Strength Over Skinny: Why Muscle Is the New Wellness Standard
The old wellness standard was all about being thin. But today, that narrative is shifting—and for good reason. We’re no longer chasing smaller bodies. We’re building stronger ones. Strength is about more than aesthetics; it’s about energy, resilience, confidence, and longevity. And as a mom of two and full-time marketing director, I can confidently say: strong feels a whole lot better than skinny ever looked.
Here’s why building muscle has become such a game-changer for me—and how you can start, even if life feels full to the brim.
Muscle = Metabolic Power
I used to think metabolism was something that just slowed down with age. But once I started adding strength workouts into my routine—even just 20 minutes a few times a week—I noticed real changes in my energy, sleep, and how my clothes fit. Muscle isn’t just about how we look; it’s about creating a body that works for us.
What worked for me:
Bodyweight basics while the kids played nearby—think squats, lunges, push-ups
Quick circuits with resistance bands when I didn’t have time to get to the gym
Aiming for protein with every meal (sometimes that just meant a hard-boiled egg in the school drop-off line)
Strength Training Supports Longevity
As someone who juggles work, family, and barely finishes her coffee before it goes cold, I’m not training for a fitness competition—I’m training for life. I want to be able to carry groceries in one trip and chase my kids at the park without pulling something. Strength training helps me feel like I’m investing in my future self.
Here’s how I keep it realistic:
Two strength-focused workouts a week that fit into my calendar (sometimes during nap time)
Prioritizing movements that feel useful—deadlifts, squats, carrying things
Giving myself permission to rest and stretch without guilt
Confidence Comes from Capability
There’s this shift that happens when you realize your body is capable, not just presentable. I feel the most confident when I’m lifting my toddler in one arm and holding a Target run in the other—and knowing I can. Strength has made me trust my body again, not just critique it.
What helps me stay motivated:
Quick, no-frills strength circuits (even 10 minutes is a win)
Reminding myself that progress isn’t linear—some days I just show up, and that’s enough
Thinking less about weight and more about how I feel when I move
Muscle Is for Moms, Too
Motherhood has been the biggest workout of all. Between sleep regressions, school drop-offs, and work meetings, I’ve learned that stamina matters more than six-packs. I don’t need to train for hours—just move consistently and give myself grace.
Here’s how I make strength part of our routine:
20-minute timers and a playlist I love
Letting my kids "work out" with me—turning lunges into a game
Reminding myself that how I care for my body influences how they see theirs
Let’s Redefine What Strong Looks Like
Strong, for me, looks like energy to show up—for work, for my family, and for myself. It looks like being able to carry both kids when the parking lot’s too hot to linger. It doesn’t look like anyone else’s version of wellness—and that’s the whole point.
What does strong look like for you right now? Whether it’s prioritizing movement, sleep, or fueling your body in a more intentional way, I’d love to hear what strength looks like in your season.
Come say hi on Instagram—let’s talk about it.
