I have a client who recently sought my attention for advice on clean eating and strategic training. This client falls into an interesting categorey as the reason for seeking my attention had nothing to do with fatloss, but everything to do with strength gains. Our discussion lead me to reflect on the role of strength training in the female world.
I have debated whether or not to tackle this subject for quite some time. I have written other blog posts in the past about getting stronger for RKC and why fretting over numbers on the scale just wasn’t worth it in the end. I even smashed my own bathroom scale on Youtube, which gave me a great sense of personal freedom (though the explosion did scare my neighbors. Sorry guys!). However, I have not opened the discussion of why being a strong female is so important. Being strong goes far beyond physical health. Being physically strong empowers our confidence and allows us to handle the stressors of life. Strength even feeds into healthy body images, which is something us womenfolk need in our modern world. Finally, our personal strengths have the amazing capability of inspiring onlookers to get strong themselves. My client couldn’t have said it any better during our last session.
“You should be proud of your strength! I wanted to work with you because I know you could help me become stronger. I’m suprised you haven’t written anything yet about why women should be proud of their strength.”
Well Mr Client, that is about to change! (yes, said client was a man, eager to hear the female side of the strength spectrum. NEAT!)
I have read some incredible articles about strength training and the female body. Recently, my eyes were directed towards one of the best articles I have seen to date on this very subject. In her post titled “Unapologetically Strong”, Jen Sinkler boldly suggests that women throw out the social stigmas of being weak and embrace our physical, mental, hell, even spiritual strengths. In her own words, Jen states “own your abilities, and toss out the script. Be unapologetically strong, and say thank you!” It brought me back to the conversation I had with my client. Why have I been silent about helping others be strong? Why was I so caught up in minimizing my own strength in the past? Why haven’t I actually…I don’t know…spoken up about strength, body image, and other such topics related to training as a female weight lifter?
Next week I will be tackling this female strength topic with a three part blog series. I have conducted a few interviews with some strong females in different industries and 
have some really hot content on the rise. We will start with the encouraging story of a friend of mine in the fashion industry who chose functional fitness as a way to express strength through art (SUPER COOL MIGHT I ADD!). Next I will pair some content from a crossfitter and alevel II RKC who has been working with clients for a number of years. Finally, I will reflect on my own strength training and what it means to me to be “unapologetically strong”.
Be on the look out next week for some hardcore blogging! Until then, remember to eat smart, train hard, and enjoy your life!
Love Always,
Janelle Pica, RKC
