Yes. Exercise is one of the most effective interventions for improving insulin sensitivity in PCOS, but the type of exercise matters.
Resistance exercise, which includes weight training, bodyweight exercises, and resistance band workouts, builds muscle mass and directly improves insulin sensitivity in muscle tissue. This makes it particularly effective for women with PCOS compared to aerobic exercise alone. Aerobic activity such as walking, cycling, or swimming is still beneficial for cardiovascular health and calorie expenditure, but combining it with resistance training produces better metabolic outcomes than aerobic exercise on its own. Even modest weight loss of five to ten percent of body weight through regular exercise and dietary change can produce measurable improvements in insulin sensitivity, hormonal balance, and cycle regularity in women with PCOS. I encourage patients to find a form of exercise they can sustain consistently, since adherence over time matters more than intensity.
Written by Dr Vineetha Kiran, MBBS, MS (Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gold Medalist, KMC Mangalore University), Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Kiran Speciality Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka.
