«It's a shame, because she has a beautiful face» Here's what he heard Veronica from two women who whispered while looking at her at the seaside in Puglia. The people's opinions about muscular women's bodies come back to the fore, even stronger with the beautiful days and more exposed bodies (because, let's remember, it's hot in summer) and every fit woman has already had to deal with a comment, from acquaintances or strangers.
"Don't get too big", "you look like a man", or simply: "it's ugly".
You have all heard these phrases before.
Ma what connection should we make between femininity and musculature? Are muscles the prerogative of men? Do you necessarily have to be a man to be muscular? Or do you necessarily have to be muscular to be a man?
Yes, some are already sweating…
E how a woman with developed muscles loses her femininity? Do you have to be fragile and delicate to be a real woman?
In reality, it is a broader social problem concerning the relationship with the female body and the impositions, very different depending on the era, of how it must appear to be "female".
Too fat, too thin, too much make-up, not enough make-up, too short skirt, too long sleeves, too sporty, too sexy, too bigoted, or not enough of all of these... For some time now, it's the "too muscular” that continually rings in the ears of women who do CrossFit®.
But we, behind the muscular woman, see one strong, determined, powerful, disciplined woman capable of surpassing herself. And all of this, for us, are the criteria of femininity. But obviously, everyone has their own vision of beauty, of femininity.
Summer is the prime time for these ever so painful comments, even if those who make them hide behind their right to express themselves and give their opinion. Do you want the truth? We don't care about your opinion.
And all these comments, experienced as daily microaggressions, are ordinary. And that's the problem, never serious, rarely scandalous. But insinuating and with small but recurring nuances.
Everyone has their own opinion, of course. But no one asks you to share it, and especially not with the person concerned.
Guys: You won't lose your manhood with muscular girls.
Girls: a little female solidarity please.
« My body is not Tripadvisor, you can keep your comments » says Veronica Paladino, athlete and coach at the Hyperlift Arena box.
Index
Mighy Maidens: an event against female discrimination
We are incredibly happy to have participated in a extraordinary event against female discrimination.
I (Barbara), together with Daria and Alice, have put our heart and soul into designing this project, with the aim of fight gender stereotypes and promote self-acceptance.
Last Saturday 8 June, at the CrossFit® Segrate box, we had the pleasure to chat with so many wonderful girls, listen to their stories and understand how they dealt with comments about their body.
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Each athlete gave us a piece of their experience, and these testimonies will soon be visible on our account in collaboration with Mighty Maidens.
We sincerely thank all the athletes present:
- Veronica and Miriam Paladino
- Laura and Martina di Biase
- Elisabetta Marchesini
- Francesca Cannobio
- Francesca Marchiori
- Jasmine Ghilardi
- Martina Borrini
- Sara Fitness
- Alessia Federiconi
- Alessia Paladino
- Marta Cocconcelli
- Valentina Gruppini
- Clare Salandra
- Clotilde Ferrero
Their contribution was incredible and transformed the meeting into a moment of sharing and solidarity, which will remain in our hearts forever.
We give you a little taste:
Testimony from Elisabetta Marchesini: «It's not always easy»
“I have faced observations about my physique since I was little: I did gym artistic and swimming so I already had well developed shoulders. Then, in middle school, I found out my nickname was Hercules! And this affected me a lot because I didn't wear tank tops and I didn't show my thighs.
Now, at 34, I distance myself and have gotten over it but at 16, I haven't. Just think that very few of the glances at my body are positive on the street, often those people come to congratulate or say a kind, encouraging word; the others look at me in amazement as if I were an alien.”
Testimony from Martina Borrini: «Now I don't care anymore, I ignore everything! »
“I come from a different path, I suffered from an eating disorder and I was very thin before building the body I currently have. It is the fruit of long work and discipline that today allow me to express myself in my sport and feel better about my body.
But for many people, this physique is considered atypical, and it attracts stares and comments. Men and women, it doesn't matter, I have often heard phrases like "it's too much", "I wouldn't want him to slap me", without the slightest discretion.
If it was difficult for me at first, now I don't care anymore, I ignore everything. I just find it sad that people feel free to judge out loud and end up being so closed minded. Fortunately, I also have to deal with sweet people, admired or impressed by my body who tell me: "you're sporty, it shows", "congratulations", "you're muscular, it's beautiful" and this just makes me so happy!"
Veronica and Miriam Paladino
“Even though we are evolving, in our society, nothing desacralizes the image of women as the "weaker sex" and nothing prepares people to see muscular women who appear to be against nature. If we spent our energy expressing positivity instead of judgment, our society would be much better off!”

And we couldn't agree more! Stay tuned to see all interviews and join us in celebrating the force, the determination and beauty of these incredible women.
Together we can change perceptions and create a more positive and inclusive society. Stay tuned to see all the interviews!