STRENGTH UNFILTERED: REDEFINING FEMALE FITNESS EMPOWERMENT.
- Giorgia Caso
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
Social conventions often dictate our choices, even if subconsciously. When discussing women’s physical activity, social pressures influence motivations to reach an impossible body goal. Working out or moving their body isn’t encouraged by society. And getting stronger or preventing age-related diseases aren’t mainstream objectives, even though they bring the most benefits. The real question, then, is: Why does working out as a woman always spark debate both online and offline?
In our modern society—in which gym goers are increasing—women are still criticised. From their choice to work out in the first place to what they wear and how they behave, women don’t always feel comfortable lifting weights or moving their bodies (unless it’s pilates or yoga). Because of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has created an action plan. According to WHO, 20 to 40% of women don’t meet the minimum level of healthy physical activity each week. One of the program’s objectives is to “Create Active People.” In this scheme, women are considered one of “the least active groups,” therefore inviting them to participate in more physical activity by creating a welcoming fitness environment.
Nonetheless, in the US today, statistics show that 52% of gym members are women, while in 2022 only 48% of memberships were female-held. This shows that, even if society doesn’t encourage women to work out because of the many stereotypes surrounding the gym, they are still confronting these comments and breaking social conventions. From Serena Williams to Ilona Mayer, many female athletes are living proof that strength and athleticism come in different shapes and forms.
Social Media on Women's Bodies
Thanks to inspiring women who fight stereotypes on a daily basis, the fitness world is slowly changing. That said, a TikTok debate recently trended about what gym clothes women should wear. Rather than focus on complimenting women who choose to get up from their couch, work out, and improve their overall health, what they wear became the most valuable focal point for social commentary. This strictly relates to the long-established double standards women are subjected to every single day.
When men wear shorts to exercise, no one says anything because “it’s normal.” When a woman wears shorts, everyone has something to say about it. “Provocative,” “dangerous,” and so many other colorful words depict a picture where women are practically “asking for it.” Sports bras, too, are often the subject of irrelevant opinions when men can run shirtless outside and no one dares comment on that choice.
How often have I heard the phrase “the gym is scary” from a female friend? Spoiler: Way too many times. The real reason is that gyms are often full of testosterone, which can feel intimidating to someone who isn’t comfortable with being stared at, even if not intentionally.
Historically, women were not allowed to participate in professional sports until the second half of the 20th century, according to AISTS (International Academy of Sport Science and Technology). Thanks to women like Kathrine Switzer, who broke the rules to run in the 1967 Boston marathon, women have begun looking up to these figures. Switzer ran a male-only race, which allowed slow changes to happen. In 1972, the same marathon accepted women who met specific requirements—a great step forward in letting women participate in professional sports. Because of her and many other athletes, women are convinced they can do more.
Even if they’re still not encouraged to work out too much, as they would then look “like a man,” more women are defying the odds and breaking records. Tigst Assefa set a new women’s record at the 2026 London Marathon, just to cite one of the many determined, disciplined, and strongest female athletes in the world.
"The physical and mental strength required to work out or even run goes way beyond aesthetics."
Investing in Health
The physical and mental strength required to work out or even run goes way beyond aesthetics.
Women have a 1 in 3 chance of getting osteoporosis as they age. Lifting weights can help prevent it, but because of misinformation, most women are unaware of the great benefits working out can have for their long-term health. From stronger bones to a lower risk of chronic illnesses, strength training in particular is one of the best investments a woman can make.
Instead of fitting within the box society has built over the years, women should be encouraged to cut some time for themselves to work out. It is also an empowering move to build a strong body when we have to protect and defend it at all costs. Why should women limit themselves when they can just lift weights and have fun? As research at WHO confirmed, the goal is for everyone to discover the exercise routine that works best for them. Not everyone is made to work out at the gym, for example, yet the workout per se is essential to a more active and equal society.
Many influencers are beginning to produce content showing that women can be stronger, too. Social media, then, can become a very powerful tool to support women in their fitness journey. From Gymshark ambassadors to OnerActive ones, the range of female athletes who break social conventions is increasing daily. So let’s just try to judge less and work out more.
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