Fit, Fierce, Functional

At some point over the past few years, something quietly shifted in gyms, homes, and conversations around fitness. The obsession with ‘getting slim’ began to fade, replaced by something far more empowering: getting strong.

- DARSHITA JAIN

What was once a world dominated by treadmills and Zumba sessions, has now made space for squats, kettlebells, and resistance bands. More women, across age groups and professions, are gravitating towards strength training. The narrative isn’t about shrinking anymore. It’s about growing stronger, inside and out.

Kiran Dembla, a well-known celebrity fitness expert, has been on the frontline of this change. The shift in language — from ‘toned’ to ‘strong’ has been central to how women relate to fitness now. For many, it’s not about weight loss anymore; it’s about agency. “Women are finally realising the incredible benefits of strength training. It improves bone density and mental health as well,” says Dembla.

Dr Venkat Nani Kumar B, senior consultant internal medicine and sports medicine at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, has observed the same evolution from a health perspective. “Just 140 minutes a week can reduce heart-related mortality by up to 30%. It also helps build bone density, crucial around menopause, while preserving muscle mass, boosting metabolism, and improving posture, balance, and immune function. Despite lingering myths, experts confirm that weight training doesn’t cause women to ‘bulk up’. Lower testosterone levels mean women tone down and not develop excessive muscle. With these proven benefits, strength training is becoming a go-to fitness choice for women of all ages,” he notes.