The other day I was with my girlfriends at the gym. We got there at an odd afternoon time so there were few people working out. I suggested that we try the weight room because we never really have the chance to use that equipment without swarms of guys around. However, the other girls weren't quite set on that. So, instead, we made the deal to get in our normal cardio in upstairs (with all the other women running on treadmills) before we would hit the weight room and try out some new equipment.

Long story short, by the time we were finished upstairs, the downstairs weight room was full of guys, and my friends were not comfortable entering (even though there were going to be three of us!).

This is not OK. In my opinion, women should not feel like they have to hide upstairs and only utilize the treadmills or the cardio workout classes. Not that all women do this but, it is definitely a common stereotype and it can be true. There were no women down in the weight room, which was the first thing my friends pointed out to me. Which is why I am so excited to be writing on the blog this week and share something important and that is happening daily. My hope is to leave you with an empowering to message to be a change. Let's have it be NOT OK to follow this stereotype.

Girls belong in the weight room too!

However, I also want to say that really the biggest factor that is holding themselves back in their own insecurities. I've talked to multiple women and this is always at the root of their excuse. It is that feeling you get because you don't feel as you belong, that you are worried you don't know how to handle the equipment properly, or that people will stare and make judgments.
Well girls and guys, let's stop judging and caring about what people think. When you go to the gym do whatever YOU desire and need for the day. Your fitness and health are up to you. But, If you are looking for a switch up, don't be afraid of that challenge. Instead, take that opportunity and learn a new skill. It is hard to not be intimidated at the gym but, it is essentially a place for all ages, skill levels, and bodies... everyone in there is trying to be a better version of themselves.

So stop looking around and focus on what improvements you need in your life, quite frankly it may be your mindset.

Today, I challenge you to make it a goal to do something different. Instead, lead the example of being happy and healthy so that other women get the courage to be in places that they belong too. Because you enter the weight room doesn't mean you are a bodybuilder or that you are any different from other girls your age, it just means you had the courage to do something a little out of the norm. Be the lead for those to follow, I'd like the weight room to be a place for men as much as it is for women. As well that upstairs cardio area, let's make that for both sexes too.

Anyways that was my quick rant for the day and from this, I just want a little more inclusion for girls in the weight room and just think people could be more encouraging of each other's fitness goals, however, they may look.

-Ally Burnham