The best version of you isn’t younger: it’s wiser, stronger, and more grounded

A smarter approach to strength, confidence, and wellness after 50

If you’re in your 50s (or beyond) and noticing that losing extra weight feels harder than ever, you’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely not alone. With the hormonal changes that come during peri-menopause and menopause, our bodies start responding differently to the things that may have once worked like magic.

And while the journey can feel frustrating at times, it helps to remember that your body is simply in a new season, and it needs a new kind of support. In yoga and Ayurveda (a holistic health system from India), menopause is seen not as a condition or illness, but as a natural and important life change. The focus is on supporting the body, mind, and emotions through this transition, and using it as a chance for deeper self-care and personal growth.

Weight Gain

Weight gain after 50 is very common, and it’s often connected to natural changes in the body, like shifting hormones, a slower metabolism, and a gradual loss of muscle. Many women also find themselves moving less, sleeping less, or dealing with more stress, all of which affect how the body stores weight. But it’s not just physical. The emotional impact can run deep, especially in a society that places so much value on youth and appearance. It's easy to feel like you're losing confidence when your body doesn't look or feel the way it used to. Clothes fit differently, energy dips, and it’s normal to feel discouraged or even invisible at times. But confidence doesn’t come from chasing who you used to be: it grows from embracing who you are now!

Why Running Isn’t Always the Answer

One of the most common things I hear from women is, “I just need to start running again to lose the weight.” As you know, I love running but while running can be great for heart health and mood, it’s not always the most effective approach to fat loss after 50. In fact, doing lots of cardio, especially without strength training or good nutrition, can lead to muscle loss. And muscle is essential at this stage of life, not just for feeling strong and stable, but for keeping metabolism active. Losing muscle slows things down, which can actually make fat loss harder. That’s why the goal isn’t just to lose weight, but to preserve (or rebuild) muscle while gently reducing fat. This leads to more energy, fewer aches, and a body that feels more capable and resilient.

What I Focus on Instead (from My Own Experience)

I’m not a medical doctor or nutritionist, but here’s what’s helped me personally to stay strong, feel better in my body, and support fat loss in a healthy, sustainable way. I make sure I’m getting enough protein (mostly from plant-based sources like lentils, tofu, tempeh, seeds, and whole grains). It helps maintain muscle, keeps me full longer, and supports steady energy. I also try to stay mindful about sugar. I don’t cut out all treats or follow strict rules, but I do notice when I’m using sugar to deal with stress or low energy. When I’m more aware, I feel more balanced, both physically and emotionally.

Just as important: I no longer rely on cardio alone. I’ve added more strength-based movement to my routine, including slow, mindful strengthening exercises, yoga with strength-building elements, and work with weights and resistance bands. It’s helped me feel steadier, stronger, and more confident in my body.

A Holistic, Gentle Approach: Including Yoga and Breathwork

One of the biggest shifts in this season of life is learning to work with your body, not against it. This is where yoga and breathwork make a real difference, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

Yoga helps me reconnect with my body in a kind, mindful way. It gently strengthens muscles (especially in the core and hips), improves flexibility, and supports joint health. Just as importantly, it soothes the nervous system, which is crucial as hormone shifts affect sleep, mood, and how our bodies hold on to stress.

Breathwork has been just as helpful. A few minutes of slow, conscious breathing can reduce cortisol (our main stress hormone), ease anxiety, and create a deep sense of calm. Since high cortisol is linked to increased belly fat and disrupted sleep, breathwork isn’t just relaxing: it’s a smart tool for overall well-being.

When we combine movement that builds strength, food that truly nourishes us, and practices that reduce stress, our bodies begin to feel safe again. In yoga, we believe that when the body feels safe, it’s easier to let go of what it no longer needs, including extra weight. So if you’re on this journey, I hope you are gentle with yourself. You don’t need to “get back” to the body you had in your 30s. You deserve to feel strong and vibrant right here, in the body you have now. And yes, it is absolutely possible.

P.S. I’ve added two new Zoom classes to my weekly schedule:

• A strengthening class with weights and elastic bands (with chair options) on Mondays: you can try this class for free on June 23rd by signing up HERE and entering the code STRONG at checkout.

• A stretching class, held right after the slow, mindful strengthening session. Try it for free too on June 26th by signing up HERE and using the code STRETCH at checkout.

Once you’ve signed up, a zoom link will be sent to you, at the latest 30 minutes before the start of the class. If you cannot attend the live session, I will send you a recording afterwards.

With warmth and encouragement,

Veronique

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