A Physical Education: How I Escaped Diet Culture and Gained the Power of Lifting

In this openhearted blend of memoir and science writing, Johnston (Liftoff) reflects on finding a sustainable workout routine after years of trying to lose weight. Johnston started living on a 1,200 calorie diet in college, hoping to remove any “offending weight.” She describes a vicious cycle of compulsive exercise and strict calorie counting, which often left her feeling ashamed and seldom produced her desired results. Then, while living in New York City in her 20s, Johnston stumbled on a Reddit thread about female weight lifting that challenged the most unpleasant parts of her routine, and instead encouraged hefty meals and frequent exercise breaks. The post endorsed “recomposition,” or building muscle while losing fat, and thus staying at the same weight. Johnston, who adopted the practice, effectively simplifies the science of weight lifting for a layperson, and peppers the narrative with charming anecdotes that chart her growing strength—most memorably when she beat three male friends in an arm-wrestling contest. It’s an empowering resource for women curious about weight lifting. Agent: Anna Sproul-Latimer, Neon Literary. (May)