Review of A Physical Education: How I Escaped Diet Culture and Gained Strength by Casey Johnston
When I first stumbled upon the upcoming release of A Physical Education by Casey Johnston, it felt as if the universe had aligned to hand me the perfect read. As someone who has navigated the turbulent waters of diet culture and disordered eating, I’ve often felt lost in a sea of conflicting messages about health and fitness. Johnston’s journey sounded refreshingly, albeit agonizingly familiar. I was instantly drawn in by the promise of a narrative that not only empathized with my experiences but also celebrated the power of strength and personal growth.
From the very beginning, Johnston’s candid reflections on her struggles with atypical anorexia and her misgivings about diet culture resonated deeply with me. The statistics she shared—like the staggering 65% of those exhibiting disordered behaviors—hit home. It’s a truth I’ve lived and saw reflected in my own history. Her transition from calorie obsession to embracing weightlifting as a form of empowerment is nothing short of inspiring. Unlike many narratives that focus solely on weight loss, A Physical Education dives into the often-overlooked connection between disordered eating and the quest for strength, capturing the complexity of such a journey.
Johnston’s writing style is a delightful balance of relatable storytelling and informative guidance. She weaves personal anecdotes with practical insights, creating an engaging narrative that reads like a conversation with a wise friend rather than a dry lecture. One memorable moment for me was her experience walking into a “grimy independent gym” and feeling out of place among “gym bros.” It encapsulated that daunting but exhilarating feeling of stepping outside one’s comfort zone—a theme that many readers will recognize.
Notably, her exploration of failure in weightlifting, which she describes as “encouraged” instead of demoralizing, struck a chord with me. Here’s a speaker not just of physical power, but of intellectual and emotional resilience. “Eating less did not make me feel compelled to eat even less still,” she writes, a line that beautifully summarizes her transformation from restriction to nourishment—a message desperately needed in today’s diet-obsessed culture.
As Casey transitions from feeling defeated by the scales to celebrating her body’s capabilities, readers are invited to appreciate strength in its many forms. Whether you are an aspiring lifter or someone simply looking to foster a healthier relationship with food, this book is a treasure trove of wisdom.
I wholeheartedly recommend A Physical Education to anyone, regardless of their current relationship with fitness or food. It’s a glowing beacon for those feeling trapped in the cycle of dieting and self-doubt. More than just a guide to strength training, it’s a heartfelt memoir that encourages self-acceptance and discovery. Reading it left me motivated—not just to lift weights, but to embrace my journey. I’ve already signed up for Casey’s newsletter, and I can’t wait to share this gem with my gym friends.
If you’re in search of a narrative that champions the beauty of growth, personal strength, and a healthier mindset towards food and fitness, you won’t want to miss this book when it hits the shelves on May 6, 2025.
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