Redefining 'Strong Woman'

Since I can remember I have been hearing what it means to be a strong woman. Whether it be relatives or role models I have heard so many women described for their incredible strength. In every situation I remember this strength was emotional. Women who stood up for what was right, who fought through difficult times and who challenged unjust norms were all strong women. When I am called a strong woman, it is because of my personality. Stubbornness, forceful arguments and reactions to trying situations make me strong. Yet, I cannot help but think it is time to look to really strong women by the weight she lifts instead of the burdens she faces.

Healthy living has been a fixation of women for centuries. Mothers have passed down secrets of how to cure the common cold, a stomach bug or what to do for that awful zit before prom. Women, perhaps because of maternal instinct and in modern times due to vanity have always been consumed with the best way to foster healthy and happy lifestyles for themselves and their children. It is worth acknowledging that the forces that once brought vegetables to young children are now appeasing them with candy bars. Obesity has reached such high levels in the Western world that the health concerns linked to smoking are nearly dwarfed by those of being overweight. Mothers and fathers now are more concerned with their child's happiness than their well-being.

This time I want to celebrate women who are strong. I noticed it last week in class I take at my gym called Bodytone. Unlike the regular aerobics or tummy classes the gym offers this class is devoted to weight-lifting. While few women will brave the weight room at the gym, the overstuffed class on Monday nights is full of women who want to get stronger. In all shapes and sizes women flock to this class because it teaches us to build muscle, and the type of strength women need to start to celebrate as much if not more than the emotional strength we have celebrated for so long.

Being strong and healthy is one of the more difficult things the achieve. With life demanding so much of our emotional strength it is hard to find time for the physical. Yet, the physical is so important to fostering the development of the next generation. As women become more independent we also have to learn to be strong. To face moving boxes or walking stairs the way we face our fears and burdens will allow for the next generation of women to value their physical strength for more than vanity, but necessity.

So even though it is summer and it makes us all want to shape-up for bikinis and short shorts, try to look at the importance of being strong for more than just the way you look, but who you are. View exercise and health as more than a means to the perfectly flat tummy but the years of life that you want to have in the end and the ability to be prepared for the challenges that face you. Get lifting, get stronger--it does a mind good to have a strong body.