Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17739190347921773919056853.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Ciara Sotto (left) and her fellow fitness enthusiasts show that women can be at their strongest in their 40s. Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News"/>Ciara Sotto (left) and her fellow fitness enthusiasts show that women can be at their strongest in their 40s. Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News</div>More women are discovering that strength, confidence, and energy don&#x27;t fade with age as they now feel better than ever in their 40s. Want proof? Actress Ciara Sotto, 45, and her friends have taken their fitness to the next level through their active lifestyles. Pat Tanedo, 43, plays tennis regularly, goes to the gym, and walks and travels with ease. Then there are Via Garcia and Riza Joseph, who are proud to celebrate the big 4-0 and flex their muscles as they blew their birthday candles. These ladies do many things, from work to being a mom. But active time, they say, is one of their happiest and most productive moments.&quot;I do feel stronger and better than in my 30s,&quot; said Tanedo.&quot;I think I&#x27;ve built more muscle,&quot; added Joseph, who recently included weight training and running in her tennis and Pilates routine.Joseph, who gave birth to her third child two years ago, hits the gym four to five times a week.  On top of this, she plays tennis five times weekly, eats healthy, and makes sure she has good sleep every night. &quot;I really need to build more muscle,&quot; she said, saying she needs more strength not just for herself, but also for her kids. Sotto echoed their sentiments, saying she also feels healthier than ever. &quot;I actually feel really good,&quot; said the daughter of Tito Sotto and Helen Gamboa. &quot;And I need to be strong because I have an 11-year-old son who&#x27;s very active, who likes to play outside and play football.&quot; For these women, fitness in their 40s is not just about aesthetics but also about longevity, as well as better mental health and overall well-being.Showing up consistently, they say, has made all the difference. &quot;Number one, you have to show up,&quot; Sotto said. &quot;Show up in the gym. Show up in yoga classes. Show up. That&#x27;s the first step.&quot;<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177391629224790237d4b-61a6-4d43-b585-087d96796d2c.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Ciara Sotto, 45, hopes to remain strong well into her later years. Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News</div>Inspired by Gamboa, her mother, Sotto&#x27;s active lifestyle started early.While she didn&#x27;t initially consider it &quot;working out,&quot; the actress grew up trying various physical activities.&quot;My mom is the best example,&quot; said Sotto, who has been into ballet and gymnastics since she was seven years old. &quot;She&#x27;s 80 now and she still does Pilates. She walks around the village.&quot;&quot;She would bring us to school and then she&#x27;d go to the gym. She would lift weights. She&#x27;s really strong,&quot; she added. Because of that example, Sotto hopes to remain strong well into her later years.&quot;You&#x27;ll have a longer life if you feel strong,&quot; she said, adding that fitness has also become a form of therapy for her.

More women are discovering that strength, confidence, and energy don't fade with age as they now feel better than ever in their 40s.

More women are discovering that strength, confidence, and energy don't fade with age as they now feel better than ever in their 40s.

Ciara Sotto proves you can still feel your best in your 40s

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Health, Beauty, and Fashion

Ciara Sotto proves you can still feel your best in your 40s

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Mar 19, 2026 07:18 PM PHT

Read More:

health

fitness

Ciara Sotto

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.