Starting Conversations: Misconceptions about Women's Bodies and Sports

By Mar Colomina Hernandez

At Monaliiku we’ve seen firsthand how misconceptions about women’s bodies and sports impact our clients. These misconceptions often come from misinformation rooted in tradition and fake news on social media. 

To address this, we organized an indoor workshop to foster conversations about the physical and mental impacts of sports on women’s bodies. The workshop brought together a diverse group of 17 participants, representing different cultural backgrounds and age groups, creating a rich environment for discussion. 

The workshop began with the personal story of Ayisat Yusuf, a sports instructor at Monaliiku, who shared how misconceptions had affected her journey as a professional athlete.  

“I once was told that if I jumped or did some movements while being pregnant, my baby would fall out of my womb”. 

Diving into the Discussion 

Participants were divided into three language-based groups, with live translators to ensure inclusivity. The main activity was a simple yet effective yes-or-no question game. Each participant was given two post-its: yellow for “yes” and pink for “no.” After each question, the group lifted their post-its to indicate their responses and then discussed the topic for 5–10 minutes. 

This approach created a safe, open space for everyone to share their thoughts, questions, and personal experiences. Here are the questions we explored, along with the key insights shared and the information provided. 

1. Will women get big muscles from lifting heavy weights? 
The group was divided into this. Some worried about “bulking up,” while others felt it depended on the individual. We clarified that building large muscles requires specific training and nutrition. More importantly, lifting weights can improve strength and overall health, regardless of visible muscle size. 

2. Can women gain muscles and strength after the age of 50? 
Most participants agreed, although some doubted whether older women could achieve strength without prior experience. To dispel this, we shared an example of a woman who began exercising in her 50s and gained remarkable strength. The takeaway: It’s never too late to start, and physical activity is essential for maintaining mobility, bone health, and overall well-being at any age. 

3. Is exercising beneficial during your period? 
This question sparked varied responses. While some participants found exercise impossible during menstruation due to pain, others said it alleviated cramps and boosted their mood. We emphasized the importance of listening to one’s body and suggested low-impact activities like walking or yoga, which can be beneficial for many. Consulting a doctor for severe symptoms was also encouraged. 

4. Is it safe for pregnant women to work out? 
Almost everyone agreed that exercise during pregnancy can be safe and beneficial with proper precautions. A video featuring a Monaliiku member demonstrated safe, low-impact exercises for pregnant women. Participants learned that exercise can help with weight management, stress reduction, and even easing labor. The key is to listen to your body and consult a doctor. 

6. Does physical activity help with mental health? 
This was met with unanimous agreement. One participant shared how daily walks helped her manage stress and see life from a fresh perspective. Exercise is a proven mood booster, thanks to endorphins, and it offers a way to connect with oneself and the world. 

7. Can exercise help with menopause symptoms? 
Though the discussion here was shorter, participants agreed that staying active during (peri)menopause supports bone health, hormone balance, and cardiovascular well-being. Exercise can also alleviate mood swings and improve flexibility, making it a vital tool for managing this life stage. 

8. Is weight loss the main goal of exercising? 
Opinions varied, with some participants seeing weight loss as a valid goal and others emphasizing broader benefits. We highlighted that exercise could serve many purposes—improving energy, mental health, or simply providing a moment of joy. What matters is finding your own motivation without judgment. 

9. Do all bodies benefit from sports and physical activity, regardless of size? 
A unanimous “yes” closed the session. Participants celebrated the universal benefits of movement, from improved health to enhanced self-confidence, regardless of body size or shape. 

Beyond the Workshop 

This workshop will become part of the Fit4Life Project next year, allowing us to integrate it into Monaliiku’s regular programming. To ensure the discussions live beyond the workshop, we also created informational cards summarizing the key takeaways. Available in five languages—English, Finnish, Arabic, Somali, and Spanish—these cards serve as daily reminders to challenge misconceptions and embrace diversity in sports. 

This workshop was a powerful reminder that addressing misconceptions is about more than just sharing information—it’s about creating spaces for honest dialogue and mutual learning. At Monaliiku, we’re committed to continuing these conversations, celebrating the diversity of women’s bodies, and empowering everyone to move, grow, and thrive in their unique ways. 

You can find them in the links below:

This initiative was supported by the CLIC project. C.L.I.C. for “Coordinating Locally in order to Increase More Changes with the European Solidarity Corps”.