The second floor of Pottruck can be one of the most intimidating places on Penn’s campus. The many squat racks, bench presses, and weight machines always seem to be filled; at peak hours, there are lines forming to use some of the machines. It can feel like every student decided to fit in a quick lift at the same time.
The population of lifters seems to be overwhelmingly male. A contrast to the first and third floors, which offer a variety of cardio machines and some dumbbells, and seem to be populated by both genders relatively equally.
For non–male lifters, the idea of weightlifting can be extra intimidating, especially as it is seen as a traditionally “male” activity. A Penn State study found "women were less likely than men to participate in muscle–strengthening activities and use weight areas in campus recreation facilities." For people that are new to lifting, this intimidation is escalated; the lack of knowledge about machines and form can lead to fear of judgment and lack of confidence.
Many women simply refrain from going to the second floor of Pottruck, regardless of whether or not they truly want to.
Taylor Randa (W ‘26), co–president of Women who Lift, has noticed this pattern. “My friends are like, ‘Taylor, you go up on the second floor of Pottruck? I never go there,’” she said.
For women who feel unsure as to how to enter these predominantly male spaces, Women who Lift offers a solution. The club was founded two years ago with the idea of creating a community of women who can go to the gym and learn to lift together—replacing intimidation with empowerment.
“I think it’s really helpful for people to be brought into the gym in a way without the dauntingness of having to go in by yourself and seeing everyone else who kind of knows what they’re doing,” co–president Cristina Perez (E ‘25) said.
Women who Lift offers several lifting sessions a week where three or four members go lift together, led by one person who leads the workout. “It’s almost like a workout buddy situation, and it works out really well in terms of people being able to learn the machines and get over all of those hurdles,” Cristina said.
Rihem Sassi (W ‘26), a junior in Women who Lift, explained that she’s new in her fitness journey and was initially scared to go to the second floor of Pottruck. The club helped her overcome that intimidation. “My first time on the second floor with a group here,” she said, “I was like, ‘Oh, it’s not really that bad or intimidating.’ And people are actually really nice.”
There’s no level of experience needed to join Women who Lift—club members range from complete beginners who want to be shown form to well–versed lifters who need someone to spot them while they max out. “It’s low stakes for a reason,” Taylor said, “you learn from everyone.”
Even as the co–president, Cristina recounted her own form improving as a result of her role in the club. “I think [WWL] has definitely made me more aware of my form,” Cristina said, “Almost like running my own lifts and then having to kind of be aware of other people’s forms has made me be a bit more aware of like, ‘Am I doing this the right way?’”
Aside from the lifting sessions they offer, Women who Lift holds a monthly GBM with dinner included, has experts like nutritionists come in and talk to members, and partners with Philly area gyms such as F45 and Barry’s to hold workout classes.
As co–presidents, Taylor and Cristina are focused on creating officer positions. These roles have allowed more experienced lifters to lead lifts—a role that had previously been reserved for WWL board members. “Being able to give people who have a little bit more experience the opportunity to take on a leadership role has been fun,” Taylor said. “The officers run their own weekly lift, so they’re the ones running the lifts in the gym, just because all of us get very busy.”
Taylor and Cristina are focused on making the club a consistent presence on campus. “The overall goal is knowing when we graduate, people will keep up what we had and also build on it,” Taylor said.
Women who Lift is reshaping the culture on Pottruck’s second floor, transforming it into a space of support and shared growth. “Everyone starts somewhere,” Taylor said. “Just being able to take up space and not be embarrassed is an important mindset to be in, and it helps when you bring a buddy to the gym.”
