There are many reasons to want to go to the gym: to lose weight, be healthier, or to get buff. There is a wide range of people at the gym and not everyone has the same set of goals or same set of exercises they like to do. Some people go and just do cardio. Meaning they only go to run on a treadmill or work on the elliptical. Then some go just to use weights and muscular strength machines. It is the misrepresentation that girls are the cardio-seeking individuals and that guys are the ones in the weight room trying to get buff, that bugs me most about the gym. In actuality there is a big mix of guys and girls on cardio machines and in the weight area. Times have changed and we need to realize that girls can lift too.

First off, I love exercising. There is no greater feeling then realizing your body is getting stronger and starting to see definition of muscles. I used to only go to the gym to use the stairclimber or treadmill, but this past year I decided to mix it up and try weight lifting. For young women in college (or even outside of college), this can be intimidating because suddenly you are in the "guy's" area. If your gym is anything like my university gym, it took a lot of confidence to begin to walk amongst the guys to do my bicep curls. However, once I started lifting and gaining strength, I knew I belonged in that weight area just as much as them. Though I still do cardio some days, I have noticed that my body has become so much stronger than before by simply lifting weights.

Over these months of strength training, I have discovered the stereotype of girls lifting. On more than one occasion, I have been talking to one of my guy friends at the gym and they will comment on how often they see me there (I have become what you would call a gym rat), but then they will follow up with saying something along the lines of, "Oh trying to get that spring break bod?" Actually, sir, I am not going anywhere for spring break and I like to be athletic and fit just like you. No one questions the reasons for a guy to go the gym, but when a girl consistently goes it is for something other than just wanting to be healthier and gain muscle.

Over these past months of lifting, I have not only gained more muscle, but more confidence in myself. I feel stronger both physically and mentally. My hands aren't dainty and cute anymore, but have some callouses that show my hard work and determination. I have noticed muscles that were never there before and have come to realize that there are a lot of girls consistently in the weight area of my gym. So to my fellow workout ladies, whether it be cardio or lifting go to the gym with that extra confidence knowing you belong there just as much as the guys. And to the guys who assume that girls only workout with a specific spring break, vacation, or summer goal, don't because I have seen some strong women who could probably kick your butt for assuming that.

"You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.” -Rosalynn Carter