Final answer:
The increasing participation of women in weight training is indicative of societal changes in gender roles and perceptions, leading to their greater physical empowerment and confidence, while also contrasting historical attitudes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The article 'On the up: why women have taken up weight training' likely covers the increasing trend of women getting involved in weight training. This physical activity, long associated with men and masculinity—as highlighted in historical documents and satire like Juvenal's writings and wartime propaganda—has seen a shift. Through the lens of social change, women are now confidently engaging in strength training, which benefits not only their physical health but also their empowerment and dismantling of gender stereotypes.
Extracts from Juvenal's satires discuss the then-absurd notion of women participating in activities such as weight training, indicative of a historical view that has dramatically changed. Moreover, the mention of community forums indicates a shift in societal attitudes toward gender roles, likely resulting in greater acceptance and support for women pursuing strength and confidence through fitness. The physical representation of a powerlifter in an educational diagram (a male figure in the example) underscores the mechanical and physical principles underlying the exercise, which are equally applicable to women involved in the sport.