Women, Muscles, and "Bulk:" A historical perspective

Entirely agree

I'm a climber, and I have a friend that purposefully doesn't climb on harder stuff because she is afraid she's going to get "bulky". She purposefully dampers her climbing ability because of what the boys will think of her.

I say she's missing out on improving in a very fun sport, all because of stupid social stigma that isn't even true. sheesh. I'm so sick of females not living up to the best of their abilities because of what some insecure boys will think!

this is really sad hope she learns to view other people's insecurity for what it is and goes on to fulfill all her potential in the face of everyone who'd try to bring her down to their level...

Love this thread.

I lift, no I don't lift heavy weights, not because I am afraid to bulk up, but because I have injuries.I have always lifted. I actually just bumped up to 20lb dumbbells for chest presses and 15lb curls, I am so proud. It took 10 years to get back here because I have a bad shoulder, but I got here :happy:

Its funny, I live in an apartment building with doormen and when I had a box to carry, oh do you want a wagon, you need help. Yet my 4yo sleeping who weighed more than the box, no offer to help.

Another thing my daughter was a dancer growing up. She would jump and leap into my arms and would catch her. The last time she did this she was 16yo and I caught her and held her.

Being a strong woman does not make you manly, no one thinks I am anything but feminine. I am 47yo and plan to stay strong!!!!

I rage when girls tell me that lifting heavy things will make them "bulky" as I struggle to add 1/4 of an inch to my bicep...

Love this thread. This is the perspective that really needs to start taking hold! I had a frustrating incident yesterday when I told my friend that I had just started a new lifting program and she would not stop talking about how she couldn't do something like that because she'd get too "bulky". I tried to educate her without sounding like I was all high and mighty, but she wouldn't hear it...*sigh*

Oh well, at least there are a good number of us out there! Great job OP!

OK at least this thread was kinda cool to look at, but seriously I think I see maybe 1 thread/week from a woman with this concern, and at least 25/week by someone trying to tell that one chick how it just won't happen. #obsession

because it's really frustrating to see women refusing to even try something that a) they might enjoy, b) that is likely to improve their health and fitness and c) that has a good chance of helping them to achieve the physique that they want, because of something that isn't going to happen

OK at least this thread was kinda cool to look at, but seriously I think I see maybe 1 thread/week from a woman with this concern, and at least 25/week by someone trying to tell that one chick how it just won't happen. #obsession

Me too. And it bothers me a little, because it's so anti-bulk - you know, some women just ARE bulkier and/or more muscular, and that really isn't such a terrible thing.

<- I'm still fluffy but lifting heavy has gotten me these arms and even a new boyfriend!! I do find it fun though to lift a 40lb bag of cat litter at Petsmart and carry it around like it was nothing. It's a great empowering feeling women!!