Reconnecting with the body in menopause: A holistic health experience through Pilates as a leisure activity among Turkish women

Menopause constitutes a multifaceted transitional phase characterized by biological, psychological, and social changes that shape women's health experiences. Nevertheless, the prevailing literature predominantly frames menopause within a biomedical paradigm and has paid insufficient attention to how women construct their health experiences within leisure contexts. This study explores how Turkish women navigating menopause interpret Pilates as a leisure activity and its contribution to their holistic health. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 women aged 45-60 years who regularly practiced Pilates. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis informed by the Biopsychosocial Model. The analysis yielded three principal themes: reconnecting with the body, achieving mental and emotional wholeness, and women's solidarity and social integration. Participants described Pilates as supporting adaptation to bodily changes, supporting emotional balance, and challenging taboos by fostering social connections. These results indicate that participants perceived mind-body leisure activities such as Pilates as providing a holistic context that supports multiple dimensions of health. The study highlights the importance of experiential and social leisure practices in interventions aimed at advancing women's health.