• Casey Johnston discovered that weightlifting, unlike dieting, helped her build emotional strength, repair disordered eating, and improve her body image.
• Johnston initially pursued weightlifting as another weight loss strategy, but later embraced it for its benefits in building strength and overall well-being.
• She emphasizes the importance of preserving lean muscle mass for health and lifestyle, advocating for a shift in focus from weight loss to functional strength and positive body image.

Casey Johnston, in her book 'A Physical Education: How I Escaped Diet Culture and Gained the Power of Lifting,' details her transition from restrictive dieting and cardio to embracing weightlifting. This shift transformed her relationship with her body, leading to improved emotional strength, healthier eating habits, and a positive body image. Johnston's journey highlights the societal pressures around weight loss and the empowering potential of strength training for women.

• What: Casey Johnston's transition from dieting and cardio to weightlifting, and the positive impact it had on her body image, emotional strength, and relationship with food.
• Who: Casey Johnston, author of 'A Physical Education'; Mara Gordon (NPR contributor and interviewer).
• When: Johnston's weightlifting journey began after stumbling upon a Reddit post. The interview was conducted around the release of her book. The article was published May 8, 2025.
• Where: The context is primarily personal, detailing Johnston's experiences. Gym culture and online communities are mentioned as environments where she encountered different perspectives on exercise.

The article presents a compelling case for strength training as a means to improve body image and overall well-being, challenging the conventional focus on weight loss through dieting and cardio. Johnston's personal narrative and insights shed light on the societal pressures that contribute to negative body image and disordered eating habits. The shift towards prioritizing strength and functionality over mere thinness offers a more sustainable and empowering approach to fitness and health.

"I don't lift to be hot. I lift to be strong."

"My body could feel good to be in, powerful even. My body could do things."

We can't accept that a woman would want anything, truly, other than to be hot.

Casey Johnston's experience reveals the profound impact of weightlifting, extending beyond physical transformation to encompass emotional and mental well-being. By prioritizing strength and functionality over conventional weight loss goals, she not only challenges societal pressures but also empowers individuals to cultivate a more positive body image and a sustainable approach to fitness. Her journey underscores the importance of rejecting restrictive diet culture and embracing a relationship with one's body that values movement, rest, and adequate nourishment. Johnston's story highlights how strength training can foster emotional resilience, improve mood and sleep, and liberate individuals from the shame and isolation perpetuated by unrealistic beauty standards. Ultimately, her advocacy encourages a shift towards recognizing the inherent capabilities of our bodies, promoting a holistic sense of well-being that transcends mere physical appearance.