Instagram comments made towards accounts of women that weightlift. Names are blurred for the privacy of the accounts mentioned.
I definitely would not consider myself to have the physique of a body builder. I'm only five feet tall, more full-figured, but also muscular. Because I'm not on the skinnier side and with the help of my dad's genes that make me gain muscle easily, my muscles tend to look more dense and full, especially since I'm only five feet tall. Although my body type could be considered appealing to some, I've received a lot of negative feedback and criticism once I began weightlifting about three years ago.
I had never been happy with my weight or appearance. I've gone from being slightly overweight, underweight, and eventually I began to find a happy medium when I began to weight lift. Over the years, I received negative feedback, whether I was slightly overweight, underweight, and now that I was getting into shape. Fine lines have been created between what is considered the "perfect body," specifically speaking about women (although men face body shaming and societal standards just as much). Overweight women are shamed for being fat just as skinny women are shamed for looking "anorexic." Now that I've begun to weight lift, I've noticed that there is such a thing as being "too fit". Women especially have to distinguish between being fit, but not too fit. Being too fit means being too muscular for a woman and being considered manly.
Here is a list of issues and comments most women that lift weights have to deal with.
1. Backhanded Compliments
"You're still pretty," even with all of your muscles!
"Your arms are really impressive and big..for a girl"
I was unaware that being in shape could take away from how attractive you think I am, good thing I don't care!
Yes, for a girl....because I am a girl.
2. Being told by men that they don't like muscular women/You should stop lifting so much because guys won't like it.
Totally forgot women lift weights solely for attracting men and their unsolicited opinions!
3. "Girls should only do high reps of low weight"
No? Women don't easily bulk up unless it is in their genes too (like me). Don't be afraid to go heavy! Weightlifting actually helps women lose weight and speeds up your metabolism. If you love to eat like I do, it's a fantastic thing.
4. "Do you need me to show you how to do that?/Need me to spot you?"
No, and no. I don't need your help and I can probably lift as much or more than you do ;)
5. "Why not work on being toned instead of getting so muscular?"
What do you think makes you toned?? MUSCLES.
6. When squatting heavy is considered okay, but doing heavy lifting for other body parts isn't attractive.
For squats, you need to have a strong core, including your abdominal and back. You rest a heavy bar on your traps so you need to have muscle there too. For all lifting, you need to have muscle and strength in the rest of your body! Being proportional is not a bad thing!
7. "Ew, why do you have so much calluses on your hands?"
Don't like the way my hands look? That's too bad. It's a product of hard work.
8. "You're going to start to look manly."
Hmm, pretty sure I still have all the tell tale signs of being a woman last time I checked.
To all of my ladies that weight lift like me, keep up the amazing work and never let anyone get you down! You are beautiful no matter what body type you have and no matter what anyone else says to you. Always try to keep positive and always love yourself. Your opinion of your own body is all that counts.
