This weekend, I took part in the Bermuda Railway Trail walk hosted by the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

My co-worker, Panzy, participated in the Lindo’s to Lindo’s Race. We both were inspired by the number of women in the fitness industry in Bermuda.

Whether it be personal trainers, yoga teachers, dance instructors, martial arts instructors or those jack-of-all-trades, women seem to dominate in this industry.

So, every so often, when I am asked if a class is a “girl class” or I hear that rare, “she did an amazing job, for a girl” comment, I am a little perplexed.

For years, run/jump/throw like a girl has been used as an insult. I decided to ask my girl group what comes to mind when they hear this phrase.

These women are not only accomplished academically, but have fitness regimes that leave me inspired to push outside of my comfort zone.

The question really got the group excited.

One inspiring mum, who can outlift most men I know, said: “Yeah I throw like a girl! Instead of being insulted by this, we should really own it! I don’t see anything wrong with being a little feminine or weaker than men. We have to give them something, right?”

A beautiful woman in the middle of marathon training added: “My biggest challenge is not that I throw like a girl, but it’s my own mind. I used to think that competing against others or overcoming stereotypes would make my performance better.

“Then, I took a hard look in the mirror and realised it’s me. I’m my biggest challenge. Self-motivation is always my biggest success. Who cares what you think? I throw like me!”

This came from an incredibly strong lawyer: “What is wrong with throwing like a girl and being a role model to other women?

“Sometimes women try so hard to compete with men that they do a disservice to their own gender and forget to promote other women and end up intimidating other ladies in the process.”

One mother, who is also a teacher, proudly shared a photo of her daughter on her rugby team: “She throws like a girl and scores a number of tries!”

The overwhelming consensus was that whatever we do, we should do it our best.

There is nothing wrong with embracing our femininity. Own it. But, when you throw a ball (if that is what you choose to do) give it your all.

We should reclaim the “like a girl” phrase and showcase exactly what we have to offer Bermuda’s fitness community — confidence will squash any kind of stereotype. Or just learn to punch really good and throw them a left hook; that works too.

• Cassandra Matcham is a Yoga Alliance-certified yoga instructor, studio and group fitness manager at Alchemy Fitness. She specialises in accountability and goal-setting to help clients reach their full potential. Follow Alchemy Fitness on Facebook: AlchemyFitnessBermuda or e-mail info@alchemy.bm.