Writer and powerlifter Mikala Jamison joins the podcast to share her journey of starting strength training and how to avoid the bro-culture in weight rooms. Topics include overcoming gym intimidation, building confidence in strength training, and navigating the world of strength training for beginners.
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Quick takeaways
Strength training builds empowerment and independence in daily activities beyond societal body image standards.
Strength training for women focuses on efficiency in building strength, requires proper nourishment, and improves body image perception.
Deep dives
Strength Training for Functional Fitness and Empowerment
Strength training is highlighted as a means to feel powerful and capable in everyday tasks, fostering a sense of inner and physical strength. Meg shares her interest in strength training to feel empowered and independent in her daily life, beyond societal body image standards. The importance of starting with a simple plan, such as three core movements like squats, deadlifts, and shoulder presses, is emphasized for building functional strength and fostering a sense of community.
Overcoming Misconceptions in Strength Training
The conversation challenges the misconception that strength training will lead to excessive muscle gain in women, debunking the fear of 'bulking up.' Michaela emphasizes that strength training offers efficiency in building strength, requires proper nourishment for muscle growth, and can do wonders for body image perception and cultivating a positive relationship with food and exercise.
Community and Unconventional Connections in the Gym
The podcast explores the diverse gym community where people of all shapes and sizes come together to support each other in their fitness journeys. Unusual friendships and camaraderie are highlighted as essential elements that make the gym a welcoming space, inspiring individuals to push past societal beauty standards and focus on strength and empowerment.
Practical Steps for Starting Strength Training
The importance of progressive overload and consistency in strength training is underscored, recommending a gradual increase in weight and reps to build muscle efficiently. Practical advice is given on getting started with strength training at home, focusing on key movements like squats, deadlifts, and presses. The conversation emphasizes starting simple, setting realistic goals, and finding joy in the journey of building strength.
Meg once was a terror in the world of roller derby. But these days, her sedentary lifestyle is making everyday physical activities a tad daunting. (We’re looking at you, groceries that need to be carried up four flights of stairs!). She wants to start lifting weights, but she’s unsure where to start—and whether she can avoid the bro-culture of many weight rooms. On this episode of How To!: Courtney Martin brings in writer and powerlifterMikala Jamison, who was in Meg’s shoes not that long ago. She shares how she got started, why lifting is a lifelong journey, and what we can learn from the current zeitgeist for women’s strength training.
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How To’s executive producer is Derek John. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson and Kevin Bendis.
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