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

This memoir tracks Johnston’s physical fitness journey and so much more besides. Johnston grew up in diet culture: she never questioned society’s maxim to make herself literally small by being skinny, resulting in a decades-long struggle with food restriction and excessive exercise. But a random internet post sparked an interest in lifting weights, kicking off a transformative journey of self-discovery. Not only did she get strong, she also learned how to rekindle her long-suppressed intuition, address dysfunctional family dynamics and toxic romantic relationships, and become a version of herself she adored. I thoroughly enjoyed this surprisingly soulful book about weightlifting, trauma, and living your best life.