In 1975, Jan Todd set a Guinness World Record with a 394.5-pound two-handed deadlift — but training was tough at a time when women weren’t expected to lift heavy. Jan Todd squatting at the U.S.

On Wednesday evenings at IM West, Michigan State University students may spot two large groups of women lifting together — cheering, laughing and pushing their limits. It’s more than just a workout.

Fitness Beyond the Scale Women’s fitness today is no longer about chasing a number on the scale. It’s about strength, resilience, confidence, and control over one’s body. Across gyms, studios, and ...