Let's unlearn some BS together…

mindsetself-awarenessstrenght training
Written By Adell Bridges

"Brainy What-Why-How"

Your weekly nibble of science-backed goodness to help you move better and feel unstoppable.

🧠

What (the TL:DR)

I spent my first gym-year avoiding quad exercises because I “didn’t want big thighs.”

A tragic symptom of cultural brainwashing.

Then I accidentally got strong. Suddenly my digestion, energy, mood, and entire life were like:

“Oh. THIS is the upgrade we needed."

Sure, I originally went to the gym to meet cute boys (it worked*) and a juicier peach (also success).

But now I go because strength feels like the world’s healthiest middle finger 🖕

And I wish I’d started sooner—not just for the muscles, but for the rebellion of refusing to stay small to be palatable.

Why (the geeky neurology)

Your subconscious is basically a human Roomba—mindlessly circling old programming unless you interrupt it.

It runs most of your decisions, and its #1 priority is sticking to whatever identity you’ve been rewarded for.

So if you were raised on:

- “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels"

- “Small is feminine”

- “Muscle makes you less attractive”

…your subconscious treats lifting as a violation of the Rulebook of Being Acceptable™.

This isn’t vanity.

This is identity regulation.

And your nervous system genuinely believes “bulky” = “social danger.”

Which is hilarious, because science is screaming:

Muscle = longer life, happier hormones, sturdier bones, a more efficient brain, and a stronger sense of self.

So, the rebellion is the neuroscience:

You’re literally rewriting the internal code society installed in you.

How (apply it to your life)

If you want to go against (any!) stupid societal norms but you can't quite bring yourself to do it, check how you identify. Then reprogram:

1️⃣ Tiny identity edits

Skip “I am the Hulk.”

Start with: “I’m someone who strengthens because it feels good."

Sneak it past your subconscious like a Trojan horse.

2️⃣ Collect receipts

Every time you have a moment where you think "damn...these muscles are muscling!"--

E.g. one all-groceries-in-one-trip-while-the-elevator-is-out-of-order success--

Remind your brain that strength = easier life.

3️⃣ Rebrand strength

It’s not “bulk.”

It’s freedom, mobility, boundaries, independence, and -- if you're into it -- an "F YOU" to the patriarchy.

4️⃣ Change your inputs

Follow women who lift. Unfollow the "visible ribs & invisible opinions" girlies.

Your subconscious copies whatever room it thinks you’re in.

5️⃣ Take up space on purpose

Every rep =

“I am safe being powerful, visible, and not here to be decorative.”

Cheers to these emails getting meatier along with my quads,

💋 Adell

  • I met my boyfriend at the gym. And he, with his master’s degree in Sports Science and Physiotherapy, has been influential in the design of my upcoming HANDSTAND CLUB — a science-backed 6-week programme to get your handstand from stagnation station to the progression train 🚂 . (Yes, we will lift weights as part of this programme 💪)

Want to go way deeper with me? 👀

Adell Bridges
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