Unpacking my beliefs on physical strength, part 4

Last in a series. Read parts one, two, and three. 

While physical strength may seem narrowly and clearly defined, it intersects with many aspects of our lives. It’s a topic I considered with newfound fascination after reading “On Muscle: The Stuff That Moves Us and Why It Matters” by author and journalist Bonnie Tsui.

The book was one of my most thought-provoking reads of 2025. However, it often challenged me — not because I disagreed with Tsui’s arguments, but because I rarely view my body with the same respect, awe, and appreciation that Tsui has for her body and others. Compared with many of those she writes about admiringly, my body isn’t as able; it’s weaker and affected by Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease.

Ultimately, the experience prompted me to do a bit of soul-searching and unburden myself of some of my pride and ableism. In my previous three columns, I documented my developing thoughts on physical strength. Now, I’m working to distill those thoughts into actionable takeaways.

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Physical strength for health

I believe that, in general, physical strength is good for your health. (There are exceptions, though, such as risking bodily harm and long-term consequences for short-term gains.) Strength training has many benefits, including increased stamina, reduced risk of osteoporosis and mortality, and greater mobility.

What this means on a prescriptive basis is less clear. Setting specific strength goals requires us to carefully consider our individual health needs as well as what we find fulfilling and soul-affirming. When determining how to integrate resistance training into your life, it’s important to consult your healthcare team, especially if you have a disability or chronic illness like CMT.

But achieving our ideal version of physical strength may ultimately be less important than simply working toward it. After all, the journey is often more valuable than the destination.

For me, resistance training is enjoyable and rewarding. However, these days, my short-term goals and desired outcomes are less clearly defined.

Physical strength as identity

In exploring this topic, I’ve spoken with people who invest a lot in their physical strength and see it as a manifestation of their drive and dedication. Others reject aspirations of great physical strength, choosing to demonstrate their grit and hard work in other ways.

I believe both perspectives can be valid, healthy, and worth celebrating. Physical strength is just one aspect of our identity — one we can choose to judge as important or superfluous and define in our own terms.

When I began investing more time and energy in resistance training, both strength gains and physique changes seemed incidental; I simply enjoyed the practice. However, I’ve recently felt pressure to do more, to impose a progressive overload to uncertain ends.

I want to balance this pressure with my enjoyment of resistance training — to recapture the internal validation that once seemed simple.

Physical strength in society

I believe we have a primal instinct to admire and desire physical strength. However, because we also grant status to those who are physically strong, this dynamic can create a system of privilege.

This isn’t always a bad thing — physical strength doesn’t happen by accident, and hard work is praiseworthy. However, we often award privilege not based on individual self-improvement, but on a person’s standing relative to their peers. For someone with CMT, that can make strength training feel like a zero-sum game.

However, that’s only true if we assume it’s the only valid game — if we maintain a narrow understanding of what physical strength looks like.

Broadening our perspectives and admiring people for reasons beyond physical strength isn’t always easy. But I believe such work is worthwhile, as it fills our lives with greater joy and creates more welcoming spaces for everyone.

Note: Charcot-Marie-Tooth News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Charcot-Marie-Tooth News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Charcot-Marie-Tooth.