Working out is for us.

It only took an estimated 4.543 billion years of the earth’s existence for workouts to be tailored to women. In this world of social media, which emphasizes societal constructs of what a woman should or should not look like, we have finally found an answer: it’s different for everyone. For years, the only workouts tailored to women were high-intensity interval training, cardio-heavy practices, and running, which were meant for women to achieve their best selves. The previous goal for women was to be as thin as possible, specifically for the male gaze, but it was never our benefit. With that era of practice and thought finally ending, this new fitness wave has all women in a chokehold, and for good reason. The current fitness world emphasizes practices tailored to each body, including mental and overall health. Women in the past were not the target audience of any workout practices that involved weight lifting, strength training, or any weight-intensive practice, but now the game has changed. Not only has the rise of pilates, yoga, barre, and sculpt classes helped strengthen women, but these practices have also opened the doors to many new conversations. Women feel the benefits of moving their bodies non-detrimentally, leading to a better headspace, more confidence, physical strength, and room to grow. 

From the ages of fourteen to eighteen, while in high school, I played at least one sport a season; strength training was never a requirement or advertised to me. My one-hundred-and-twenty-pound body was solely running off of the food I ate. Assessing that situation now, everyone can recognize I lacked the proper training to grow and strengthen myself properly. This gap in proper conditioning affected me both physically and mentally. My performance was not reaching my goals, causing me to be upset both on and off the field. Looking back, I had no idea how much of a physical and mental impact this had on me at the time. Many years of trying to understand my body and being immaturely consumed by what is out on the Internet led me to become even more frustrated. 

Being in my fourth year of college now, the shift I have watched social media create by bringing to light this gap in women’s health support does nothing but comfort me. My feeds are flooded with information on how to align one’s menstruation cycle to one’s food consumption and workout routines while also tying in femininity through workout fashion. This new wave of strength training that features low-intensity toning in classes such as barre, form yoga, and pilates is not just a trend; it is here to stay. These exercises are tailored to women by highlighting weight modifications and various adjustments that allow individuals to meet their specific needs, especially when dealing with a menstruation cycle. Each of these classes provides weight adjustments that focus on energy levels, encapsulates a safe environment for women, and debunks old tales of health goals. 

There is no longer a push to be the thinnest in the studio but rather a new goal of endurance, strength, and confidence. This new wave of classes unites women in and out of the studio, on and off the field, and regarding the individual self, both mentally and physically. Women are no longer fighting with their bodies in the gym; we are now working with ourselves to become the actual best version we know we can be. This is one of the most significant strides of feminism I have been able to experience in my time on earth, and I am glad to be here for the 4.543 billionth year.