If there is one thing I hear over and over again when I tell people I lift or people find out I lift it's, "Oh...you're going to get bulky" or "Oh, don't lift too heavy! You don't want to start looking like a man".
There are so many things wrong with these statements but let me just start by saying this, I lift for me. Not for anyone else but myself. I honestly do not care what you may think about how much weight I should or should not be lifting. What I do, I do safely. I watch my form and use the right equipment. I know my body and my limitations I will be okay.
Second of all, does it really matter what I look like to you? Are women that suppressed still in a society that you are threatened by the fact that I can throw around some weight in the gym that you have to try and tell me something that you think will lower my confidence and make me stop? And is looking more muscular, something that you deem to be "looking like a man", seriously the end of the world? The thing is, you're probably intimidated. Holy cow, I'm a woman that can hold her own, protect herself, and protect others. I'm a woman that doesn't need a "macho" man to save her. I'm not a damsel in distress. It's 2016 and I do not want to rely on anyone for anything except myself.
Yes, I may be a five foot four inch woman in a small frame but I am not afraid of you or your words and or thoughts about the life I choose to lead. I am the strongest, most confidence, and driven that I have been in years. Honestly, lifting makes me feel unstoppable. I am not longer weak and scared. I now realize that I am capable of more things than I could have ever dreamed.
I wish the stigma that woman will get "bulky" from lifting would stop. It's suppressing our role and capabilities in society. Ladies, we don't need a man to save us. The man does not need to be a strong one or the bread winner. You can be your own savior. You can do it all. Do not let the media or false notions deter you from seeing what your body is truly capable of! You were not made to sit on a couch and binge watch Gossip Girl all day. Break the stereotype. Show the men that we are a force to be reckoned with and that we can truly do it all. We are more powerful than believe. You can squat your body weight and perfect your bench press more than you realize.
Be strong mentally, emotionally and physically. Do not be scared. Live up to your potential. Put those muscles and brain power to good use.
