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A review by leahgustafson
Let's Get Physical: How Women Discovered Exercise and Reshaped the World by Danielle Friedman
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
Fitness is a big part of my identity. I feel my best when I move my body, and running/other forms of exercise always seem to restore my sense of calm when the world feels little off balance. I am also passionate about women’s health/mental health so this seemed like the perfect nonfiction book for me.
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This book essentially explores the history of the women’s fitness movement, the smaller movements within it, and like everything else, its complexities. I found this book well-researched, and I learned many things I previously didn’t know. Based on my own, personal fitness journey/interests, I felt more invested in certain sections than others. This book truly is an overview. If there is a specific women’s fitness movement you’d like to learn more about (running, yoga, etc.), you might be better off looking for a book that can offer some more depth on that.
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I appreciate how Danielle Friedman points out just how closely the fitness and beauty industries were (or arguably, are) linked. Women’s exercise was often marketed as a tool for losing weight or maintaining an ideal beauty standard. I also found it very important that the author highlights the barriers to fitness and the privilege that comes along with it. However, while it is mentioned, the systemic barriers are not discussed in great detail. I felt a section or chapter should have been devoted to giving this more depth. Additionally, the vast majority of the women featured in this book are white women. It’s important to highlight how women of color contributed to this movement as well as offering further discussion about this lack of representation.
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Check out what I'm reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
•
This book essentially explores the history of the women’s fitness movement, the smaller movements within it, and like everything else, its complexities. I found this book well-researched, and I learned many things I previously didn’t know. Based on my own, personal fitness journey/interests, I felt more invested in certain sections than others. This book truly is an overview. If there is a specific women’s fitness movement you’d like to learn more about (running, yoga, etc.), you might be better off looking for a book that can offer some more depth on that.
•
I appreciate how Danielle Friedman points out just how closely the fitness and beauty industries were (or arguably, are) linked. Women’s exercise was often marketed as a tool for losing weight or maintaining an ideal beauty standard. I also found it very important that the author highlights the barriers to fitness and the privilege that comes along with it. However, while it is mentioned, the systemic barriers are not discussed in great detail. I felt a section or chapter should have been devoted to giving this more depth. Additionally, the vast majority of the women featured in this book are white women. It’s important to highlight how women of color contributed to this movement as well as offering further discussion about this lack of representation.
•
Check out what I'm reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Body shaming
Moderate: Eating disorder and Sexism