When you saw women on the cover of magazines like Seventeen and Cosmo while growing up, what did you see? They didn’t tend to include physical strength in their image of the “ideal” female figure, did they?

In fact, some find women with “too much” muscle a turn-off. But strength is beautiful too and perfectly acceptable for us as women to display. We just have to remember that for ourselves and pass that attitude down to the next generation.

Alyssa Ages is advocating for just that, not only with her two young daughters but also with her book Secrets of Giants. In part two of our conversation on The Wonder Women Podcast, you’ll learn about the importance of promoting a culture of empowerment and resilience by challenging the dichotomous message women hear regarding strength and beauty. We’ll also talk about the challenges of parenting girls in the modern age and the significance of embracing play and fun in fitness.

1:15 - The importance of changing the narrative about female strength and body image

6:47 - Why it’s more important now than ever to teach young women about resiliency, strength, and embracing failure

9:30 - How we can begin to change the narrative about what’s acceptable and possible for women

11:45 - The mixed message society has always thrown out there about strong women

20:05 - The joy in becoming strong and why we should lose the idea of exercise and embrace the idea of play as adults

27:50 - The importance of appreciating the journey you’re on, regardless of whether or not you reach your goal

Connect with Alyssa Ages

Alyssa Ages

Alyssa at The Globe and Mail

Mentioned In How to Start Changing the Narrative About Women’s Bodies and Aging with Alyssa Ages

“Strength Training Isn’t About Success. It’s About Failure.” by Alyssa Ages | Slate

“I’m Done Apologizing for Being a Strong Woman” by Alyssa Ages | ELLE 

“Freya India - Deconstructing the Female Mental Health Crisis” | Modern Wisdom Podcast

GIRLS: Girlhood in the Modern World (Substack)

Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf

Arnold Sports Festival

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