March 20, 2026, 8:39 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Ten years of ballet, daily exercise in childhood, and a consistent training routine to this day—Wolke Hegenbarth describes her body as “athletic,” sometimes even “boyish.” In a recent Instagram post, the actress speaks openly about body image, genetic predispositions, and her personal fitness strategy.
“There Is No One Perfect Body”
In her post, Hegenbarth advocates for more acceptance of different body shapes. “My body shape is just like this,” she writes. While some perceive her as very athletic, she emphasizes: “Other people look different. And that’s wonderful.” Her central argument is against blanket ideal images. “There is no one perfect body that fits everyone.” She can only represent her own type. This is also because fundamental conditions cannot be changed arbitrarily: “You can’t make pears out of apples.”
Apparently, the actress is often asked by fans about the secret to her toned body. Therefore, it was important for the 45-year-old to address the desire to emulate her. Not everyone can or should look like her.
Sports Shaped by Childhood and Ballet
Wolke Hegenbarth has always been someone for whom movement plays an important role in daily life. She attributes her physique, strongly shaped by movement, to her childhood. She describes herself as “very athletic and certainly bordering on hyperactive.” Her parents encouraged this and even installed a piece of sports equipment in the hallway where she “hung for hours under the ceiling.”
In addition, there are ten years of ballet, including several years of intensive training at the Cologne Sports University with up to five sessions per week. This long-term strain has had a lasting impact on her body. “The body doesn’t necessarily have to remember that, but mine does,” she writes in an Instagram post.
Yoga Is a Fixed Part of Her Daily Routine
Today, Hegenbarth primarily relies on yoga. She also recommends it to her followers, but not for aesthetic reasons. “Not so anyone looks like me, but so you feel good,” she explains. Yoga is suitable for everyone—regardless of body shape or fitness level.
In her social media posts, she describes a clear routine that can be integrated into her daily life. She trains regularly, often in the early morning hours when the rest of the family is still asleep. This way, she manages to consistently incorporate movement despite a busy schedule.
In parallel, she pays attention to her diet, which she describes as reduced. She largely avoids sugar and wheat, opting for a simple, everyday form of dietary management.
Focus on Function Instead of Ideal Image
Hegenbarth’s clear distinction from classic fitness ideals is striking. The focus is not on a specific external goal, but on what is good for one’s own body. She sees movement not as a means of comparison, but as a foundation for long-term well-being. This follows an approach that is gaining importance in exercise science: moving away from short-term goal images toward sustainable routines that can be integrated into daily life. In this context, yoga is understood not as a trend, but as a tool to promote physical and mental stability.
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Can Yoga Support Weight Loss?
Even though yoga is often not considered a classic “fat-burning” workout, it can contribute to weight regulation as part of a holistic approach. The key is the combination of regular exercise and an adapted diet.1
More Than Just Calorie Burning
Compared to intensive endurance or strength training, yoga generally burns fewer calories. Nevertheless, the practice works on multiple levels: It increases overall physical activity and can simultaneously raise awareness of eating habits.
Additionally, certain exercises—known as asanas—and breathing techniques can influence metabolism. A more active metabolic rate, in turn, favors energy consumption, even during rest periods. At the same time, building and activating muscles helps to increase the basal metabolic rate in the long term.
Regular practice can also positively influence digestion, which is considered another supportive factor in the context of weight regulation.
Impact on Stress and Eating Behavior
An often underestimated aspect is the impact on stress levels. Chronic stress is associated with hormonal changes that can promote cravings and unbalanced eating habits. Yoga can help regulate stress responses and thus indirectly stabilize eating behavior.
Moreover, the practice promotes mindfulness in dealing with one’s own body. This increased body awareness can help perceive hunger and satiety signals more distinctly and eat more consciously.
Overall, it becomes clear: Yoga is not an isolated means for quick weight loss, but it can play a supportive role as part of a sustainable lifestyle.