I’m a 28-year-old woman and I’m trying to build up my shoulders. I think nicely developed shoulders on a woman is sexy. Unfortunately my bodyfriend doesn’t want me to develop them because he believes women should look soft and “feminine” and not lift weights. I know he respects you, Joe. Could you please set him straight? His name is Todd.

ASK JOE WEIDER

I’m a 28-year-old woman and I’m trying to build up my shoulders. I think nicely developed shoulders on a woman is sexy. Unfortunately my bodyfriend doesn’t want me to develop them because he believes women should look soft and “feminine” and not lift weights. I know he respects you, Joe. Could you please set him straight? His name is Todd.


I’d be happy to set your boyfriend on this matter!

Todd – While I also like women to be feminine, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to be soft and untrained. I have known thousands of beautiful, feminine women over my years who have regularly trained with weights. In fact, what I have found with these women is that exercise enhanced their femininity rather than detracted from it.

It doesn’t sound to me like your girlfriend is looking to become a bodybuilder or anything close to one. I don’t believe she is looking to add pounds of muscle to her frame, only tighten and tone the muscles that are already there. She’s looking to make herself stronger, healthier and more vibrant. These are the things that regular weight training can impart on a man or woman.

I hope you will embrace rather than reject the changes your girlfriend wants to make to her body Todd. And if you don’t, I know a ton of guys who I’m sure would love to meet a young lady who likes to keep herself in shape.