Written by Elena Popadic

Women need iron. Not the vitamin. The barbell.

It's true, you can be fit, healthy and strong through other means, so why powerlifting? Why would anyone subject themselves to the commitment of lifting increasingly heavier weights, year after year? Other women who lift usually "get it," but there aren't that many of us in the world.

My parents lost their damn minds when they saw a video of me deadlifting for the first time. I was immediately posed with the question: "Why?"

You would have thought I killed someone by their reaction. I was expecting them to be proud of me for being committed, active and strong. They were livid.

I was in so much physical pain standing there and facing them, as they reprimanded me for being strong because it felt like someone ripped my heart right out of my chest.

I could barely find my next breath, never mind an answer, so all I mustered up was:

Because I'm a feminist.

I didn't know how else to say I wasn't hurting myself, but rather helping myself. It was only afterward that I realized how loaded, and accurate, my response was. 

Society has taught women to believe:

  • women should be fragile
  • women should be thin
  • women should be submissive
  • women should ask men how to do or fix things
  • women should choose a career that allows her to cook, clean and raise children
  • women should ask men to pick up heavy items
  • women should not be intimidating
  • women who prioritize themselves are selfish
  • men like women who need them

And women who find freedom in powerlifting are often women who have been hurt, in one way or another, by believing those teachings.

A woman who lifts heavy is creating a stable, strong physical self, but an even stronger, and more resilient, mental self. 

Powerlifting is a sport that demands you do not suck in your waist, avoid food or remain quiet. It is a sport where heavier girls are stronger, and growth is celebrated. It is a metaphorical middle finger up to everything we were taught to define being a woman. 

When the weight feels heavy, we grunt. When we're afraid of getting under the bar, we stomp. When the bar starts to slip away, we cover our hands in chalk ... even if our nails are done.

We rise to the occasion, no matter how many times that day we were told we were wrong, silenced, objectified, insulted or ignored.

Every time I step up to the bar, I step into my skin, and out of a stereotype I was conditioned to believe was me. 

I no longer show up to places where I am made to feel unwelcome, I'm not quiet on controversial topics, I don't continue speaking with people who aren't listening, and my needs are always a top priority.

You say selfish, but I say self-respect.

I am not afraid to speak up, speak out, gain weight, stand out, look different, and especially not afraid of making misogynists feels uncomfortable. 

Because powerlifting is more than a sport, it is a teaching. It is a therapy for women betrayed by the system. A system built by fragile men that thrives on unrealistic expectations and lowered self-esteem.

So, I guess I'm not really a powerlifter because I am a feminist. But rather, I am a powerlifter, because I am, finally, just me.

Learn more about Elena on her blog supersassystrength.com

15 comments

  • Brenda: November 29, 2018

    Love your story! I am a 54 year old lifter, and other then my kids, is the one thing in my life I am most proud of. The rush I get from hitting a PR is like nothing else. The fact that I work out at a gym where the owner and staff are encouraging and supportive is a bonus. Nice way to start the day, thanks!

  • Tabitha: November 28, 2018

    OMG! This is the best thing I have read in a while. I had a tear in my eye as I read it as it is so true. Thank you!

  • Becky Jones: November 28, 2018

    As a 65 year young woman I have people question me wondering why in the world you would do this. I was taught that I was weak as all women should be. When I began to compete I found I was strong. It was so exciting I found strength that I never thought I had. I less stress. I come out of the gym leaving all my stress behind. I love to compete and continue to get stronger.

  • Aya Zaky: November 28, 2018

    Karen,

    You are strong, keep it up

  • Karen: November 28, 2018

    Good content for the thinkey brain. Thx

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