Hi Rip,





My husband recently introduced me to Starting Strength. I was a little skeptical at first. He coached me through a couple training sessions at the gym and I wasn't that into it. But then the third day, I went to the gym on my own. I had my own music. I worked at my own pace. I felt ownership over my session and walked out of the gym feeling physically strong, empowered, and excited for the next work day.





I went home and watched some of your videos about proper form to make sure I was doing everything right, even practicing with a broom to build muscle memory. I was able to correct my husband's form on his deadlift, which was awesome (to me, ha). I bought the app; my husband already had it so I could have read his, but as a small business owner, I like to support others' work. I read the included material, and sought out additional articles specific to women and Starting Strength. It's safe to say that I'm enthusiastic and have gotten tremendous value out of the resources you provide.





And then tonight, I hopped on the forums. I searched the word "female," curious about the 5x3 program and the experience of other women on the program. One of the first posts to come up was an earnest question about female breasts and bench press . Here was your response:





"I'm glad you asked this question. It could be that she is right. I have had decades of experience with the examination of breasts both before and after strength training. Before giving a definitive answer, I'll need to see the breasts in question. Post photos of these breasts unencumbered by clothing from a minimum of 5 angles in your reply. For the most complete analysis, I'll also need to see videos of these naked breasts in motion, so videos of her walking, lying on her back, and on her knees will be very helpful."





Some responses that followed include:





"And maybe a few classier shots, for those of us at work. Playful cleavage, tasteful sideboob, spilled milk on white tank top, etc."





"What an amateur. This situation obviously requires an in-person, private consultation. With all the complexities involved it could last for hours..."





For fucking real?





I expect strength training to be a boy's club. I expect that the programming will be developed for young men and I'll have to adapt. I expect to be viewed as purely decorative and/or incompetent by the many of the men I'll be lifting near. But give me a goddamn break. Please consider shutting down sexist comments on your forums instead of starting them.





I'm sure you think you and the guys are just having a good time and that I'm too sensitive. If you want women to feel welcome in your community and in the larger strength training community, cut it out.





Or maybe you could only take me seriously if I said this while I was on my knees.





Dedicating my next (anger-fueled) training session to you,