Any person who has stepped foot in a gym knows what it’s like on the weight floor. When a woman ventures out of the cardio section and into the realm of iron plates and metal bars, they often get stared at as if they’ve walked into the men’s restroom. It’s been established as a norm in the media that men are always the ones pumping iron, but that idea, among others, is turning stale as our world progresses towards gender equality.
Weightlifting, like any other form of exercise, has varying effects on each individual depending on the person themselves and the circuit they choose. Lightweight lifting creates less bulky and more toned muscle, whereas heavyweight builds more substantial and visible mass. Weightlifting has also been proved to tone muscles in a way specifically different than cardio, giving various health benefits such as a higher metabolism and strength stamina to those who lift on a regular basis. It allows you to focus on certain areas of the body specifically, whereas machines like the treadmill or stationary bike cannot.
Not only are the physical benefits of lifting very prevalent, but people who use the gym regularly argue that working out is also an emotional outlet that lets out frustration. Time alone working on self image and a healthy lifestyle can be a form of meditation for some gym-goers.
Women shouldn’t be shamed for working to achieve visible muscle. Strength should no longer be a male-associated virtue. The health benefits alone are reason enough for everyone, regardless of gender, to try adding weights to their workout plan. The prejudice against women on the weight floor is outdated and nonsensical.
Today’s modern women should be able to better themselves physically and mentally without judgement from their male counterparts. No longer should women be stared at and alienated when they step into the weight section of the gym.
Strength is a quality that is genderless, and one that extends beyond the walls of a gym. Creating equality and eliminating prejudice in the weightroom is a small step toward a society without sexism.
So ladies: feel free to step outside of your comfort zone. Ignore the common prejudice against strong women… and dominate that workout.
Beauty and strength are never mutually exclusive.
“Silk is as strong as burlap, although no one thinks so.” – Gail Carson Levine