a place to chill, and another where you can also let loose!
Laying Out Memories Through Food
YASMIN, JESSICA and PEARL are the local co-founders of The Plattering Co. They share their favourite parts of doing business with each other and a few of their hobbies outside work hours.
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Craving a curry? Whether you're dreaming of a creamy korma or a biryani, the EL team went all in, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to tangy papdi chaat. We explored the best of Singapore's Indian dining scene, and trust us-these spots will spice up your life!
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
SARAH and BO PINEL of Tekkie Help break it to us that cloud storage is not a data backup. Here's why that's the case and how we can rectify the problem.
A Musical Community
The new Pops Chorus and Orchestra at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has students, parents, staff and even the Master involved. SIMON BURBURY tells us more - including where you can catch their performances.