PERSPECTIVE article
Front. Sports Act. Living
Sec. Exercise Physiology
This article is part of the Research TopicExercise and Menopause: Benefits, Challenges and the Transition to Optimal ManagementView all 8 articles
The "Menopause" Knockout; A Science-Backed Therapeutic Ally, and Strategy for Midlife Wellness
Provisionally accepted
- 1Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
- 2University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- 3University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- 4University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Boxing, traditionally a competitive sport, is increasingly recognised as a therapeutic exercise modality for women transitioning through perimenopause and menopause a life stage characterised by hormonal changes that can accelerate muscle loss, bone demineralisation, balance impairment, cardiovascular risk, weight gain, and mood fluctuations. Structured, non-contact fitness boxing integrates resistance, impact, and aerobic components, delivering multi-system benefits relevant to this population. Physically, boxing stimulates muscle protein synthesis, preserves lean mass, and provides weight-bearing stimuli to maintain bone density, thereby reducing fracture risk. Dynamic footwork and agility drills challenge proprioception and postural control, improving balance and lowering fall risk. The high-intensity cardiovascular demands enhance heart health, reduce blood pressure, improve lipid profiles, and assist with weight management. Physiologically, boxing's combined strength-endurance format boosts basal metabolic rate, improves insulin sensitivity, and moderates stress hormone levels, supporting metabolic health and resilience to menopause-related changes. Neuromuscular adaptations from complex motor sequences enhance coordination, reaction time, and functional independence. Neurologically, boxing promotes endorphin release and modulates key neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, improving mood stability and reducing anxiety. Cognitive engagement through learning and executing punch combinations enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, supporting neuroplasticity, memory, and executive function. Emerging evidence positions non-contact boxing as a safe, engaging, and multidimensional exercise strategy for midlife women. It addresses physical, physiological, and neurocognitive domains in one intervention, offering healthcare and wellness professionals a practical, evidence-informed tool to promote strength, stability, cardiovascular fitness, and psychological well-being during the menopausal transition.
Keywords: Menopause, Boxing, Science-Backed Therapeutic Ally, Strategy for Midlife Wellness, Women
Received: 11 Aug 2025; Accepted: 25 Nov 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Delanerolle, Phiri and Elneil. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Sohier Elneil
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