AnaElda Ramos | Illustration Editor

I understand writing this is a risk. Labeling anything as a “guy” or “girl” thing is inherently problematic, and sets up a gender binary. But I believe recognizing this binary is how we knock it down. I want to help tear up this imaginary line between guys and girls, because I believe doing so can save lives.

My entire life, I’ve found myself walking over to the “girl’s side” of the aisle. I major in English, a field primarily made up of women. I minor in environmental studies, which also leans more towards women. And while these little things may at first seem trite and “pick-me,” I promise this pattern becomes grave very fast.

When I found myself interning in Ann Arbor last year, I had no friends. I lived with my cousin, Samantha, and her four female housemates. My mental health was suffering, and I had to do something — fast. So I followed my interests, one being exercise, and went to SoulCycle.

As I walked in for my first spin class, I soon realized that out of 40 people, I was one of two men. After awkwardly stumbling to my stationary bike with my deviantly-lettered chromosomes, I clicked my shoes into place — and I had the time of my life. As sweat dripped down my nose, I smiled more than I had in weeks.

After I got back home and told my cousin where I’d been, she said, “Half our house goes to SoulCycle!” Before I knew it I was going to spin classes and high-fiving my housemates (new friends) as we sang the Hamilton soundtrack with sweat glazing our  dopamine-infused bodies.

Doing “girl stuff” saved me, and it hasn’t stopped saving me since. After another mental downpour this semester, I began frequenting BearFit classes at Sumers, such as Zumba. This past Thursday, I was the singular masculine-presenting person out of 35 women. This is where in the article I admit I don’t have answers — because, honestly, it’s a bit scary how visible gender roles still are in 2025, and these societal roles consistently mete out harsh, tangible consequences. Studies show how both dance and strength exercises are beneficial for both sexes, but because of societal gender divides, men attend fewer group fitness classes and women are shown to not do as much strength work. Moving my body and dancing have been life rafts for me when my OCD and anxiety flare up. And, sure, it’s a bit funny to point out to friends, “Look for me in Olympic Studio, I’m the one who’s the guy!” But there is something dark about it.

The mental miracle of exercise classes has become a borderline necessity for me, but because of the stigma around defining “guy activities” and “girl activities,” many hold back from this life-changing payout.

And why limit this to exercise? If something seems deviant or hard to do because of stigma, please take a look at our past. We as humans leap forward as a society when we allow everyone a seat at the table, a position on the field, or entry into a laboratory. On an individual level, you grow stronger, develop more empathy, and become your more-whole self when you push through societal boundaries that tell you “No.” Now get out there and shake some ass.