This Shoot With Muscular Women Shows Them Crushing Stereotypes Bare-Handed

"Being strong is sexy."

Elle India's beauty issue this May features muscular women who have sculpted their bodies and thrown every feminine stereotype out the window.

Elle India

Bani J, 28, actor

Taras Taraporvala/Elle India

“I love the way I look, so it’s no good telling me to stop. Your body can achieve so much once you shut out the doubts and focus.”

Nilparna Sen, 23, gym trainer and manager

Taras Taraporvala/Elle India

“I don’t think a regular person can feel as energetic as I do. I owe it to my body to be the best version of myself.”

Ayesha Billimoria, 29, track athlete and fitness trainer

Taras Taraporvala/Elle India

“Fitness has become all about looking good and running marathons. But you need to be able to just stretch, jump and sprint to be fit."

Natasha Noel, 23, yoga instructor

Taras Taraporvala/Elle India

“I have my curves, breasts and hips, and I’m still a woman — just a very strong one."

Shweta Sakharkar, 25, bikini bodybuilder

Taras Taraporvala/Elle India

“I’ve taught myself to build a mental block against the creepy Facebook messages and arm-wrestling challenges that come my way.”

Navreet Josan, 30, make-up artist

Taras Taraporvala/Elle India

“I’m very proud of my body. The way I look during a competition — my hair, my muscles — everything just feels glamorous."

Rashi Chowdhary, 31, nutritionist

Taras Taraporvala/Elle India

“My husband once told me that my shoulders look like a man’s, but when you train like this you learn to feel proud of yourself.”

Read more about them on Elle here.

Body Positivity Week is a week of content devoted to exploring and celebrating our complicated relationships with our bodies. Check out more great Body Positivity Week content here.

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