Good afternoon to all of my 8 foot tall, ice cream eating, television watching friends! Well, at least that’s what most of you said; and to those of you who asked why I would ever bother to pair a stick of butter to a gallon of ice cream? I just wanted to see if you were really reading them or not.
Good to know that you are!
I’m gonna whiz right though today’s lunch because I have something on my mind that we need to discuss. Pretty yummy looking, right?
I made myself a delicious fruit and yogurt parfait, with layers of vanilla Chobani, diced peaches, and Love Grown Foods granola.
It also got an extra drizzle of honey, which was most definitely a smart move on my part.
Since I have yet to make it to the grocery store today (hellooooo slacker) our vegetable stash is basically non-existent. But hey, it ain’t no thang; I had a nice glass of low-sodium V8 to fill the quota for today.
(FYI: Since this lunch was on the lighter side, I will most likely be following it up with another mini-meal after we have food in the house again.)
So now…onto what I REALLY want to talk about…
Can Women Be Too Toned?
This afternoon, I happened to catch a clip on the news that aired this morning on GMA: Women Who Are Too Toned: Is It a Bad Look?. The piece went on to talk about how some of Hollywood’s well-known stars, such as Cameron Diaz, Kelly Ripa, and Madonna have all become extremely buff…and perhaps too toned and muscular.
Serena Williams was also mentioned, as there has long been buzz about her being too muscular or, “too fat for tennis.”
The story also provided some facts, although I didn’t quite catch where the information came from. According to the reporter,
- 10-13% – the minimum amount of fat necessary for basic physical health for women
- 2-5% – the minimum amount of fat necessary for basic physical health for men
So while the story did address the fact that there does seem to be a double standard for women when it comes to putting on the muscle (when compared to men), I couldn’t help but get a little frustrated over the whole thing.
For as long as I can remember, there has always been such a vast amount of media scrutiny and focus towards Hollywood women (or any women, for that matter) for being thin. “She needs to eat more…” “Too frail and boney…” – phrases that are often splashed on tabloid covers. Yet, we’re still dealing with airbrushing and resizing of beautiful, curvy women on magazine covers…?
Now, the question is whether or not bulging, sculpted muscles detract from a woman’s natural beauty and femininity?
Personally, I couldn’t agree more with Summer White, a fitness model who was featured in the story, who said that society really needs to begin accepting women as the strong, confident, muscular, and curvy women that they are.
But that’s just my opinion…now I want to hear YOURS. Hopefully we can get some good discussion going here!
(To see the full video, watch here –> Women Who Are Too Toned: Is It a Bad Look?)
Questions for the Afternoon:
Do you think that bulging, sculpted muscles detract from a woman’s natural beauty and femininity? (not counting extreme bodybuilders)
Is it fair for the media to scrutinize whether a woman’s body is “too toned?”
Girl In The Pink says
I prefer a look that is toned, but not overly muscular for sure. But as long as one is healthy, I think it is really just personal preference!
Kori says
I love strong women! Just take a look at the women who do CrossFit, they’re strong AND beautiful. Strong is the new Skinny!
Megan says
Yes!! CrossFit is amazing. You could see a HUGE variety of bodies at the CrossFit games last weekend. My boyfriend and I were even talking about it… He prefers girls who don’t have muscles on top of muscles (which is a good thing for me), but we both recognize that’s just a PERSONAL preference (same as he likes dating girls shorter than him, and I like taller guys). It doesn’t mean those women are “too” muscular or strong or anything. Good for them, Kelly Ripa, and whoever else has the discipline to keep themselves so fit. As long as a woman is healthy and in shape, nobody should be criticizing her for being too toned, too curvy, or too skinny. Fitness is a good thing and everyone’s body has a different shape. To say that women shouldn’t be toned or have muscle is just ridiculous.
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles says
I agree that society should accept muscular and curvy women! However…Kelly Ripa is extremely thin – yes, toned also…but in my opinion, she does not look healthy!
Julie says
I agree! She’s too skinny and muscular all at the same time…she could “soften” her look a little by gaining a few lbs. It’s great that she’s clearly healthy, I’m not saying that’s a bad thing…I just think it wouldn’t hurt to gain a few
Victoria (District Chocoholic) says
The story is not only asinine, but it uses “muscle tone” incorrectly. Muscle tone is the muscle’s resistance to passive stretch during resting state, and has little to do with appearance. When people refer to an individual as having “muscle tone” they actually mean that this individual has defined muscle mass with lower body fat levels.
Incorrect terminology makes me angry, especially when the offender is a journalist who should be doing their research.
Finally, women should have the right to be whatever they want to be or naturally are – muscular, skinny, large, etc. Others should take their opinions and shove it.
I think I’m done now.
Kori says
Well said!
Julie says
I think it’s great that more and more women are starting to appreciate their curves and aren’t afraid to put some muscle on those bones too! However, I do think some women look a little scary when they are skinny and muscular at the same time…it’s like they don’t have an ounce of fat on them! As a woman, I am trying to embrace what makes me, me and slowly, but surely am learning that it’s OK to have a butt and thighs :) Not every inch of our bodies needs to be lean and mean all the time…I’d rather enjoy having a cupcake or piece of cake every now and then over having the “perfect body,” but maybe that’s just me!
Claire says
Couldn’t agree more! Butt and thighs although in our eyes can be “troublesome” are greatly appreciated by the opposite sex ;-) And if they like it…and I can eat cake…yes please!
Courtney says
Amen to the extra cupcake! ;)
Claire says
Great idea for a post! I think that women in general should be “women”! I think this comes from my view that whatever you are physically…you need to rock it! I don’t think any man would have a hard time falling for Cameron Diaz and the same goes for bigger curvy women like Kim Kardashian. Their personalities make them who they are and their bodies are sort of like “accessories” to them I think. I know Kelly Ripa can just as easily play up the girly look as easily as she can look like she’s about to bust balls…
Now to take a stance (for once in my life haha) I think that women who are TOO athletic look strange, and I am not sure I would want to have those abs, or be as flat-chested (if you can help it) as some of these women are…men like curves!
gabriella @ embracement says
Since I’ve written more papes on this issue than I can count, I feel pretty strongly about the ridiculous double standards in the media. First they airbrush women to death…every beautiful, thin, in shape women are airbrushed….then they slam them for being “too thin” or “too muscular”. Half the problems women have are in part created by the media. Am I going to put full responsibility on the media for eating disorders and body image problems? No. But I find it hilarious that these same celebrities they are criticizing for being “too” muscular would be airbrushed if they had an extra 3 pounds on them.
Personally, I do think that Kelly Ripa doesn’t look that great in that picture and Madonna doesn’t look fantastic either, but not being of muscle simple because they look very, very thin to the point where there is only muscle left, which isn’t “healthy” in my opinion.
Krissie J @ A Philly Nerd Girl says
I don’t see what is wrong with having muscles. I would much rather be the same weight I am now with more muscle mass than not have any at all. As if women didn’t already have enough to be concerned with in the body image department. Yes, there are a few who may take it to the extreme, but that goes for any body type.
Also, some women will naturally be able to build more muscle mass than others. Example, this is my friend’s sister. http://www.cutandjacked.com/interview-with-HeatherLeff She’s insanely jacked, and her brother (my friend) is built the same way. That’s genetics.
Samantha @ Running and Cupcakes says
I really wish the media would just cut the crap. It peeves me beyond belief that they have to constantly have stories, articles, etc… about what a woman’s body should or should not look like.
First of all – we’re ALL BUILT DIFFERENTLY. I was just having a conversation with my step dad the other day about how I’ve always been “thick”. A couple years during my teens I was sick (wisdom teeth removed, then complications; tonsils removed, then complictions) and that prevented me from eating properly so I ended up weighing about 105-110 pounds. That doesn’t work on my body, and EVERYBODY seemed to feel the need to point it out and it made me feel like crap.
I try (it doesn’t always work, I will admit) to never judge a person (male or female – doesn’t matter) based on what his/her body looks like. You never know what the situation is and why they look the way they do.
As far as being “too toned”? There’s an obesity epidemic in this country, but lets not address that, lets take on the people who obviously take care of themselves. It’s b.s. These women work hard to maintain their bodies, and should be acknowledged for their hard work rather than scrutinized for their muscular build. I don’t think there’s such a thing as being too toned, or too muscular, or whatever the correct terminology may be. It’s all a matter of personal preference, it does not take away from beauty in the least bit.
Argh. Sorry for being so long winded and obviously p.o.’ed – it’s a sensitive subject! LOL
Courtney says
No need to apologize! That’s why I wrote it…to get everyone’s opinion. Thanks for sharing!
Megan says
I so agree about trying not to judge anyone’s body, and about the fact that strength/muscles/leanness being criticized is absolutely stupid in light of the obesity epidemic.
Sarah @ Simply Dove says
Wow, this is a great topic! I think it all depends on the individual! The media has always scrutinized the way women look, and I don’t think they’ll ever stop! We are either too fat, too skinny, or now, too toned?! The media will never be satisfied with how women look because their idea of “perfection” is constantly changing! I mean, the waif look was in when Kate Moss became famous, now it’s looked down upon to be too skinny. Honestly, I think the media just scrutinizes the appearance of women because they know it’ll get a lot of attention – good or bad.
I think we, as women, need to realize that EVERY one of us is beautiful and unique! No one is ever going to be exactly like us, and we’ll never be just like someone else. I’m sure the majority of us struggle with comparing ourselves to others (I know I sure do!), but the key is try your hardest not to let it bother you so much. For me personally, I try to keep in mind that all those pictures of celebrities are completely airbrushed and they aren’t “perfect” people. As far as being too toned, I think it’s up to the individual. We all have different ideas of what’s feminine and beautiful. To each her own, I say!
Great post! Thanks for sharing!! :)
Erin @ Naturally Addicted says
Isn’t it funny how according to almost every media outlet there is always something wrong with women. Whether it’s too thin, too fat, has too much cellulite and now too muscular/toned the media will never be happy. They think it increases sales, so they are completely ignoring their own social responsibility. All they care about it is the bottom line. I think it is very unfair to portray women this way and it really does send the wrong message to young girls. It took me a long time to realize this and accept that the pictures spread through glossy magazines and ads are not real. That is not how “real” women look. I think if a women is active and eats healthy then that’s all that matters!
Shanna, Like Banana says
Hmm, this is a tough topic. Can society have an opinion over whether women can be too-toned? Sure, but that doesn’t mean that that should create any norm for any certain woman.
I myself, don’t like the overly toned look — that’s just my opinion. I like more femine softer lines, but I don’t begrudge people like Cameron or Kelly. In fact, I think they are bad@ss and should do what makes them happy and feel great!
I feel the same way for curvy woman. It may not be what I want for my body, but I definitely think people like Kim K have a gorgeous womanly body.
To each her own!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I don’t think most of what the media does is “fair” so I’m not surprised at this latest scrutiny. Personally, I think women should/can be whatever they want, toned, curvy, strong, whatever. If we lived in an ideal world, none of it would be scrutinized but, we don’t. I also personally don’t think Kelly Ripa or Cameron Diaz above, look good or healthy but, that’s their choice and I don’t think they should be scrutinized because of it. to each their own!
Whitney says
I do not have a problem AT ALL with a woman being overly toned. I personally like arm definition compared to thin sticks. I would rather see overly muscular woman taking care of their bodies than overly obese women who could care less, just my two cents! :)
Samantha @ Running and Cupcakes says
I agree!!
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun says
I think you can guess my opinion on this but I’ll say it anyways.
Muscles, definition, and a look of FITNESS are hot. Screw the rail thin look.
Camilla says
Exactly! Ah I love you, Tina! :D
Shayla @ The Good Life says
I second that Tina!!! The look of fitness and healthy screams hot…either it be toned, curvy, voluptuous….as long as the woman looks healthy and fit, that is hot. Rail thin = OUT!
Courtney says
Tina- always so straight-forward. I love it! (and couldn’t agree more!)
colleen says
I completely agree with you! Muscles and tone equals a healthy life. I think there’s a point where a girl is too thin and doesn’t look healthy like Kelly Ripa even though I’m pretty sure she could kick my butt!
Kori says
I’m sad to see so many comments saying that women look “scary” when they are “too athletic.” I think that’s just as bad as saying women are ugly when they have a little extra junk in their trunk. I work at a gym and am surrounded by strong, but beautiful women who inspire me. As a matter of fact, here’s my co-worker: http://www.crossfitphotos.com/?p=924. I am proud of my muscles.
Krissie J @ A Philly Nerd Girl says
Your coworker has AWESOMe abs!
Kori says
I’ll let her know! She’s a trainer and CrossFit coach at our gym. And let me tell you, she knows how to rock a cute dress and heels too!
Maria@La_Piattini says
It’s a tough question because it all comes down to personal preference. I think toned looks can be extremely sexy on women but I also think there’s a point where it becomes too much. I saw that picture of Kelly Ripa you posted above and was like WHOA! That’s a bit much for me personally. On the other hand, I’d rather see toned muscles than a stick figure.
Sam @ Mom At The Barre says
I don’t think sculpted muscles detract from a woman’s ability to look good. It means you have physically fit and strong woman. But the media does spend too much time commenting on women’s bodies. Leave us alone.
You can be thin, curvy or muscular and still be beautiful and feminine. Everyone is different-there is no norm.
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
I heard this teaser for GMA this morning as I was getting ready for work – I’d love to be as toned as Cameron Diaz!
Katie @ Changing Patterns says
Wow… how ridiculous! They’re just looking for things to talk about…I mean one minute stars are too skinny or too fat, now too toned? That doesn’t make sense at all. We have to stop comparing ourselves to “stars” anyway…they are in a whole other world, where they have personal trainers and work out all day…because it’s their job. The average everyday person is not working out for 5 hours a day…and that’s why we don’t get those “desired” results like stars do.
I don’t think toned is a bad thing, but I do think over-exercising is. I also agree with that statement…society needs to learn to accept women for who they are! No matter what shape or size.
Megan says
I watched the segment online and have to say that I agree with Summer! Society and critics are consistently unhappy with something about women. You’re either too flabby, too skinny, too fat, and now too toned! I look at women with sculpted muscles and understand how hard they have worked for that. I miss some of the muscle tone that went away after I was finished playing college sports. It wasn’t fun building that muscle, but it made you feel strong and proud for what you worked hard for.
More power to us if we want some muscle!! I think it looks great :) And I have to say I wouldn’t mind having more toned arms too and stomach too!
Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats says
I think that strong is sexy. It really makes me wonder what the media personnel writing the story looks like and why don’t they want to write about more pressing issues?
Ashley says
There is too much judgment! Society, men, women, everyone just needs to realize beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Every women should strive for the body that makes them feel happy and beautiful. Then love that body no matter what anyone else says.
Rachel @ A Little Ray of Sunshine says
This is a great question, Courtney! While my personal opinion is that muscles and fit bodies look great, too much muscle is not attractive. But it’s my opinion, and it’s important to realize that everyone has a different definition and perception of what is feminine and beautiful. Criticism of toned and fit women is so common, but so is criticism of women who are overly skinny or overweight. It seems as if women can’t win with their bodies in the eyes of the media, no matter WHAT type of body they have. We should all strive to find what our own “perfect” body is, but do so only for ourselves and what we view as beautiful.
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
While I don’t think it’s right for the media to complain that celebrities are too toned, media coverage like that is all part of the lifestyle that those celebrities choose. Just like everything, being in that industry has its good and bad parts. The media scrutiny is on the bad side.
I personally think that strong women look beautiful. It shows that they are fit and healthy. However, there is a difference between being toned and Madonna arms. It may have to do with the fact that Madonna is too thin, plus the overly sculpted arms. Regardless, I cringe when I see them.
Katy Widrick says
For me, it comes down to those stats that you shared…healthy body fats and healthy overall stats.
When I really worked out a LOT (like, a lot a lot a lot), I ran into some (ahem) female issues that scared the you-know-what out of me. Sure, it was nice having muscles but not at the risk of having babies some day.
But overall, I love seeing definition in women of all ages.
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Great topic, Courtney! I personally feel that the media has every right to address whatever they want, but I also feel that there is a lot of unnecessary scruitney placed on women and their bodies.
We are all beautiful – small, big, toned, muscular, etc. :)
Ashley@MyFoodFitnessFun says
I agree with you, Courtney…this is quite frustrating to hear all of this criticism and negative talk toward muscular/strong women. Women are judged and critiqued WAY too much in our society and should be accepted for who they are. They’re either too curvy, too skinny, too muscular, etc. No wonder so many women carry so many physical insecurities with them. I believe as long as you make a point of living a balanced healthy lifestyle with good food choices and make a point to stay active, that’s all that should matter.
Candice says
I’m totally for the toned “crossfit” look. But I’m bias because I consider myself to be just that. I’m not overly muscular but I love the definition.
To every women there own though. The only thing that is important is if your happy in your own skin. and that right there is pure beauty
Jamie says
I could not agree with you more! I’m a crossfitter and I often get told that my legs look too muscular but I don’t see anything wrong with them! I think that society often wants to play women as “weak” and that toned women do not give off that impression!
Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy" Girl says
I feel pretty strongly on this subject as well. I think that being toned shows a woman’s strength and her hard work at keeping her body in shape. While I don’t think we should look like body builders (unless that is our chosen profession), I think toned women should always be commended.for their hard work. When I see a woman who is toned, I think, “Wow, good for her!”
As for the media criticizing women for being too toned, I think that’s ridiculous. But whether or not I think it’s ridiculous, the media will continue to do it.
Courtney says
So sad, yet so true…
Laura @ Backstage Pass says
I agree – you know that the paparazzi work hard to manipulate their photos and apply every possible filter and contrast effect to make the women look as sinewy as possible. And they will never stop, it’s sick.
I think that Kelly and Cameron look amazing!
e@thisnotedlife says
the super toned look doesn’t do a whole lot for me but truthfully i think we should give these ladies a break – if they’re happy with their bodies then thats great.. thats what its all about.
Aine @ Something to Chew Over says
Women should look what ever way they feel most comfortable with – whether that be toned, skinny, curvy…I am so sick of the media fixating on this!
Jess@atasteofconfidence says
This really frustrates me. It seems like women cannot make media happy and absolutely everything is criticized.
Shayla @ The Good Life says
I seconded to what Tina said above….to me, if a woman looks healthy and fit, I think that looks hot! I know from experience that super skinny is not the ideal…men do not like it and I myself, did not like the look of it…there is such a thing as being too skinny, and it’s not a good look.
I too am so tired of the media’s focus on thinness and magazines editing healthy curvy women into a skinny mold. Why can’t the media embrace women for who they are and all our different shapes and sizes!
Khushboo says
Personally I’m not too hot on the whole muscular woman look but if Cameron likes it, more power to her! The sad reality is that where the media is concerned, we can never win- if we did, then what they talk about!
Christy says
Although the completely ripped bodies of Cameron, Madonna, and Kelly aren’t really my ideal of a woman’s body, it’s really not for me to say that they are “too much” of anything. They aren’t suffering from any eating disorder that I am aware of, so what their bodies are is what’s healthy for them at this stage in their life.
I, like many women, have struggled with body image issues thanks to the media displaying what is apparently “normal” and “desirable.” Having played soccer from a young age, I’d always had “athletic” muscular thighs. Thicker than I wanted and they most certainly didn’t make me feel feminine. Fortunately I grew a butt and some ta-tas, so things have sort of rounded out for me (finally) in my late twenties.
I think the media needs to make up their minds as to what they are going to scrutinize. Too thin, too fat… now “too toned”?? Ridiculous. How about applauding people for being healthy and having a good self-image?
Courtney says
“How about applauding people for being healthy and having a good self-image?”
YES! I love it!!
Catherine says
I was just having a conversation with my fiance last night about how hard it must be for celebrities to have their bodies in the spotlight all the time. If they have a little pre-menstrual bloating, they are on the TV the next day for being “fat.” True, they’re rich and famous, so people think of them as lucky. But I couldn’t handle the constant scrutiny. You couldn’t pay me to be famous.
Back on subject. IMO, whether or not being muscular is attractive to the rest of society is irrelevant. I personally love having muscle, but I do want to stay somewhat soft. Different strokes for different folks! I do think it’s important to note the reason why these women are so muscular. Truthfully, it is HARD for most women to get that buff. Isn’t it possible that they are working out too much because of a problem with body image?
Laura @ Cookies vs. Carrots says
I definitely think that there is a point where a woman is too thin or too toned/muscular. However, that point is different for every woman, so it is difficult to know when someone reaches that point.
Some women have naturally thin, toned bodies. Add a healthy mix of cardio and weight lifting, and you get someone who may look like Kelly Ripa. I agree with some, that Kelly looks borderline unhealthy, but its difficult to know if that is due to unhealthy habits or a naturally thin frame.
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
This is amazing. Thank you so, so much for posting this. I read this entire thing out loud to my boyfriend just now. Not that he expects me to be thin or anything, in fact he loves that I’m muscular…but it just frustrates me as much as you as why they’re still airbrushing these models to be thin after all the complaints. It’s hypocritical!
Ruthie Hart says
such a great post Courtney! I definitely think women can be too toned and Kelly Ripa is such a great example. She looks unhealthy!
alyssa - fashion fitness foodie says
I just saw this on the news. I dont think there is a too toned look – maybe too thin but never too toned!
Sarah says
personally, i think that we should all be happy to be ourselves and love ourselves for who we are. Not outer beauty, but the inner beauty that will shine through to make the ” plainest” woman beautiful. True, pure, natural beauty. THAT is how society should accept us. As women who are beautiful within and make others lives beautiful as well.
Jama says
It almost seems as if they’ve lowered their body fat percentage to the extremes that bodybuilders only do for contests. It’s just not a healthy lifestyle long-term. I am a big fan of strong women, but extremes of any type are never healthy or attractive in my opinion.
Jen says
I think the media should just leave women alone and let our bodies be! I’ve had enough already, and I’m to the point where I worry terribly about bringing a daughter into this world where image is seen as of utmost importance. Now that I’m older I see how much it damaged me growing up. Fat, thin, muscular, curvy whatever you are you should be allowed to go about your daily business without a magazine telling you your body isn’t good enough.
Lindsay@ In Sweetness and In Health says
I only think women can be too toned when they start taking steroids and end up looking like a small male body builder. Other than that, I think it’s awesome for women to tone up! There is nothing wrong with looking and feeling strong :). However, I really don’t like it when we compare ourselves to people in hollywood- whether that be skinny or toned. A lot of them aren’t getting where they are healthfully- I mean, I love Kelly Ripa but she looks like she’s way too skinny and works out on top of not eating a lot- I think that’s why she looks so muscular. But, that’s just my opinion!
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance says
Its so sad that women are now photoshopped to look like twigs! “Real women have curves”, and its 100% true! We’re meant to have fat on our bodies– obviously not an insane amount & not the kind of fat from scarfing down McDonalds– but fat regardless
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
Honestly, I have been thinking the same thing. I think kelly looks great for HER. She works hard for her body, and if that’s the look she likes, we don’t have the right to say anything about it. However, I think it is RIDICULOUS how much women are photoshopped!! If women we already look up to and think are beautiful are being photoshopped to look completely “flawless”, where’s the hope for women that compare themselves to those photographs constantly? It’s not even realistic for the women that have been photoshopped in the first place! All in all, the media is just too hard on everyone. There is a difference between trying to help someone with a disorder and attacking someone’s appearance.
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
People will always scrutinize women! Too fat, too thin, too muscular! As long as a woman is happy with how she looks & feels, that’s what matters most!
Georgia says
I am in no way approving of what they say, however I can understand why people would be so concerned. Eating disorders come in many different shapes and forms, and seeing a woman so skinny, defined and muscular can be a little shocking, especially when they are not professional body builders.
That being said, I do think women are criticized WAY too much about the way they look, and the media should relax and realize bodies come in many different shapes and forms. Some women love to workout, others love the soft, curvy feel. As long as every women strives for a healthy lifestyle, who cares what they look like?
Charlie says
I personally prefer curvy with a little muscle definition but as long as the woman is healthy, she can have all the muscle she wants :).
Jackie @ That Deep Breath says
Muscle and definition is just as beautiful as soft and curvy. Who are the magazines to judge whether someone has a good body type or not? And don’t even get me started on airbrushing on magazine covers. Ugh.
Stephanie Bragg says
I saw that too!! I couldn’t believe it! I think their toned muscles are amazing.
Kelly says
I could make the arguement that a woman who is too toned and has such little body fat is just as damaging as being to thin. For women to have 6 pack abs they basically need almost no body fat and the body veiws that just the same as being to thin. I could go on and on and on and cite study after study after study but there is a thing as being too toned and it is very dangerous for a woman.
Hannah says
this is insane. another double standard. people judge women if they are too fat, have cellulite, now we are judged for being too muscular.. it seems you have to be this perfect ideal and if you are not, then something is wrong with you. i am amazed by this. i am so happy what the fitness model said. i think women can be whatever they want. yeas, sometimes when a woman is way to muscular it looks strange but thats them, someone are judged for being overweight, but thats a lifestyle they choose. i think most importantly is are you healthy or not. ? are you gaining muscle in a healthy way??
Kristen says
I think to each, their own, as long as they are HEALTHY and eating enough. Some of those celebrites may be that tones because they work out so much and eat too little. But as long as the person is taking good care of their body, then I’m good with whatever shape they’re in! :)
Paige @ Running Around Normal says
In the way you’re referring – too muscular – no.
Paige @ Running Around Normal says
woops – I cut myself off! I do think, however, if someone’s body fat % gets too low, as a result of extreme lifting and dieting, then there’s a problem (health problem let alone aesthetics)
Brittany says
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for talking about this! lol. This has been bugging me a lot lately. The media is so darn picky! I have given up on even trying to try to keep up with all their opinions. One minute they’re toooo curvy, the next they’re toooo toned. Make up MY MIND! I think women should look like what they want to look like. If they’re curvy and they work it, it makes me happy because then they’re happy with their body. If they’re toned and muscular and work it, I’m happy with that too. It’s all about whether a woman wants to be more curvy or toned. I personally want my body to be more toned and muscular because I like muscle. Why doesn’t the media pick apart men as bad as they do women? We don’t see articles (at least I dont) about a guy being “too fat” or “too muscular”. The media drives me crazy, which is why I usually don’t pay attention to it. lol :P
Lauren says
Here’s the thing, no matter what a woman looks like, someone or some media outlet is going to have a problem with it. A women is called out for being too fat, she loses some weight, and all of a sudden she looks too thin?! No wonder women in our society have body image issues. It’s exhausting!
Holly says
Love this post! I love the muscular look for women, because it’s a TONED looked! I don’t think it’s a bad thing for girls to look at women who have muscles as role models. I think it’s much better than looking at women who are all skin & bones. Growing up seeing these STICK thin models & actresses is NOT healthy..and then they thrive to be that way…which in turn leads to the rise of eating disorders & bad body image.
Lee @ in the pink of condition says
Honestly, I think everyone is labeled as being “too skinny” or “too muscular” or “too chubby” etc. In reality though, how many of us actually have that perfect figure? Why can’t we look the way we want to look like? It’s so frustrating.
Grace says
Female bodybuilding or any bodybuilding for that matter is not healthy but beyond that if you are toned and worked for it…then rock it! As long as you’re healthy of course!
Niki (Life's a Payne) says
This is a great discussion. I think I agree with a lot of your readers. Strong is great! It is being to skinny that is a problem. Women are made to carry more fat around than men whether we like it or not.
The key for me is how people live. If they are exercising properly (not too much) and giving their body enough nutrients and calories, then however their body turns out is perfect in my opinion!
Jill Will Run says
I’m going to agree with many people here that strong is awesome, but not if it comes at the expense of vital signs of health (menstrual issues are a big one!)
But I’m also on the same wavelength as those who have said that it’s just not fair for the media to constantly judge women’s bodies. There is no way we can just “be” with the way the media works now, everybody is too fat, too thin, too muscular, too soft, too curvy, too straight… it’s ridiculous and dangerous.
Britannie says
man the media can’t make up it’s mind can it?! I think they honestly need to just leave people alone. Some girls are puttin’ on some muscle, they like to lift, they like feeling strong, they probably love the muscle they’ve put on. Some are more curvy, and they embrace it, because they like how it looks/feels. Some are naturally skinny and have no desire to be muscular–fine. Some girls are overweight and have eating disorders, and perhaps they’re struggling but that’s THEIR DEAL. Everyone has their preferences and none of them should be publicly judged/made fun of. I mean it’s fine for just a conversation with a friend or a sister like “Oo that girl is super buff, cool!” or “Whoa he’s got a great beach bod.” But seriously? Making huge deals about what the ideal body needs to be? They can’t. Because they constantly contradict themselves. People need to gain weight, lose weight, tone up but not get too muscley–blah blah blah, THEYYY need to shut up.
Lol, sorry for the rant, but great dicussion starter! :)
Pure2raw twins says
Great post. I missed that segment, I will have to go back and watch it online. I feel being toned or having muscle is a great thing! One goal that I am striving for in my own personal road to optimal fitness. Everyone is different and wants different things for their bodies. And if you want to be toned than be toned, why does everyone have to be so judgmental sometimes. I think be toned is a sign of strength and beauty, any curves for that matter is beautiful!
Ann Meyer says
Whatever makes each individual woman feel beautiful! I don’t think that hollywood or even you or I should answer that question for anyone else. If a female bodyuilder feels healthy, confident and beautiful, all the more power to her! Health and confidence should be the focus because that is what is truly beautiful.
Shelby says
Love this post! I think that whatever body type makes you feel beautiful is perfect for you as long as it is healthy. This is the beauty of being a woman – we come in an unlimited amount of shapes and sizes. Personally, I love the toned, but not overly muscular look. I have been blessed with a fast metabolism and try to do more weight workouts to get the toned look and stray away from looking too skinny.
Christina says
Well, I also think that Madonna is too toned, however, she likes it and she is in perfect shape for her age!