Beyond Barbells and Bro Codes: How Women in Strength Sports Are Flexing on Gender Norms
Saturday, December 7, 2024.
When you think of strength sports like Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit, and strongman, you might picture hulking dudes shouting "One more rep!" as chalk clouds the air.
But here’s a plot twist: women are increasingly stepping onto the platforms and into the gym racks, smashing stereotypes and redefining what it means to be strong.
A recent study published in Sex Roles dives deep into the world of these powerhouse women, and spoiler alert: it’s a mix of grit, glory, and some occasional side-eye at outdated gender norms.
The Muscle Myth: Why Society Can’t Handle Buff Women
Let’s start with the obvious: strength sports are still a boys’ club.
Women make up a minority of athletes, coaches, and leaders in these fields, which means they’re often navigating uncharted waters—sometimes while dodging societal expectations about what a “feminine” body should look like. Apparently, muscles on women are still a controversial topic for those clinging to the Victorian fainting couch aesthetic.
Researcher Brianna Newland, Associate Dean at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, knows this struggle personally.
As a weightlifter herself, she wanted to understand how other women manage to thrive in an environment where muscularity is often equated with masculinity. Spoiler alert: it’s not all protein shakes and personal bests—there’s a lot of sexism to bench press, too.
Strength Sports vs. Stereotypes: Who’s Winning?
Using semi-structured interviews (fancy research speak for “Let’s talk about your life while I take notes”), Newland and her team interviewed 21 women athletes and four coaches aged 18 to 44. These women shared stories that ranged from inspiring to infuriating—think navigating dismissive male peers and awkward “compliments” like, “Wow, you’re strong for a girl.” Cue the collective eyeroll.
Participants discussed their complicated relationships with their bodies. Outside the gym, muscular women are often labeled as “unfeminine,” while within their training circles, their strength is celebrated.
Many found empowerment in embracing their physical capabilities, but they’re still pushing back against pervasive myths like, “Lifting will make you bulky” or “Strong women are intimidating.” (Honestly, why isn’t intimidating a compliment yet?)
Coaches: Allies or Obstacles?
Interactions with male peers and coaches were a mixed bag. Some male athletes and coaches were supportive, eager to learn about women-specific training needs like managing hormonal cycles.
Others?
Let’s just say they’re still operating on a “shrug it off” mentality. Women coaches described feeling invisible and outnumbered, often needing to prove their expertise repeatedly in ways their male counterparts didn’t.
As one participant aptly noted, “Sport is one area where sexism and patriarchy still have a very strong foothold.” Translation: We’ve come a long way, baby, but we’re still not benching equal plates when it comes to representation.
Empowerment Through Iron
Despite the hurdles, the women interviewed emphasized the transformative power of strength sports.
Beyond the physical gains, they described feeling more confident, capable, and connected. For many, the gym was a sanctuary where their strength was celebrated, not questioned. Camaraderie with other athletes created a sense of belonging, proving that the real gains go far beyond muscle.
CrossFit, often seen as the cool, gender-inclusive cousin in the strength sports family, was highlighted as an example of how to do things right. Its focus on community and inclusivity has created spaces where women feel empowered rather than sidelined.
What’s Next? More Voices, More Representation
The study’s authors, Newland and Monica Knowlton, aren’t stopping at women’s experiences. Future research will explore the perspectives of non-binary athletes, LGBTQ participants, and men training alongside women. They also plan to investigate how young girls can be better supported in these sports and how governance structures can promote women in leadership roles.
In the meantime, the women in strength sports are already reshaping what it means to be strong and feminine. As Newland put it, “Their positivity and strength are reshaping long-held societal beliefs about what it means to be a strong sportswoman and a woman in society more generally.”
Final Rep: A Call for Change
The takeaway? Strength sports aren’t just about lifting heavy; they’re about lifting each other up. By challenging stereotypes and demanding visibility, these women are setting new personal records—not just on the platform, but in society at large. And honestly, if that’s not inspiring, what is?
Be Well, Stay Kind , and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Knowlton, M., & Newland, B. L. (2024). Beyond the Barbell: Women in Strength-Based Sports and the Reshaping of Gender Norms. Sex Roles.