Episode #160
Does Resistance Training Shift the Focus From Appearance to Performance? — with Maryam Marashi
️♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/evidencestrong/posts/resistance-and-170041260 ️♀️ Some studies suggest that strength training helps shift the focus from how our bodies look to how they perform. Dr Maryam Marashi discusses her PhD study on body image across different resistance training modalities, like bodybuilding, CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, and strongwoman. Maryam Marashi, PhD, is a researcher, strength and conditioning coach, and competitive Olympic weightlifter based in Toronto. Her research focuses on resistance training, body image, and the psychological and social factors that shape how people relate to exercise. She spends most of her day coaching everyday exercisers across strength training, weightlifting, CrossFit, and performance settings. Her work sits at the intersection of research and real-world coaching, with a particular interest in helping people build strength without turning fitness into another source of pressure or self-criticism. Enjoy! Original research paper: Marashi M, Sabiston CM, O’Loughlin EK, Ryan SE, Arbour-Nicitopoulos KP, Mack DE. Women’s body image across resistance training modalities: A multidimensional mixed methods study. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 2026 May 22:103156. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S146902922600097X ❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/evidencestrong ▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG ️ Weightlifting research infographics: https://evidencestrong.com ✉️ Follow Maryam Marashi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-marashi-23562a150 https://www.instagram.com/maryamymarashi https://x.com/maryam_marashi Follow Evidence Strong: https://www.instagram.com/evidence_strong https://x.com/EvidenceStrong All the content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, nutritional, coaching, or financial advice, nor does it substitute for advice from your health care professional/provider. Any actions you will take, changes you will make to your nutrition, training or health care, are on your own responsibility and not mine.
