The Beauty is a Beast

When I first started working in fitness back in the 90’s I remember a common sentiment amongst my female clients: “I want to be toned but not bulky. I don’t want to lift weights and then look like a man.” Today the tide had shifted dramatically. While we still appreciate a lean and tight body, the discussion surrounding what it means to be beautiful and fit have expanded to include terms like: chiseled, cut, and defined. Women are getting their inspiration from female athletes, not just runway models. So what caused the shift?

Health & Beauty

The prevalence of eating disorders demonstrates the drastic measures some women have been willing to take in an effort to be thin. It is now understood that being what might be considered skinny is not realistic or healthy for most women. As a matter of fact, being underweight is known to carry its own set of health challenges. Malnutrition and Osteoporosis are both more likely for those who are underweight.

Women are being encouraged to determine their fitness potential from a variety of sources. Body fat, height/weight ratio, and waist circumference are now considered better indications of overall health than weight alone. Women who defined themselves according to the scale now see it as just one consideration in their fitness profile.

Having muscle is also known to help keep fat percentages low. Muscle takes a lot of energy (think calories) to maintain and therefore it is difficult for both fat and muscle to co-exist. By having muscle, you put your body in a better position to have low body fat. Bone density is also improved when women lift weights. This helps protect women against brittle bones as well as help to improve posture. Did you know that by simply using good posture you can give the appearance of a 15 pound weight loss?

Beauty: Women in Sports

Since Title IX (the legislation Education Amendments that requires schools that receive federal funds to provide girls and women with equal opportunities in sports) was adopted in 1972 we have seen a huge increase in the number of women who play. Being good at a sport requires training and training includes conditioning. The proper balance between muscle and fat is important for any athlete; women included. Women must let go of dainty aspirations if they want to be a cut above. Competition for college scholarships and professional teams is intense; a high level of conditioning (which typically brings muscle development along for the ride) can set an athlete apart from the rest.

Beauty: New Gym Atmosphere

The days of metallic lycra leotards and tights are gone. Women have come out of the aerobic classes and are lining up on weight benches alongside men. We’ve turned in our leg warmers for kettlebells. Men seem to respect us for it! This is seen clearly in CrossFit gyms where men often partner with women to complete the workout of the day (WOD). Everybody who wakes up for a 5:00am workout is considered equal. And yes, sweat is sexy.

Women are also running races in record numbers; signing up for marathons and even Ironman competitions. While we bring a feminine edge to the sport (there are many running skirts and accessories to choose from) we are allowing ourselves to race without fear of being too much like a boy. In addition, spending an hour applying makeup seems like such a waste after a long run.

While many women still struggle with the image society imposes upon us, more and more are realizing that it is just that: an image. Real women can be fit and feminine at the same time. We don’t sacrifice being attractive just because our hair stays in a ponytail or our nails are rarely painted. We are tapping into a beauty found deep inside which enables us to freely and comfortably transform into BEASTS.