There are women out there wondering if because they are obese, they need to change their body before lifting weights. I know because I received this question in an instagram Q&A box months ago – and while it broke my heart a bit, it’s a valid question based on this industry.

You are welcome here.

“Here,” being, in fitness, and in this corner of the internet.

Sometimes, I forget what mainstream fitness messaging looks like…I see progress because of who I follow, and have relationships with. I see women seeking gains because that’s who I work with. Women who have played sports, or done crossfit, or taken part in SOME form of exercise. In short, y’all value moving. And you like to learn.

But every once in a while, I get a question that reminds me of mainstream fitness and how far behind it is. Selling fitness to women through the singular desire to be smaller. To be sure and get “toned” but not “bulky.” Being told spot reduction is a thing outside of liposuction. Selling cardio for days. And your value being tied only to physical appearance. For trainers and clients alike.

Well. Let me tell you. You are welcome in the weights section. Literally NO ONE is stopping you. You are welcome to LEARN and be your biggest ADVOCATE. Maybe you don’t see people who look like you. That doesn’t mean you aren’t welcome. That doesn’t mean you don’t “belong.” Step into that space, and it’s yours.

Yes, there is nuance, always. But my point is that you’re welcome to START. Whatever that might look like. In whatever body you have NOW, today.

If you’re just starting your weight lifting journey, you may need to hire an in person coach, to take an assessment or buy a starter/educational program like Movement 101. Perhaps you do have health issues that need to be addressed before going ham with the weights.

But I repeat, you’re welcome to START weight lifting.

(If you’d like weight lifting to be your exercise practice.) Don’t let this industry sell you otherwise. Get a second, third, or fourth opinion. And don’t stop until you find someone willing to actually be helpful with your weight lifting journey.

The woman who asked that question DM’d me letting me know she lifted two days in a row after reading my response. Fuck yes. More of that please. Hit the weights. And tell ‘em Annie sent ya.

If you want to get strong, enjoy your workouts and make #educatedgains, then get on the Built by Annie waitlist. 

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