By Rhiannon Reynolds

I wrote this one for the ladies. Every woman out there who is/was an athlete can relate in some shape or form. No matter what sport you have participated in, there will always be naysayers. Now, I didn’t write this out of negativity. I wrote it because I am proud to be the athlete I am today. There will always be someone there to question everything you stand for. However, there are always those who will emulate and respect you. Stand tall and stay proud. Let those who look up to you keep you motivated in times of doubt. We all experience the same types of questions and criticisms. Here’s some of the most common criticisms I’ve faced and am still facing, especially now that I am a female weightlifter. I’m sure you have accrued a pile of your own reproaches. Many criticize simply because they don’t know why. But they don’t have to know why. You already know why you do what you do.

I lift heavy because I trust the barbell. The barbell has and never will lie to me. The barbell will only expose the truth, and most of the time it does hurt. I lift heavy because I have a lot of weight that needs to be lifted from these shoulders. I lift heavy because it allows me to conquer my fears. I lift heavy because I find comfort in sore muscles. And in sore muscles I also find accomplishment. I lift heavy because I am deeply in love with it.

I make noise before, during, and after I lift, and it’s justified each time. I scream at the weight to warn what I’m going to do to it, all while simultaneously announcing my fear. I scream and strain out of the bottom of a squat because each rep has significance. I make faces and clench my jaw when I’m weightlifting because it’s heavy, and only going to get heavier. I flip out and yell when I miss a lift. And I flip out and yell when I hit a PR. Why? Because I am physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually invested in my sport.

I love my muscles because they signify my strength and level of commitment. I love my muscles because I worked hard for them, and won’t stop until I have more. I love being “bulky” because it is still feminine. I love how my muscles look in a dress. Have you seen the women of Crossfit? They’re beautiful! I love my body, but not more than the process of transforming it. I love (sometimes) how my jeans don’t fit. I love how you can see my traps through my t-shirt. You know what? I don’t mind when I’m told I’m not feminine: I already know it’s wrong.

I eat clean because it allows me to train harder. I eat clean because it makes me feel great. I don’t trash my body with terrible food because I want to perform like an athlete. And I do eat cheat meals, but not throughout the week. I am disciplined with my eating because I am disciplined in everything I practice. I eat clean because it is a choice.

I go to bed early because I need to recover. I need to sleep so I can wake up and chase another lift. I need rest so I can fight to get that extra rep. I choose sleep instead of a party because I need sleep to achieve my goals. I go to bed early because I am tired from working my ass off. I need sleep so I can wake up and do it all again.

I don’t talk much during training because it isn’t social time. I’m not social during training because that’s not going to help me during my next set. I won’t talk much during training because I’m defeating old demons in my mind. I’m quiet because I’m thinking about the best strategy to make the most out of each training day. I’m focused. And when I’m done, I’ll gladly talk to you then.

I obsess over my sport because I want to be better. I obsess over it because it is my passion. It is my life, my heart, and my escape. I talk about it all the time because I can’t help it. I scrutinize each video I take, each competition I’ve done, all in the name of victory. I proudly wear bruises on my collarbones and chalk embedded in my hands. I obsess over this sport because it has only helped me grow as an athlete and as an individual. I am infatuated with weightlifting because it is who I am.

I am proud to be a weightlifter.