Why Young Women Are Prioritizing Fitness

An increasing number of women over 30 years are opting for an active lifestyle, owing to a shift in mindset that believes 'self-care is not selfish'

- Azera Parveen Rahman

A few days back, a certified fitness coach tweeted that Indians must stop normalising an attitude of indifference that made it look like they'd given up on themselves even before turning 30'. If they are married, it gets even worse, she went on to say, as physique, healthy diet, skincare, physical activity and grooming 'take a backseat'. Almost immediately, there was a flurry of responses. Most were in agreement. I, however, think that change is afoot. As a millennial who is nearly touching 40 and has a child, I see a growing number of people in the similar demography-women in particular-who are becoming more conscious about health. There is a definite shift in mindset which subscribed to the notion that once of a certain age, self-care is almost selfish, especially if you are a mother.

Shagufta Rahman, a Mumbai-based Pilates instructor, said that she has observed an increasing number of women enquiring and taking up Pilates over the last few years. Pilates is a form of strength training with specific breathing techniques. "Most of my students are women and almost 80 per cent of those are women in the 35-40 plus age bracket. Many are married and have children," Rahman says.

Across the globe, polls have stated that millennials-those born between 1981-1996-are more proactive in staying fit and have made health a priority in comparison to the generations preceding them, that of their parents and grandparents. In fact, the term 'healthy' is now often interchangeably used with the more allencompassing 'wellness'. Health is a state of being, of physical, mental and social well-being, while wellness encompasses a holistic lifestyle that includes spiritual well-being, is positive and affirming.