Taking care of yourself in different forms of exercise is encouraged regardless of your sex or gender, however, in Armenia, this is not always the case.
Vana Shirvanian, a former professional runner and now personal trainer, speaks about her experience being a woman in the fitness industry, “They say it’s too mannish to have muscles, or it’s not good for women to lift heavy weights,” because critics think it makes women look bulky and not attractive.
Women face endless stigmas, one of which is in the form of judgment when it comes to fitness, and unfortunately, that may discourage many from starting their fitness journey due to these falsely constructed beliefs. Moreover, spaces that provide a positive environment for progress are limited as Hrant Bezhanyan, a strength and conditioning coach, says, “Resources for independent trainees in Armenia are limited; I myself am working on providing accessible knowledge.” He emphasizes that spaces such as Lady Zone serve as an example of how a safe and motivating gym should look.
Because of these stigmas, women often feel the need to demonstrate their hard work ethic, and although there are apparent physical differences between females and males, that should not stand as a barrier for women to pursue their goals Viktoria Yazichyan, a boxer and trainer, explains.
Any form of exercise is good since moving your body in any way can contribute not only to your physical well-being but also to your mental health; as Yazichyan says, “Muscle is not bad; muscle is good, muscle is healthy.” She also emphasizes that one should not refrain from pursuing their goals as an athlete. However, if society continues to discourage women from achieving their goals, the effect of these judgments may, unfortunately, strengthen the foundation of these stigmas. Nonetheless, there are many credible resources that women can use from the comfort of their homes if they are beginners, Bezhanyan explains, and are “Catered to women interested in building confidence and getting into fitness.”
The message of all the trainers mentioned is that if you are a woman thinking or considering starting your fitness journey, career, or becoming an athlete, start by supporting all the women around you. “If you set your goals clearly, nothing can stop you,” Shirvanian says.
Motivate, encourage, and cheer for women around you who are determined to reach their potential, and that will create a domino effect for others to follow the same path.
