I’ve heard a few times over the years that women with ‘toned muscles’ or ‘definition’ is not feminine. And that’s from both men and women.
You can imagine what I think to that!
Who determines the perception of femininity?
Why should women not have or be seen to have muscles?
Why has the narrative been for so many years that women should aim to be ‘smaller’?
Think about your own perception.
Have you strived for many years to lose weight?
Do you think women should have a smaller bum or strive to be slimmer?
Do you think it’s finally time to ditch the old view and redefine what is femininity?
My view is that we should embrace the power of femininity. I wish I could bottle the personal training sessions where clients realise how good it feels to lift weights and see how strong they feel both mentally and physically. (And that’s not even factoring in the physiological importance of muscle mass in women.)
It’s so amazing, and it’s so right!
If it makes others feel threatened, then that’s their problem.
Look at female elite athletes these days. They work so unbelievably hard to strengthen their body to give them the optimum chance to be the best at their sport. Look at tennis players, sprinters and gymnasts and how their bodies have changed over the years. They do it because they want to do it, feel good about doing it and benefit from pushing their bodies to their potential.
I personally think it’s to be celebrated, because finally women are taking control and maximising what we can do. We should define what is feminine and that comes in all shapes and sizes.
Let’s throw off the social constraint shackles and judgement, we have enough of those as it is, and feel free to have the body we want that makes us feel like a woman!
If you would like any advice in building muscle and strength, then please get in touch.
Nicola
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