Muscles and women sound as miles apart as sun and night. We really can’t imagine them together because of the perceived notion. Females are synonymous to soft, fragile and sensuality.

But are muscular women un-ladylike? The answer is no. Actually they are aching treat to eyes which look for beauty beyond societal norms.

Elle India’s beauty issue this May has highlighted some muscular women who are overthrowing every stereotype associated with feminity.

Take a look and know what is making them go hard and strong.

1. Nilparna Sen

Age: 23

Profession: Gym Trainer and Manager

Nilparna Sen Nilparna Sen

Mantra: “When I saw my bicep pumping for the first time, I wondered why I ever wanted to be skinny.”

2. Bani J

Age: 28

Profession: Actor/VJ

Bani J Bani J

Mantra: “I love the way I look, so it’s no good telling me to stop. Your body can achieve so much once you shut out the doubts and focus.”

3. Ayesha Billimoria

Age: 29

Profession: Track Athlete and Fitness Trainer

Ayesha Billimoria Ayesha Billimoria

Mantra: “Fitness has become all about looking good and running marathons. But you need to be able to just stretch, jump and sprint to be fit.”

4. Natasha Noel

Age: 23

Profession: Yoga Instructor

Natasha Noel Natasha Noel

Mantra: “I have my curves, breasts and hips, and I’m still a woman — just a very strong one.”

5. Rashi Chowdhary

Age: 31

Profession: Nutritionist

Rashi Chowdhary Rashi Chowdhary

Mantra: “My husband once told me that my shoulders look like a man’s, but when you train like this you learn to feel proud of yourself.”

6. Navreet Josan

Age: 30

Profession: Make-up Artist

Navreet Josan Navreet Josan

Mantra: I’m very proud of my body. The way I look during a competition — my hair, my muscles — everything just feels glamorous.”

7. Shweta Sakharkar

Age: 25

Profession: Bikini Bodybuilder

Shweta Sakharkar Shweta Sakharkar

Mantra: “I’ve taught myself to build a mental block against the creepy Facebook messages and arm-wrestling challenges that come my way.”