BEYOND THE IRON

For decades, commercial gym weight rooms were subtly (and sometimes overtly) treated as male territories. Women were guided toward the cardio section—treadmills, ellipticals, and light pink dumbbells—under the false pretense that lifting heavy would make them "bulky." Thankfully, the fitness landscape has shifted dramatically. Today, more women are stepping up to barbells and squat racks than ever before. However, the rise of women-only strength training classes isn't just about providing physical space; it serves a profound psychological purpose.