I am sure that we all have heard of this new saying ! Of course, this applies to women. I don’t think men are enjoying so much the idea of being skinny, especially if they go to CrossFit.
This saying is quite empowering for women in today’s society. If we look at models, they are all quite skinny. While we’ve seen women with big curves or women with no curves wearing the haute couture clothes, not yet have we seen women with muscles. I am not talking about those doing the whole bodybuilding thing, pushing things to extremes to where their body and a man’s body become pretty similar apart from the fake boobs and makeup. No, I am talking about a woman who goes to a box a couple times a week and who inevitably develops her traps and arms among other things. Personally I get a lot of comments on my muscles. And I would get none if it was more common.
However, while this is developing in the world through CrossFit and other sports, there are still many different points of view on it such as:
- “You start looking like a man with all those muscles, it’s not pretty”
- “I like seeing a woman with defined muscles, I find that attractive”
- “Strong means confident, confidence is attractive”
- “That woman does not look like a woman anymore, it’s scary”
- “My girl is stronger than you”
- “You’re doing too much weight lifting, slow down”
- Etc.
In society there are standards of beauty, and those evolve. But they still affect people’s opinions. We will inevitably be influenced by what we hear, what we see. That works for men and women. But muscles can seem threatening in a woman. For a few it feels as though women are trying again to be more like men and take over. I am not one to think that women are as strong as men. Sure, I am stronger than the small guy who only runs. But I am way weaker than the guy who is like me, lifting weights and as often as I am (or less depending on his body). It’s nature.
Men may like curves, it’s understandable. Working out a lot will make boobs vanish and reduce the fat. But unless you’re a professional athlete with a strict diet, some fat remains. As for curves, I am not a curvy woman… with or without sport, while others are. We are the way we are.
I understand that some people might not appreciate a woman with muscles. It’s their personal taste. It simply should not be seen as the RIGHT opinion. If I like my muscles, if my body builds up easily, then it’s alright. Nothing wrong with that at all. What people think is their problem. Some people will love your muscles, others won’t. If you don’t like your muscles, then you will have to make a choice as well. But what should matter more is that we work out to feel good in our bodies, the look comes with it whether we like it or not. CrossFit’s goal is health; and when we are in good health, it shows and we do become more attractive to others for many reasons. CrossFit helps us with that.
So what do I see (and I hope others too) when I see a woman with defined muscles?
Someone strong, hardworking, persevering, sexy, with a good-looking body, healthy and who knows how to take care of herself! What more to ask… (don’t answer that!)
Stephanie A.
Skinny
Strong