NEW Thursday group added! 7pm starting November 19!
"I am strong. I am beautiful."
This was the mantra given to 17 women in our Barbell Bettys group on October 5. What started as a private instructional group for women on the ways of the barbell has turned into a loud scrum. Every Monday and Thursday night, women do the unthinkable:
They put chalk on their hands.
They lift weights that aren't even pink.
They – on purpose! – sometimes sweat. Right through their t-shirts!
And get this: they don't even wear gloves!
Yes, there are strong ribbons of femininity running through those layers of concrete: headbands, knee socks, lululemon. Stretchy pants and pink shoelaces come crashing up against loud music, yelling, and personal best deadlifts.
If women need anything in life, it's strength. This is true whether we prefer it to be, or not. To further paraphrase Coach Rip: Strong is why we are here.
Men are naturally stronger. But you've heard the old joke, right? About Grace Kelly doing everything Fred Astaire could do, but backwards and in high heels? Well, here's the thing, gentlemen: while you're thinking, "Gotta get this PR. Gotta crank. C'mon, grip and rip, baby!" a woman has to also think, "Would my grandma tell me not to lift weights? How does my butt look while I'm deadlifting? Is my hair going to fall in my eyes while that bar's going overhead? Is my boyfriend going to make fun of me again tonight? Are my muscles going to look too prominent? Should I care? What if I get calluses from this? Will I have to do the 'full shower' before returning to work, or can I get away without redoing my hair?"
All this, while lifting stuff that most men wouldn't attempt. In the last month, we've had a 300 deadlift; we've had a 185lbs back squat for 3 reps; we've had bench presses over 130lbs. Soon, the Bettys will be throwing Cleans around; bouncing Snatches off the platforms; locking Jerks overhead. Soon, they'll compete in their first Powerlifting Meet, live and on a world stage.
Further reading: One Woman's Request (CrossFit Watertown, by Lisbeth Darsh)
The Return of Strong Women (Catalyst Gym, Coach Coop)
Primal Strength Training for Women (Mark's Daily Apple)
6 Weeks – Mondays at 7pm – Park location – Starts November 16
$80 – Members; $125 – Non-members (includes membership for the length of the course)
To register: 256-1344