Work Out ‘Like a Man’
I recently read this post in The Cut: I spent Two Weeks Working Out ‘Like a Man’ and I was slightly annoyed.
The author writes about a 14 day period in which she tried out a bunch of different workouts she determined to be ‘manly’, like Crossfit, P90X, Martial Arts, and Bootcamps.
(source)
Showcasing to women these workouts that traditionally appeal to men is an awesome idea. The author could have done so much to encourage women to add them to their fitness regime.
For one, she could have refrained from defining male and female dominated exercise styles as mutually exclusive. She might have highlighted all the great fitness and women’s health benefits that come with these workouts, or the fact that women are often welcomed and made to feel comfortable in male dominated fitness environments, or the fact that the challenge of trying new workouts can be extremely rewarding.
But she doesn’t. So, to me, the article is a total failure.
Instead the author draws the line in the sand about what makes a workout ‘manly’ (we’re trying to break down these stereotypes and she just sustains them). She complains about the smell of the mats in a Muay Thai gym, laments about how she couldn’t keep up in many of the classes, and dramatizes about how her unbearably soreness is making simple daily tasks impossible for her.
Even I don’t want to try any of these workouts after that sort of review. Evidently neither do some of the commenters:
“I’m pretty happy with Tracy Anderson‘s workouts”
“I will stick to my yoga, spinning, and elliptical circuit, thank you. Just reading about not being able to put my shirt over my head is not appealing to me personally.”
Men should feel comfortable in a yoga studio or aerobics class. Women should feel like it’s okay for them to lift weights or kickbox. Can we just stop with the stupid exercise stereotypes already?
I think it’s awesome that the author tried out so many new exercises (and I’m kinda jealous too). Trying new forms of fitness is a great way to learn new skills and discover a new passion. But by framing the article around the fact that the workouts she chose to try are traditionally preferred by men does nothing to encourage women to try them out.
She missed a great opportunity to get women excited about trying something new.
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- e-mail: samanthaamenzies@gmail.com
- Samantha Menzies is an opinionated young firecracker who just happens to enjoy distracting web surfers with chronicles of her mildly entertaining daily pursuits.
Loved this post. I feel so strongly about discrimination of women (not only in the gym, but in society in general). I avoided the “lower level” of my workout facility for a year and a half because all of the “meatheads” were down there lifting weights. There were some good machines on the upper level of my facility, and mostly a mixed crowd there as well. The “lower level” was intimidating and I was so scared to try it out. One early Sunday, I ventured down there when I saw a 40-something woman doing 15 lbs on a tricep extension, and I thought… why am I intimidated to be down here? From the weird stares from the guys? They don’t “own the gym”… and I have the same membership and privileges as they do. Definitely a great article about discrimination of gender!
I love stories like yours! Hearing that you went down in the depths of meathead city and came out alive and not uncomfortable is encouraging for other women to do the same. Power to ya, girl!
I agree that it’s time to get over the exercise stereotypes! How did all the gender differences in exercise ever start, anyways? What a shame.
I am afraid to read this article. I might ragestroke myself into oblivion.
Our small town paper ran a story about the local pole fitness facility this week. Due to high demand for classes they are moving to a larger space. The story mentioned that men take classes there too. There was no judgment or stereotyping. It felt like progress, though articles like the one you mentioned show there’s a long way to go. Let’s all just move our bodies in ways that suit us best.
I’ve done Insanity a few times, which is pretty insane and I know men that have done it as well. I never really viewed it as a male work out, even though it can be. At the gym, I use the same equipment as the men, and so do other women. It’s all about what you’re comfortable doing.
That’s great! Your attitude sounds like gender isn’t even a ‘thing’. And it shouldn’t be! More people need this attitude.
It really isn’t. I actually never thought of it until reading your article. Being raised by a single mother is most likely why I feel that way. I saw my mother do everything!
I think the arms on the lady in the orange shirt are beyond unappealing. Just because we can grow our butts so big doesn’t mean it looks good. Just because we can get that much muscle doesn’t mean it looks good. Just my opinion.