It’s hard for women to be respected in a male dominated activity/sport. Some people are encouraging, but there are still so many who question you and make you feel inferior because you’re a woman. Here are some common questions that women who lift weights are asked, and these are some of the thoughts that have crossed my mind and more than likely yours too. I hope you find this as empowering and as humorous as I do.

1. "Why do you like working out so much?"

If I were a guy, you wouldn’t be asking me this…but, since you are asking, I just really love it. There’s nothing better than lifting weights at the end of a long and stressful day, working out and lifting is my kind of therapy. PLUS, I enjoy getting stronger.

2. "How much can you lift?"

Ummmm…not as much as I want to be. You see it all depends on what lift we’re talking about and whether I’m lifting in gear or raw. But, anyway, here are what my top numbers are…

Literally this is the hardest question to try and answer.

3. "Do you take steroids?"

NO. I don’t. This is natural, all natural, okay…okay.

4. "You’re hungry again?"

I’m always hungry and you know what, I can eat whenever and however much I want to. I just had a 2-hour workout and my metabolism is going wild. Yes, I’m going to eat this whole pizza and then probably eat a cookie (or twelve).

5. "Won’t you get bulky and look like a man?"

Actually, no, I’m not. I’m not taking testosterone, I’m lifting weights, not doing both. Goodness. I am a woman. I will look like a woman. A strong woman at that. So please stop with the “you’re going to look bulky” sh*t.

6. "Do you do cardio?"

Cardio? No. No. Noooo. Do I look like I hate myself? Because I don’t. Now, I’ve exhausted myself just thinking about cardio. (Praises to y’all who can do cardio, because that is not in any way, shape or form something that I enjoy nor put myself through. Pretty sure torturing myself is not on my daily to do list. Kudos to y’all who push through though, I raise my glass to you!)

7. "Do you need a spot?"

Nope I got it. You’re not asking Bob over there who’s got the bar glued to his chest to spot him. Is it because I’m a girl that you think I can’t lift what I put on the bar? Yeah, probably. If I need a spot I’m not afraid to ask for one. Sincerely, thank you for the offer. Now, I’m about to destroy this set and show you that I’m more than capable.

8. "Why are you all dressed up?"

I’m just wearing a dress…yes, I know it’s not leggings or spandex shorts. I just wanted to wear a dress today. No big deal. I do have more than gym clothes in my closet, surprising…I know.

My lifting ladies stay strong out there.