How Lifting Weights Gives You Main Character Energy | Stop Shrinking, Start Leading
Description
Are you quietly living life on mute — squeezing yourself into the corner, apologising when people bump into you, nodding along to plans you hate, and shrinking your voice in every room?
In this episode of Giggles & Glutes, Zoë and Donaé unpack what it really means to feel like a background character… and how lifting weights can literally rewrite your story.
We talk about:
• Why so many women are taught to shrink — in our bodies, our opinions, and our ambitions
• How the gym becomes a sanctuary of certainty in a world you can’t control
• The three pillars of main character energy forged in the weight room
• Confidence deposits, self-worth “bank accounts” and voluntary hardship
• Strength training through pregnancy and how it builds mental resilience
• Boundaries, people-pleasing, and finally saying “no” without guilt
• Three simple, non-intimidating steps to start your own main character era this week
If you’ve ever felt like the supportive friend, the agreeable employee, or the woman who only feels confident inside the gym but not outside of it — this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen if you want to:
• Build unshakeable, earned confidence (not just from compliments or clothes)
• Take up space without feeling guilty
• Turn your workouts into the training ground for a stronger, louder, more courageous life
👉 Hit subscribe to Giggles & Glutes, drop a comment with the one small action you’re taking this week, and share this with a friend who needs a reminder that she’s the main character, not the background extra.
⏰ Timeline:
00:00 Cold open – are you shrinking yourself to fit in?
00:52 Intro song (00:15 – no on-screen/B-roll here)
01:10 Feeling like a background character & life on mute
03:00 The turning point: walking into the gym for control
05:00 The gym as a sanctuary of certainty
07:00 The 3 pillars of main character energy
09:40 Confidence deposits & your self-worth bank account
12:00 Voluntary vs involuntary hardship (and what lifting teaches you)
14:20 Strength training, pregnancy & mental resilience
16:40 Boundaries, people-pleasing & safe discomfort
19:30 3 simple steps to start your main character era this week
22:10 Taking your confidence out of the gym and into real life
📺 Watch on YouTube
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gigglesandglutes
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE this with a friend who’s ready to build a body they love. 💪
👩🏽⚖️ Disclaimer:
We always strive to share the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. However, some of the content in this video reflects our own research, experience, and opinions. The views expressed are for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice.
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