Okay, real talk: I nearly spit out my matcha latte last week when I overheard two women at my local café debating whether lifting weights would make them “bulky.” One said, “I just want toned arms, not biceps that scare my Tinder dates.” The other nodded solemnly, like they were discussing nuclear physics. And that’s when it hit me: the fitness world is still gaslighting women into believing our workouts should be aesthetic first, functional second. Let’s unpack this.
We’ve been fed the same tired script for decades: shrink yourself, burn calories, chase “thigh gaps.” But guess what? A 2023 study by the Journal of Women’s Health found that 68% of women who prioritize strength over weight loss report higher long-term consistency—and way more joy. Joy! Remember that? It’s the thing we used to feel before tracking macros became a part-time job.
Let’s rewind. In 1967, Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon… while race officials literally tried to physically remove her. Today, women make up 58% of marathon finishers globally. That’s not progress; that’s a full-blown rebellion in sneakers. We’ve moved from “should I be here?” to “watch me break the course record.”
But here’s the messy truth nobody talks about: The “wellness” industry still profits from our insecurities. Detox teas? Please. Our ancestors survived plagues and famines—they didn’t need activated charcoal. What we do need? More heavy deadlifts, fewer “28-Day Flat Belly” scams. I started powerlifting two years ago after a breakup (cliché, but effective), and here’s what changed: I stopped seeing my body as decoration and started treating it like the absolute masterpiece it is. My back rolls? They help me lift 1.5x my body weight. My “thick” thighs? They let me hike mountains without whimpering.
The real revolution isn’t just about swapping Pilates for CrossFit. It’s about dismantling the idea that women’s fitness exists to make us smaller. Peloton’s latest data shows 73% of their female users now choose classes based on mood (“Angry 90s Rock Ride”) rather than calorie burn. We’re working out to feel powerful, not punish last night’s pizza. Even the language is shifting: Trainers like me now hear “I want to carry my groceries without help” more than “I want to lose 10 pounds.”
Of course, the system isn’t fixed yet. Gyms still design weight rooms like afterthoughts, assuming women will cluster in cardio zones. Newsflash: My lifting gloves and I aren’t here to decorate your dumbbell rack. And don’t get me started on “wellness influencers” selling celery juice as a personality trait. True wellness isn’t a product—it’s the confidence to take up space, whether that’s deadlifting in a crowded gym or eating fries without guilt.
So here’s my challenge to you: Next time someone implies that “feminine” workouts should be gentle and small, deadlift their expectations. Literally. Find a barbell, channel your inner Serena Williams, and remember: Every rep is a middle finger to outdated norms. Your body isn’t a project—it’s a force of nature. Now go make that gym your kingdom. 👑