Let’s Get Physical

Let’s Get Physical by Danielle Friedman is a captivating exploration into the untold history of women's exercise culture, delving into the transformative journey that reshaped female fitness. Through meticulous research and compelling narratives, Friedman traces the evolution of women’s fitness from the 1960s to the present day, revealing how physical exercise became a crucial arena for personal autonomy and empowerment.

This well-researched work spans various significant milestones in fitness history, starting with the fitness pioneers of the 1960s who inspired women to embrace physical strength. The book covers a wide array of activities such as jogging, barre, Jazzercise, aerobics, weight training, and yoga. Friedman vividly illustrates how these forms of exercise not only promoted health but also catalysed a broader movement towards female empowerment and independence.

The author, known for her viral article on the origins of barre workouts featured in The Cut, expands her inquiry to encompass the broader landscape of women’s fitness. She highlights how the rise of late-20th century feminism intertwined with fitness movements, enabling women to discover the joys and benefits of physical competence. Through engaging stories and keen insights, Let’s Get Physical shows how the pursuit of fitness evolved into a pursuit of power.

This book has received accolades from various notable publications. The Financial Times praises it as "well-researched and readable", while the New Statesman deems it an “absorbing, pacy read”. The New Yorker commends it as “canny and informative”, with the Stylist describing it as "the story of lycra-clad feminism". Recognised as a New Yorker Best Book of 2022, Let’s Get Physical is celebrated for its insightful contribution to understanding the cultural and social implications of women's fitness.

Friedman’s narrative does not just stop at chronicling history; it calls for a reimagined future where fitness is accessible to all women, transforming it from a privilege into a universal right. By examining both the past and envisioning future possibilities, Let’s Get Physical is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of fitness, feminism, and social change.