For years, gyms and fitness studios in Ladakh were seen as male-dominated spaces — filled with the clang of weights and the thud of boxing gloves. But today, they are witnessing a new kind of energy — one led by women.

From students to working professionals and homemakers, more Ladakhi women are stepping into gyms and yoga studios, embracing strength training and wellness routines with confidence and pride.

This shift not only challenges traditional perceptions of fitness in the region but also reflects a growing awareness of health, empowerment, and self-care among women. Leading this change is a new generation of female trainers who are inspiring others to break barriers and take ownership of their fitness journeys.

Redefining Strength: Stanzin Yangzom’s Journey

“There were gyms in Leh, but mostly men went there. Women avoided gyms due to hesitation or discomfort. We wanted to change that.” — Stanzin Yangzom

Stanzin Yangzom, from Stok village, began her journey as a dynamic fitness coach and entrepreneur. After completing her schooling in Pathankot and Chandigarh, she pursued higher studies there before joining Cultfit, one of India’s largest fitness companies with over 200 centers nationwide.

Through this role, she worked in Delhi, Chandigarh, and Gurgaon for nearly two and a half years. “Cultfit focused more on offline training like yoga, strength, and boxing,” she says. Currently, Stanzin works with Fitter, another Indian fitness company that operates entirely online.

“Most of Fitter’s clients are NRIs — about 70 to 80 percent. Both companies offer similar services, but Fitter focuses more on personal health, diet, and remote coaching,” she explains.

Creating a Space for Women

After the pandemic, Stanzin returned to Ladakh and co-founded Fitstation with her sister Deachen.

“The idea came from our own experience. Women in Leh often felt shy or uncomfortable working out with male trainers. We wanted to create a space where women could feel safe and confident,” she says.

Fitstation has since become a welcoming hub for women to focus on fitness and well-being. “We’ve received a very positive response,” she adds.

Stanzin emphasizes the need for more female trainers in the region.
“When a woman in her 30s or 40s joins a gym, she may want to talk about sensitive topics like periods, post-delivery recovery, or diet. Many male trainers aren’t equipped to address these issues.”

With that in mind, the sisters conduct awareness workshops in schools and use social media to educate people and dispel myths around women’s fitness.

Beyond the Myths

“People think strength training will make women look ‘manly.’ That’s a misconception. Strength training helps maintain posture, energy, and structure.”

At Fitstation, each session lasts about an hour, including warm-ups, strength training, cardio, and cool-down stretches. Clients with specific health concerns receive personalized training.

Stanzin recalls facing initial doubts from her parents about her unconventional career choice.
“They would send me government job openings,” she says with a laugh. “But once I started earning well and became financially independent, their perception changed.”

Today, her parents are proud of her success and supportive of her decision to stay in Leh.

“Being a trainer has taught me discipline, empathy, and balance. Many clients open up about emotional struggles — it’s humbling,” she says.

Stanzin believes that women need to focus more on their health than men, given their unique physiological stages like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
“When men go to the gym, they should also encourage their wives, sisters, and mothers to join. They need it just as much, if not more.”

For her, fitness is deeply personal. “Fitness gives peace of mind,” she says simply.

Tsewang Lhadol: Finding Healing Through Yoga and Sport

“Yoga became my personal therapy during lockdown. It healed me emotionally — that’s why I say yoga is a healer.” — Tsewang Lhadol

From Sakti village, Tsewang Lhadol is a sports teacher at Ladakh Public School, a former national-level ice hockey player, and a passionate fitness coach.

After completing her higher secondary education in Jammu, she pursued a degree in Physical Education in Nagpur. “I didn’t know it was even a formal subject until Class 12,” she admits. “Since I loved sports, I decided to go for it.”

From Ice to Inner Balance

Yoga became Lhadol’s refuge during the lockdown. “During COVID, I had a lot of time. I started doing yoga, and it helped me heal emotionally. It became my therapy,” she recalls.

Certified by Rudra Yogpeeth in Rishikesh, she now teaches heart yoga and Ashtanga yoga, focusing on flexibility, strength, and posture. “I design workouts according to each client’s needs, though inconsistency is a challenge,” she admits.

Because of space and time limitations, Lhadol focuses on personal sessions rather than group classes. “Some mornings I teach at the gym before heading to school. Earlier, I even used to visit clients at home,” she says.

Resilience Through Sport

Her journey hasn’t been easy. “In Nagpur, selection for sports like running and football was biased. Despite performing well, I was kept on standby,” she says.

She later turned to rollball, a sport similar to ice hockey, and represented Ladakh at the All India University competitions and the Federation Cup in Delhi, where her team reached the semifinals.

In 2025, she participated in her first Ladakh Marathon, securing seventh place — a proud milestone in her fitness journey.

Listening to the Body

“I used to have painful cramps during periods. After I started running and working out, the pain reduced. Every woman is different, but we must learn to understand our bodies.”

Lhadol says fitness transformed her perspective on health and body image. “Some people mock me, saying I look muscular in photos but not in real life. Honestly, I don’t care. Their opinion doesn’t matter.”

She also highlights how social media has inspired more Ladakhi women to take up fitness and sports. “Women are now inspired by other women. Awareness is growing,” she says.

Yoga, she adds, changed her emotionally as well. “I used to have mood swings and anger. Yoga taught me calmness and control. Gym training gives physical strength for daily life — it’s about being strong and independent, not relying on others.”

Her final advice is simple: “A healthy diet and consistent lifestyle are the real keys.”

A Movement of Strength and Self-Discovery

From strength training to yoga, Ladakh’s women are carving out their own spaces in the fitness world — one workout at a time.

What was once considered a male-dominated arena is now becoming a platform for empowerment, confidence, and community.

Trainers like Stanzin Yangzom and Tsewang Lhadol are not only transforming their own lives but also inspiring countless others to prioritize health and embrace strength in all its forms.

Their stories prove that fitness is more than just physical — it’s a path to independence, healing, and self-discovery.

As more women in Ladakh take up gym and yoga classes, they are not just building muscle — they are building a new culture, one that celebrates wellness, equality, and the power of women uplifting women.