Girl Gains
A movement for women, by women.
by ABIGAIL LUCA ★ DECEMBER 5, 2024
Observing a member on the rowing machine at the Barnes Center, Hannah Kudlacz, gently adjusted her back, a reminder of the importance of posture amid anticipation. "Whatever feels comfortable; there's no reason to push yourself. You're learning," she reassured the girls during their Girl Gains session.
Girl Gains is a nationwide all-female weightlifting organization established in 2020 by San Diego State University. With insecurities, perverted stares from grunting misogynists, or confusion with machines, the gym can be intimidating for many women. Yet, as President, Kudlacz has made female students at Syracuse University feel welcomed by founding the Girl Gains SU Chapter.
“Hannah does a great job of ensuring everybody feels comfortable; she wants the gym to be a better environment for women and for us to succeed as a collective.” said member, Rosemary Rodriguez.
Before discovering Girl Gains in 2023, Kudlacz noticed a lack of women in SU’s Barbell Club and felt compelled to act. “I remember asking my friends and girls on the bus or at the gym what they would think about a girls' weightlifting club,” said Kudlacz.
Many women echoed the sentiment that men often dominate the gym, motivating her to bring Girl Gains to SU: Inspiring women to dominate in and out of the weight room. Since then, Girl Gains has been a registered student organization for nearly a year, offering group workout sessions of 5-6 girls led by trainers and bonding activities like vision board and potluck events.
Although involved with sports since high school, Kudlacz didn't start weightlifting until college. Admitting to beginner’s insecurity, her mindset has since transformed. “I started with the YouTube butt workout videos. The ones you hide in your room to do,” chuckled Kudlacz, laughing at herself during an interview at SU’s Pages Cafe. “But you need to push through that insecurity and show up. Working out has made me feel confident and productive and I wanted other girls to feel this way too.”
Over the past year, the organization has gone from a small executive board to general body meetings of almost 70 girls. Much of this growth can be credited to leadership and positivity. “Hannah is incredibly ambitious, she prioritizes Girl Gains in every way,” said Vice President, Maddie Hurlbert.
While Hannah’s leadership strengthens the organization, the true backbone is her executive board—women with different body types, workout experiences and personalities. “I've never been the “fittest” in the way pop culture sees fit, so I love being able to encourage others to get into the gym no matter their body type,” said Hurlbet.
A diverse and inclusive team of leaders who can relate to any member is crucial. “We all may be in different spots, but we're all there for one reason; to have a good time and empower one another through our workout journeys,” said Kudlacz.
In our comparison-driven culture, the expectations of an 8-pack and petite waist make “showing up” as your strongest self challenging. “We want to encourage girls to get into the gym and be happier with themselves,” said Hurlbert.
Yet, working up the courage to step into the gym is only part of the battle. Girl Gains helps women win the war, fostering self-assurance while reducing self-doubt. “In the gym, people are on different journeys. You don't have to worry about how they perceive you, because no one cares. They’re doing their own thing,” reassured Kudlacz.
She seeks to instill this attitude within her chapter emphasizing that “showing up” commands praise, not depreciation. “I've become more accepting of myself and my body. I feel more comfortable,” said Rodriguez.
“There are so many pressures for girls; to act and look a certain way, especially in college. How we're perceived is so important for some reason.” Kudlacz said. “Having a space where we don't have to think but empower one another and be ourselves is important.”
Looking toward the future, Kudlacz aims to make Girl Gains a notable and -action-oriented SU organization. The first step would be a collaboration with the Barnes Center, for as of now, the organization is only able to reserve rooms, not gym sections. “Imagine how many girls would actually show up comfortably if the basement was reserved for Girl Gains for an hour,” Kudlacz said.
The organization also intends to develop an alumni network, with dreams of a future women’s health and fitness center at SU, drawing from the empowering environment Kudlacz has seen in her organization.
“I've never really been passionate about something before this. It's beautiful to see girls who were never friends before in the gym having a good time together. It feels good to know that this is the environment we've been cultivating.”