Menu

Language

Educational information only. Your clinical team will guide you on the approach that is right for you.

Giles Davies - Patient Information Library

Back to library

Exercise & Women's Health

Transcript

For women - exercise is more than just a way to stay in shape. It's a cornerstone of long-term health—protecting bone density, balancing hormones, boosting energy, and improving mental clarity. Whether you're entering your 30s, 40s, or beyond, the right combination of movement and recovery can transform how you feel—inside and out. Strength training is essential for every woman - not for bulky muscles, but to maintain core strength and energy. As we age, muscle mass naturally declines, a process called sarcopenia. Left unchecked, it leads to weakness of muscles, instability of joints and increased risk of injury. Remember, you don't need to lift heavy weights to get started. Bodyweight exercises, resistance bands - and pilates based movements can yield significant results. As you gain core strength, you can move into traditional weight training with deadlifts, squats and High intensity Interval Training. Cardio often gets overlooked - but it's a non-negotiable part of a well-rounded routine. It supports heart health, builds aerobic capacity and endurance. Regular exercise every day adds up quickly and will give you tangible results. Choose what you enjoy, vary your workouts, and stay consistent. Non-Exercise-Activity-Thermogenesis, or NEAT, is all the movement you do outside of structured workouts. It's the secret weapon for staying active in a busy life. Set yourself targets, like a daily step count or track your progress with a Whoop Band or Oura Ring to understand your recovery and sleep. Exercise demands fuel, and protein is critical for women who want to stay strong, lean, and hormonally balanced. Aim for 1.2 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. For example, a 70 kilogram woman should eat between 84 and 140 grams spread across their meals. Think eggs, fish, lentils, tofu, Greek yogurt, or protein-rich smoothies post-workout. It is absolutely possible to get all your protein from plant based sources. Adding in simple supplements like Vitamin D, Magnesium and a Probiotic can help. Remember, movement is medicine. Whether it's lifting weights, taking a brisk walk, or simply choosing the stairs, every step counts. Prioritise strength training, protein intake - and balance exercise with adequate sleep. Many thanks for watching, if you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch. And remember, this isn't just about fitness - it's about thriving in every stage of life.
Giles Davies

Authored & approved by Giles Davies

Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon