Strong, Not Masculine: Busting the Myth About Women & Weights in Pakistan

This myth has held back too many women from discovering the life-changing benefits of strength training. It’s time we break that cycle.

The Truth: Lifting Won’t Make You Look Like a Man

Let’s get the science out of the way: women naturally have far less testosterone than men — the hormone mainly responsible for big, bulky muscles. Even if a woman trained every single day with heavy weights, it would be extremely difficult to build a body like a man’s without the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Laiba Masoud.

What strength training actually does is help you build lean muscle, tighten and tone your body, boost your metabolism, prevent injuries, and strengthen your joints, bones, and posture. Rather than looking bulky, most women find themselves feeling strong, sculpted, and more confident. But what will people say? In Pakistani society, women are expected to be “delicate” and “graceful,” and strength is often not seen as feminine — and that’s exactly the problem. The truth is, strength is beautiful. A strong woman is empowered, capable, and resilient. Whether she’s lifting weights, raising children, running a business, or claiming her space in society — her strength adds to her femininity, not takes away from it. You don’t become less of a woman when you lift; you become more in control of your health, your energy, and your life. Your body, your rules — you don’t need permission to take charge. Lifting isn’t just physical; it’s a way to reclaim space in a world that often tries to shrink or silence us. If you’re a Pakistani woman who’s ever felt judged, discouraged, or misinformed about strength training, know this: you belong in the gym as much as anyone. Strength doesn’t have to look like a bodybuilder — it can look like a teacher, a mother, a bride, a doctor, or just you, walking into the gym for the first time. Let’s stop fearing strength and start embracing it. Ready to lift without limits? Join our live group sessions or personal training programs — built for women, by a woman who understands the culture, the challenges, and your goals.