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Journalism of Courage
“Movement is medicine,” says Bhagyashree, highlighting the importance of basic fitness in allowing us to do everyday chores, whilst being flexible and pain-free. In a recent Instagram reel, the actor shared the benefits of step-ups stating they are a staple in her fitness routine. But how exactly do they help? Let’s find out.
Stating that performing step-ups is simple, Deepika Sharma, personal fitness expert, said: “You step onto a bench, a box, or even a sturdy stair, push yourself up, then step back down. Also known as stair climbers, these are either real stairs or the machine version in the gym that keeps moving under the feet.” Both are basically copying a movement we all do in daily life, going up the stairs.
“As we get older, the muscles around our hips and thighs tend to get weaker. For women over 40, step-ups and stair climbing keep the muscles working, protect bone health, and help with balance, which is important,” said Sharma, adding that they also raise your heart rate without needing to run.
According to her, the most useful part is that this exercise prepares you for everyday activities such as carrying groceries up a flight of stairs.
Despite their myriad benefits, step-ups are unfortunately not for everyone. “If you’ve got knee pain, arthritis, balance issues, or have had surgery on your knees or hips, you need to go slow or even skip them,” she said.
A few precautions to get you started:
Bhagyashree had also shared some key exercises to work your core muscles and obliques, highlighting their benefits for women in their 40s and above. “Women in their 40s undergo hormonal changes that result in muscle loss and fat gain, especially around their midsection. Oblique exercises work to fight both. A stronger core also means fewer back issues and better body mechanics, which boosts confidence,” she wrote in the caption of her Instagram post.
Adding to the same, Sharma said that obliques are abdominal muscles that strengthen the core and stabilise the pelvic floor. Found lateral to the torso, there are two layers — the internal and external obliques. Both of them play a pivotal role in stabilizing and protecting the spine by resisting too much rotation.
According to the expert, Bhagyashree’s reel highlights four exercises that are not only important for abs, but also for life! She lists down their health benefits:
It targets the internal and external obliques and strengthens the muscles that stabilise your spine and torso. These exercises also improve core control, which translates to better posture and balance and is great for managing mid-section fat, especially as metabolism slows with age.
Not only does this look graceful and feel relaxing, but it also lengthens and activates the obliques. It improves flexibility and mobility, especially around the waist and ribcage. Further, it aids in lymphatic flow and digestion and helps counteract the tightness from sitting or doing repetitive tasks.
It works the sides of your core while engaging stabiliser muscles. It builds functional strength, which is helpful when lifting groceries or playing with kids. If paired with a decent diet, it reduces love handle fluff.
This underrated move builds rotational power and spine mobility. It trains the transverse plane—something most people ignore. It also improves twisting motions, reducing injury risks during daily movements.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
