Today I attended a unique hot power flow yoga class. It was unique in that we did no chaturungas, sun salutations A nor B like you’d normally do in a hot power class.

The instructor obviously loved what she taught and spent some time chatting with us before and after class. One of her big points was that as women, especially as we age, we continue to do “testosterone exercise” like running and lifting weights. But what we need to do is “estrogen exercise” that is less intense – still challenging but not overkill to increase cortisol production – and works more with our female bodies.

This isn’t the first time I’ve heard something along these lines. In the past in seeking help for weight gain one of the first things I was told was to stop running or lifting because my adrenals were fatigued. The exercise I was doing was stressing my body, increasing cortisol, leading to weight gain.

However, I also have read and follow Dr. Stacy Sims. In her book Roar, she shares what she’s discovered about women so they can work with their physiology for optimum performance and health. She recommends women lift heavy!

I am confused.

Both of these make sense to me. But can they both be correct?

I am tired of spinning my wheels and getting nowhere. I have put on some weight and cannot get it off. So topics like this I am all ears. But what is one to do when recommendations are so opposed?

Plus, I do love running. I still love it even though it has become harder being heavier and coming off a hiatus.

I asked the yoga instructor this and she said if you love it that is different (than running just to be thin) but pay attention to when you are really starting to push. Take a walk break, or even skip. So, if you see someone going from running to skipping, that’s just me keeping my cortisol down 🙂

More seriously though, what are we as females to do? I don’t believe there isn’t anything I can do to combat aging, at least to a certain degree, so I can remain healthy, active, enjoy life, and live independently.

I definitely think tuning into one’s intuition and paying attention to your own body is helpful. Loving, or at least enjoying, what you are doing is also key. But, some guidance would be nice!

I’d LOVE to hear what you know, think, and/or do as a female working out!