It’s time to be honest about the term “toning.” What does it actually mean, and what assumptions are wrapped up in it?
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What Do We Really Mean by “Toning”?
As the New Year approaches, conversations about fitness and health ramp up, and the notion of “toning” resurfaces frequently—especially in women’s fitness spaces. The word shows up not if, but when. Have you ever considered why “toning” feels so gendered? I hadn’t given it much thought until a few years ago.
In this episode I examine why women often use the word “toning,” what it actually implies from a training and physiological perspective, and the underlying cultural messages tied to the term. I began researching this topic three years ago for a talk I gave at AHSNZ. That work raised more questions than it answered, and my goal with this episode is to continue that conversation and help clarify what people mean when they say “toning.”
On Today’s Episode
- What “toning” really means in practical terms
- Common myths about strength training
- How language like “toning” fosters unrealistic body ideals
- Why “toning” has become a gendered term
Resources Mentioned In This Show
- My talk about women and strength training from AHSNZ 2015
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