When most of us hear the word “fitness,” the first images that come to mind are toned arms, a flat belly, or fitting into that one dress we’ve been keeping at the back of the wardrobe. And I get it — I’ve been there too. But after teaching Yoga and Pilates for almost a decade, I’ve learned that for women, fitness runs much deeper than the way our bodies look.
We carry so much — physically, emotionally, mentally. Our bodies hold the weight of responsibilities, the stories of our cycles, pregnancies, recoveries, late nights, stress, and sometimes even silence. Which is why our fitness journey cannot (and should not) look like anyone else’s.
The Pressure We Don’t Talk About
Women are often told to “bounce back” after childbirth, to “stay slim” while managing careers and families, and to “age gracefully” without showing signs of stress or fatigue. That’s a lot of pressure to carry. The truth is — fitness is not about fighting your body into submission. It’s about listening to it. It’s about honouring the seasons it goes through and learning how to move with strength, grace, and kindness.
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Movement as Nourishment
Yoga and Pilates have taught me that movement is a form of nourishment. Some days, we need a fiery core sequence that reminds us of our strength. Other days, what we need most is to slow down, stretch, breathe, and simply reconnect with ourselves. Both are valid. Both are important.
Redefining Fitness for Women
For me, fitness is not just about shaping the body, but about building resilience, balance, and self-trust.
• It’s about carrying your groceries without straining your back.
• It’s about moving through your cycle with more ease.
• It’s about keeping your posture strong when your work keeps you at a desk all day.
• It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin, no matter what size or season you’re in.
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A Gentle Reminder
If you’re a woman reading this, I want you to know: your fitness journey is yours alone. It doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s, and it certainly doesn’t need to meet the unrealistic standards we’ve been fed. Start small, listen closely, and give your body the same care you so freely give to everyone else around you.
Movement can be your safe space, your anchor, your reset button. And once you experience that, fitness will never feel like a punishment again — it will feel like freedom.
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About the Author
Anushree is a Yoga & Pilates teacher with 9 years of teaching experience. She helps women build strength, balance, and confidence through mindful movement, both online and offline. Her work is rooted in the belief that fitness should be supportive, sustainable, and deeply personal.