Weight Training Practices and Perspectives Among Female Military Cadets

Weight training (WT) participation is important for military women to overcome gender-specific physiological challenges and support their ability to meet the demands of modern military service. However, the behaviors and perspectives of women regarding WT in the unique sociocultural context of the military are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence WT participation among cadet women at a military college. Surveys ( n = 92) and interviews ( n = 11) were conducted to characterize cadet women’s WT behaviors and perspectives on barriers, facilitators, and strategies for participation, respectively. Although WT is not often featured during organization-led physical training, 53% of women reported participating in WT at least 2 days/week and 33% reported ≥3 days/week. The main themes illuminated from interviews were “building reputation,” “it’s on multiple fronts,” and “I’ll try to adapt.” The findings suggest that WT was valued by cadet women to support their military readiness and build reputation in a male-dominated sphere emphasizing physicality. Cadet women’s perceived competence and strength were tied to reputation concerns, which were heightened for women with lower rank in the military college social hierarchy. The constrained time schedule characteristic of military environments was a persistent barrier to participation that required cadet women to adjust their plans. Women consistently requested additional structured learning opportunities and resources to build WT technique and knowledge in an environment that normalizes early skill development.