Pakistani athlete and certified menopause coach Zeina joined The Chatroom with Shizza to discuss her journey from international bodybuilding competitions to advocating for greater awareness of women's health, particularly during perimenopause and menopause.
Zeina represented Pakistan at bodybuilding competitions in Italy, Romania, Spain, Portugal and the United States. She said her early focus was largely on strength and physical aesthetics, but her understanding of fitness evolved as she explored the broader physical, hormonal and emotional aspects of women's health.
"Muscle doesn't have a gender," Zeina said, arguing that strength training should be viewed as an important part of long-term health rather than simply a way to change physical appearance.
Her move toward menopause advocacy followed her master's research into the lived experiences of South Asian women, particularly Pakistani women, during perimenopause. The research prompted her to study menopause more closely and pursue certification as a menopause coach.
For Zeina, conversations about women's health should begin well before menopause. She highlighted strength training, nutrition, brain health and maintaining physical activity as areas that can support women as they age.
"I'm going to keep talking about it until the day I die," she said, emphasizing the importance of strength, brain health and physical function throughout women's lives.
Zeina also called for more open conversations about menopause in Pakistani households and workplaces, where limited awareness can make it harder for women to understand and discuss changes they experience during this stage of life.
Her advocacy now includes workshops and plans to work with organizations and health professionals to improve awareness and help women become better informed when discussing their health.
"Once you're better equipped with the knowledge, then you know that you have the power and strength to get through it," she said.
For Zeina, fitness has evolved beyond building physical strength. It has become a platform for encouraging women to understand their health, ask informed questions and remain active throughout different stages of life.
Watch the full episode of The Chatroom with Shizza for the complete conversation.