I started writing this article thinking about the group of women I can relate to most- moms-but then realized this applies to everyone who’s been down the weight loss (or muscle GAIN) journey. As a personal trainer and group instructor, I’ve come across several clients who are clearly dealing with eating (and exercise!) disorders.
There’s no doubt in my mind that the images splashed across our fashion magazines, on the runways, and even in our cartoons and our children’s dolls play a part in our interpretation of beauty and size. I’m not here to tell you that the opposite side of the coin is any better either.
To be trapped in your own body, unhappy with your size or your body, and not be able to sprint after your toddler, jump around when she tells you to, play a game of tag, go rollerblading, etc. isn’t a better outcome either. Women have muscles and they were meant to be used.
In this day and age, when you think of a “strong woman” you’re more likely to think of someone who’s mentally or emotionally tough – but not actually physically strong (Hillary Clinton, for example). I think we should collectively start a new movement for “Fit Acceptance” where strong bodies are rewarded. We’ve GOT to focus on strength, empowerment, and redefining STRONG as more than just a “masculine” term.
So, why strength train? Why build muscle? Strength training increases lean body mass and decreases fat. Compared to fat, muscle is metabolically active and increases metabolic rate, fat oxidation, and calorie consumption. From a calorie burning perspective, more muscle tissue means more calories burned, even while at rest.
In addition, weight bearing builds stronger connective tissues to increase joint stability, helps prevent injury, and develops strength for doing some basic “life” duties.
For me, living on the 4th floor in an apartment complex with no elevator, carrying groceries, a gym bag, and a squirmy toddler (and did I mention the dog?) are hard enough as it is. I can’t imagine how much more difficult this would be if I weren’t a strong woman!
99% of the time I’m at the gym I’m the only gal pounding the weights. Why is that? Is it because people are intimated, unfamiliar, or perceive it all as just too much hard work? Is it because we think it’s not “our place” in the gym? My BodyPump class is mainly women, and I get asked by girls (and guys!) how I got “those arms.”
It’s NOT by running on the treadmill, gliding on the elliptical, or whatever the latest fitness in a box craze is enjoying its 15 minutes of fame. Hard work, heavy lifting, rest, great nutrition, consistency, dedication, and program design. The compliments are great, but if you really want guns (or boulder shoulders, or an amazing pair of strong legs), get off the cardio equipment and into the weight room.
I for one love it when I see a gal giving it all she’s got in the weight room…it’s inspirational and I’ll be the first to tell her so. There’s nothing wrong with muscle and strength. In my opinion, being weak, out of shape, and skinny fat is just as unhealthy as being obese. There are some things in life that we CAN control. Pick up that weight and grip the iron, stand in the power cage, get under the bar, and make your body strong.
We live in a society where obesity is often celebrated, and that’s not right either. “Love the skin you’re in” and while there’s nothing wrong with being happy with your size (only YOU know the truth!), don’t bring down the strong, fit woman who’s aiming to reach her own personal wellness goal. Using the excuse that “she’s probably not happy with her own body” and that you’re better off because you love your size is a sign of your own jealousy and insecurity.
I’ve faced the same challenges from my own “friends” and family. I’ve been asked why I never eat at playdates and some people relish in drawing attention to it. Other than the fact that I don’t want to eat the same junk food you’re eating, I’ve also already properly fueled up (eating 6 meals a day takes dedication) so have no desire to eat anything other than what’s best for my next workout. I’ve also been asked at social occasions, if I am actually seen eating, if I’m just going to “throw it up later.”
Mind you, these are comments from friends. I have no doubt that this will happen to you. Brush it off, stay committed, and know that none of those people will ever look 1/10th as good as you. Why am I so driven to push the female fit acceptance movement? There are many reasons, but among the most important is my daughter.
I don’t want her growing up with a warped fantasy of size and beauty. Somewhere in between the skinny runway models and the “fat acceptance” movement is the place of the strong woman. We weren’t “meant” to be fat just as we weren’t meant to look like coat hangers. We’ve got to quit blaming genetics too. Yes, it plays a role, but it’s no reason to resign to what you assume is your “fate.”
Ditch the excuses (and I know us moms have MANY). Do you really think so little of yourself that you can’t dedicate 1 hour, 3-4 times a week for yourself? Think of all the pointless things you probably do- shopping, surfing the internet, watching TV, etc etc. Get rid of the mindless, pointless stuff that doesn’t matter.
Let the toys sit on the floor, let the dishes sit in the sink for a few hours. Better yet, let the kids do it. Take that time and spend it on your own body. Train with consistency and dedication, because it will do wonders for your body and your mind. Start doing and believing in your body project, today and forever.
So that’s my call to you, a call for strong female arms. We need fit acceptance, for people to accept that being and striving to be fit is a goal for everyone. Help me spread the word!!!
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