Acne that won’t go away. Months of irregular periods. A number on the scale that keeps shifting. Many women with PCOS know that list well, and sooner or later someone tells them to hit the gym. But, would that help?
Not one that leaves you flattened after every session. “Weight is only one measure of progress. Being able to lift heavier, walk for longer without getting tired or maintaining a regular exercise routine can also reflect positive changes. Women should look at their overall health rather than judge their progress by the weighing scale alone,” emphasises the fitness expert. Deepti recommends incorporating a variety of exercises into your routine and practising them consistently. The key is to start simple and gradually build up the intensity as your strength and fitness improve. “Bursts of hard effort with rest in between can improve fitness , but women with PCOS can see benefits without them. If you enjoy them, add them slowly. If walking or cycling is what you like, stay with that. A routine you’ll follow beats one you dread. Deepti keeps her advice for beginners short: “My advice is to start with what feels manageable and build gradually. You do not have to change everything overnight. The aim is to develop a routine that fits your lifestyle and supports your health in the long run. She explains that nutrition, sleep and medical care all play a part. If your periods remain irregular or other symptoms trouble you, she recommends speaking to a gynaecologist or endocrinologist. Some women may also need medication or other treatment alongside lifestyle changes. “If you’re just beginning, skip the hunt for a perfect programme. Pick a few sessions that suit your week and see how you feel. Then adjust. PCOS is rarely managed well in one flawless week. A routine you can keep up, with the right medical support, goes a lot further,” concludes Deepti.
The goal is a routine that stays in your life, according to her. “You can leave it,” says Deepti. “No, and it was never meant to be the whole answer,” states the fitness expert.
