Any female who’s been weight training for a bit knows the drill – strangers just HAVE TO tell you what they think about your technique and your muscles, or give you a tour of the weight room.
Oh, thank you Mr. Strong Gentleman!
HowEVA’ would I have found the 5-pound dumbbells without your help?
When I was a bartender, I heard such creative zingers such as
What’s your other job? Gravedigger?”
Oh, you must work out.”
and, *warning: upcoming humble brag within a quote*
You know you’re the only girl on staff who can lift the kegs to change them.”
I recently asked some of my fellow lady lifters (wait should it be lady lady lifters?) for help compiling a list of the dumbest shit people say to us about lifting. So without further ado, I give you eight quotes that raise my blood pressure:
8. You’re going to make your husband feel inferior if you can lift more than he can, and it’ll cause marital troubles.
7. [on bench press] Why are you archin’ like that? You gonna break your back!
6. I bet you don’t let your boyfriend back talk you with those muscles huh honey?
5. Why do you squat so deep? Here let me show you the right way to squat.
4. Do you want to get bulky? Like a powerlifter?
3. You’re going to look like a man if you keep lifting heavy like that.
2. Your arms are too big… Girls shouldn’t have visible muscles.
1. Do you take steroids?
My purpose in compiling these was not to cry “WAHHHH, strong girls have it so hard.” I just want females newer to weight training to know you’re not alone. Shitty things will be said, and I hope they don’t deter you from working hard and enjoying the process.
Over my years of weight training, I’ve come to accept my body for what it can do. I didn’t always love my callused hands, collar-bone bruises, or buying new jeans when my big quads outgrew the old ones. But today I wouldn’t have it any other way. I hate cardio like my dog hates humans. [and she HATES most humans. Trust.] I love lifting heavy things and measuring my progress GAINZ.
And not all gyms are lurking with creeps. But then I’m fortunate to live in a big city with several options. Until next time, strong folks: keep intimidating people without even trying.
**Special thanks to Stephanie D., Stephanie M., Samantha, Jessica, Sarah, Elizabeth, Dicy, Ashley, Moe, Donna, Sunny, Lindsay, Sheila, Ling, Hannah, Darci, Esther, Stephanie K, Charlotte, Danya and Megan for sharing your stories to make this post possible. And to all of the men who spoke up within the comments to voice your support/love for women with strong physiques: Amen. Bless you. We love you. Also, I know a lot of strong Stephanies.***
~In strength,
Lis Saunders
IG @lissmash
