Have Men Met Their Match?

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There are simply exercises that both sexes either excel in, or they don’t.  For example, while a man may be able to do pull-ups with no problem, a woman can do more weighted walking lunges.  On the other hand, a male client of mine can’t do a pull-up to save his life, while I can do several.  (And I’m a girl)  The reason that I excel in this body weight area is because I trained my latissimus dorsi  muscles for maximum ability. 

Sometimes I think that the male psyche prevents male clients from being able to complete certain exercises.  Rather than admit that an exercise is too challenging, they’ll do things like kneel down and pretend to adjust their sock or tie their shoe.  Men generally are afraid to show weakness.

My female clients, on the other hand, literally, ask me for more.  They like to see their hard work in the form of sweat and exasperation.  Female clients tend to be more driven.  Personally, when I’m in the gym doing weight-training, I seek out the burn in my muscles and chase it.  I don’t run from it. 

Let’s introduce sports.

It makes sense that we don’t see women in the NFL.  Or does it? – The level of testosterone on the male-dominated field is insane.  What would happen if you threw a woman into the game?  Well, first of all, her flexibility and agility could serve as a buffer to help her weave in and out while propelling her through the defensive line. 

I’ve attended women’s football games, specifically the California Quake, where I assisted with conditioning, and I can tell you that these women are tough!  My only issue would be that the larger girls learn how to use their weight to their benefit.  That is, for power.

We’re built different, sure, but that shouldn’t prevent us from the opportunity to excel to optimum fitness levels. 

My opinion is that women in sports are trained to do what a particular mindset thinks they’re capable of.  I think that if more coaches – male and female – were outside-the-box thinkers, and trained females beyond what is perceived of them, they could fit into athletic roles that have been unimaginable. 

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• Weightlifting

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