I am no longer surprised when I am approached from a female about PT whether 1-1 or online programming that a part of their goals is to become stronger.
Where once I had to reassure a female trainee that they would not become bulky by performing resistance training in the weights area, they are now actively seeking out the barbells and dumbbells to train with.
And if you are confused at this point let me confirm…eating more food makes you bulky. Then I’ll address the elephant in the room and say that added testosterone levels are necessary for unnatural bulk. So females of any age and myself on the wrong side of 40 have no chance, like it or not.
Performing a few deadlifts won’t make you flat chested, look orange and pose on stage like you’re constipated in a sequinned bikini. But, as I say, females seem to be coming round to the fact that you can be strong and lift weights without talking like Dolph Lundgren.
As I reflected on International Women’s Day I wondered when this shift in attitude started. And I recall the posters such as Rosie The Riveter which became a symbolic picture of the female’s efforts in the USA during World War Two when they had to take on predominantly male roles as the men fought in the war.
Much like the females in the UK, the women kept the country going in jobs that would have only been offered to men previously. And a show of strength is not just physical. I see footage of strong women protecting their children as they flee war in Ukraine. I watch as 90 year old women, born during World Wars, now fight and protect their family with their last bit of energy.
These women are stronger than me.
Females have had to fight for a vote, to sit on a bus and social mysoginy while raising children, running households, gaining careers and now, as I witness daily, getting strong.
As I conduct a consultation with a prospective client, male or female, I make it very clear that resistance training will be a part of their program. Unless they are training specifically for a marathon, I cannot think of any reason why it shouldn’t be. With the correct diet for a trainee’s goals, resistance training can contribute to fat loss, muscle gain, physical and mental strength and wellness, confidence and the ability to self care in later life. I want the short snippet of time that they have with me to impact them for the rest of their lives.
And due to the attitude of my trainees they inspire me too. They do become stronger. They do get results. They do learn and continue training hard long after they work with me. And many of them are females.
Rosie The Riveter was actually a lady called Naomi Parker Rodgers who died at the age of 97. Forever remembered as a strong independent woman.
Never Give Up PT 