Before Liberty High School had a weight training class exclusively for women, very few women chose to try it. The weight training classes had around five women at most. But with Liberty’s Weight Training for Women class, there are over 50 women learning weights at school. What caused the change in interest?
“When you go to a gym, more often than not, it’s male dominant, and that can be scary for girls to get into, especially because most of the time we don’t know where to start,” women’s weight training teacher Devyn Warns said. “We don’t want to seem like we don’t know what we’re doing in such a male dominant environment.”
Many girls feel like taking a weight training class exclusively for women creates a space where they can comfortably ask questions, without feeling embarrassed about not already knowing.
“I had no experience in lifting weights. One can imagine how daunting it would be joining a weight training class full of shredded dudes who seem like they know exactly what they’re doing,” senior Ananya Koimuttum said.
Like Koimuttum, Warns agreed that many of the girls would not have taken the class if there were guys. It would feel like they were expressing interest in learning something that everyone else was seemingly already experienced with.
“Weight training isn’t just about building muscles and getting big,” Warns said. “It’s so healthy for especially women to be building their bone density, and it’s important to do for everyday life. If you fall, you’re strong enough, and your bones are healthy enough where you hopefully don’t get too hurt.” Because osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones weaker and more breakable, is so common for women as they age, lifting weights is important for women.
The National Institutes of Health says, “According to general results, exercise enhances mood and self-esteem while decreasing stress tendencies[…]. Studies show that people who exercise regularly have a better frame of mind.” Since staying active can also be a good way to fight mental and emotional struggles, it is important for people to make time in their day to exercise. “It’s a part of your schedule. […] So if you’re feeling lazy or just don’t want to, you don’t have a choice! And I actually am grateful for that,” Koimuttum said.
Not only that, but many of those in the class think it also brings balance to school days that feel like lots of academic material and pressure, with few opportunities to let out any pent-up physical energy. “It’s honestly become a refreshing part of my day where I can set aside academics and just get a lift in with a great community,” Koimuttum said.
Since weightlifting specifically is so helpful for strengthening bones and muscles, students are happy to know there is a comfortable space where they can lift without feeling intimidated by people who already have lots of experience. “I feel more confident and comfortable lifting with other girls,” Koimuttum said. “Ms. Warns is a very cool teacher as well!”
Many of the students in Weight Training for Women think it is an important and helpful class. It is a super healthy habit to develop. The class helps students develop a habit they might not otherwise have the courage to do.