I hope you’ve been seeing this around. Within the recent decade, gyms, fitness centers, and health clubs have been booming. And along the last couple of years, females have been admired for getting buff. Especially this and last year, as I’ve noticed, there are tons of phrases coming out like “Strong is the new skinny” and I am 100% on board with that. For too long, women have been shuffled into a space where they are expected to look a certain way.
Hello, earth to people–everyone’s body behaves, evolves, and trains differently. That’s it. Check out this post to learn more about fitness definitions like “mesomorph” that describe different body types. Now, I’m not saying, go and eat 5 cheeseburgers because it’s okay to be fat. No, it’s not okay to be overweight for your body type–not because of how you look, but because of the health inside of you and the problems it can create. No, I’m saying, that it’s okay to have more than 15% body fat, that skinny is out, and strong is in.
Abby Wambach, the “gladiator” of the US Women’s National Soccer Team
Once you begin strength training and really building yourself with endurance, strength, and agility, you find power. Think of our Olympians–they’re sexy because they’re strong. And guess what–it is HEALTHIER to be strong. Often times, it can be unhealthy to be skinny. It’s a whole new level of empowerment. I ask you to stop shying away from your broad shoulders like I once did and embrace them. They give you great power for swimming, back workouts, and overall strength. They help you become a better athlete.
Me during a pull workout a few months ago
Some people call me skinny and I stop them. I don’t have a lot of body fat, but I do have a good amount of muscle. I am strong, not skinny. I almost take insult to being called skinny now when I would’ve loved that compliment five years. Times have changed and perspectives are almost coming around to where they should be. I am lucky enough to have someone like Chris who admires me for my strength, which all should do of their partners instead of desiring unrealistic and unhealthy figures. I apologize for the rant, but I’m sick of people starving themselves to get a certain look. Feed your body and put it through work. Love yourself, love your body, and love the power that strength can give you.
Treat your body with respect and kindness. STRONG IS THE NEW SKINNY
Love this! When I first started working out, it was primarily to lose weight and it was heavy on the cardio. When I started weight training last year, I realized that since I’d lost weight, I wanted to tone and define my muscles. I don’t think I ever wanted to be skinny because I’ve always felt that it has a negative connotation. But I DO want to be strong. And I am!
Yes!!
Well said! Preach.
🙂
So true. I’m over people saying they want to be skinny. There’s just so much more to it nowadays that starving yourself is not trendy anymore. Hit the gym/pavement/whatever you do to workout and enjoy how you feel after a workout.
Absolutely!
Yes! Total agreement here. I had a friend in middle and high school who was thin as a rail, and very tall. It made her look so unhealthy! I’ve always been the opposite… heavy (okay, I’ll say it: obese) and short. Since the beginning of my current weight-loss journey, I knew I didn’t want to just be skinny. I’ve made sure to schedule in plenty of strength training, and it’s become my favorite part of working out. Being able to add another five or ten pounds every few weeks or so is so gratifying. I’m still heavy, but I’m getting stronger, and I feel so much better.
So awesome!
Great thoughts. I feel like there are a lot of women who are intimidated by strength training because the men who do it can look intimidating. The problem is that for most women who want to look toned, strength training is exactly what they need. Blogs like this are a great resource for encouraging women in this way! Thanks!!
Totally!
Love this hate when people called me skinny because I worked out for 38 years okay I have lost a lot of upper body muscle mass the past five years but never considered myself skinny …long lean muscle machine …better
Hell, yes!!! I began working out almost 8 years ago and I feel that I have transformed my body. Yes, I still am “skinny,” but that’s because it’s muscle now, not un-toned flab!
Exactly!
As a skinny man I have been trying to break into the 70kg region for two years, eventually at the end of lat year when I realized I could climb a wall unassisted faster and with greater ease than the muscle guys I realized I’m strong enough, and no scale is going to make me feel as good as being able to scale a wall in seconds.
Good read, thanks.
That’s awesome 🙂
This was a great post for me to read today! Perfect timing! I completely agree, well said 🙂
Thank you!
Ahaa, its nice conversation about this post here at this blog, I have read all that, so now me
also commenting at this place.
Well said. I has always baffled me that it’s seen as attractive to be so underweight that your body can’t even bear children. We were meant to work, we were meant to be powerful creatures. That is what we should find sexy.
AMEN! Preach!
I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger award! http://lizitivity.wordpress.com/2013/06/05/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Thank you!
You’re welcome!
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