Prof Elmarie Terblanche challenges aging myths at Women's Wellness Experience
Image: Supplied.
What if the key to aging well lies not in a serum or syringe, but in your skeletal muscles?
On 30 August 2025, at the Women's Wellness Experience in Cape Town, renowned physiologist and professor Elmarie Terblanche will tackle one of the most enduring myths in women's health: the belief that vitality diminishes with age. Her keynote session, rooted in decades of academic research and practical coaching, will offer a transformative perspective that aging is not about decline; it is about adaptation. And strength is your most valuable ally.
'The true cost of aging isn't wrinkles; it's losing your independence,' Prof Terblanche states. 'Strength training isn't cosmetic; it's functional. It determines whether you can carry your own suitcase or need assistance to stand up.' Her presentation will delve into the science of sarcopenia, the natural loss of muscle mass that begins as early as age 30, and why this process accelerates in women, particularly during and after menopause.
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As estrogen levels decrease, women face a heightened risk of metabolic slowdown, fat gain, and muscle weakness. However, few are informed that these changes can be prevented. With clarity and compassion, Prof Terblanche will dispel common fears surrounding strength training, explaining how women's lower testosterone levels and unique hormonal profiles mean that building strength does not lead to 'manly muscles.'
Instead, it results in lean, functional power, improved metabolism, and enhanced joint and bone health. 'Weight training isn't about conforming to a certain appearance; it's about living life to the fullest,' she emphasises. 'You don't need to lift heavy weights; you need to lift consistently.' Additionally, she will address the rising trend surrounding Ozempic, cautioning that rapid weight loss can lead to a loss of up to 40% muscle mass. 'You're not just losing weight; you're losing strength. The long-term risks for women, especially those who are not diabetic, remain uncertain.'
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