From Pages to Pilates: The Rise of Romantasy-Inspired Fitness

“It wasn’t just working out to do a rep; it was to gain a skill,” says Charity LeBlanc. That shift in perspective—from counting repetitions to mastering a craft—is the driving force behind a surging fitness trend where women are trading traditional gym routines for weighted daggers, sword yoga, and obstacle courses inspired by “romantasy” novels. This movement blends the high-stakes empowerment of romantic fantasy literature with strength training, HIIT, and mobility work, allowing readers to physically embody the resilience of their favorite fictional heroines.

From the “Dragon Gauntlet” obstacle course in Boyne Falls, Michigan, to digital platforms with thousands of global subscribers, romantasy fitness is lowering the barrier to entry for women who have historically felt alienated by traditional gym culture.

The Shift From Aesthetics to Ability

For many women, the traditional fitness industry has long focused on the “shrink” mentality—smaller waists, leaner limbs, and aesthetic perfection. Romantasy-inspired workouts pivot the goal toward capability. Whether it’s the agility of a half-Fae assassin or the endurance of a Dragon Rider, the motivation is rooted in what the body can do, not how it looks in a mirror.

American Ninja Warrior semifinalist

Jamie Dalton, 38, provides a clear example of this psychological shift. Having struggled with coordination and a feeling that weight training was a “punishment,” Dalton found a sustainable rhythm through WeaponUp, a sword yoga platform. Five months in, Dalton is training four to five times a week—a level of consistency she previously couldn’t maintain.

“There’s something to be said for channeling a character you admire, especially one who embodies strength, confidence, and resilience,” says exercise physiologist Rachelle Reed, PhD. “For some women, that connection might make exercise feel more fun and approachable, or even help them feel more confident trying something new.”

The practical results are tangible. For Dalton, who was facing muscle loss and joint pain associated with perimenopause, the movement-based approach helped her regain mobility and strength.

Building an Empire on Book Tropes

The growth of these programs mirrors the explosive popularity of the romantasy genre in the publishing world. Entrepreneurs are capitalizing on the popularity of romantasy by creating workout programs that allow women to live out stories of female empowerment.

Whimsy Forge: Founded by former American Ninja Warrior semifinalist Charity LeBlanc, this platform has grown from an initial group of 500 people to over 6,000 subscribers.
Micro Squad: Trainer Samantha Willens pivoted from Star Wars-themed Pilates in 2022 to create the Valkyrie Squad Program. Inspired by A Court of Silver Flames, her classes include martial arts, kickboxing drills, and sword training.
WeaponUp: Launched in 2024 by Sabina Storberg, this sword yoga platform attracts “book girls” by fusing martial arts with yoga flows, helping some members lose 50 pounds or more by making fitness feel like play.

While the “badassery” of wielding a weapon is the hook, the underlying physiology is sound. These programs utilize low-weight, high-rep endurance work and foundational strength training. The “magic” is simply the packaging; the sweat is very real.

“A Fortnight in Prythian.”

The Psychological Edge of Play

Sabina Storberg notes that most gym experiences are goal-oriented—muscle gain or weight loss—which strips away the childlike wonder of physical activity.

For mothers like Dalton, the romantasy framework allows her to teach her 7-year-old daughter about health through the lens of becoming “strong and powerful” rather than “skinny.” It transforms the conversation from one of restriction to one of empowerment.

As these communities move from virtual screens to in-person events—such as WeaponUp’s 10-city “Graceful Warrior” tour—the trend is evolving into a social lifeline.

The real-life gain isn’t just the muscle or the weight loss; it’s the internal transformation of women who previously didn’t see themselves as “strong” realizing that they can, in fact, be the main character of their own lives.

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