Study Finds Women Struggle With Judgment, Safety, and Empowerment in Fitness Spaces
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
For many women, the gym isn't always the empowering space it's meant to be. While gym memberships are on the rise and awareness of exercise benefits has improved, women remain less active than men. Despite evidence that regular exercise can significantly enhance mental, physical, and emotional well-being, with women benefiting more than men in certain areas, such as reduced cardiovascular risks and improved postpartum recovery, there are still invisible barriers keeping women from fully engaging in gym activities. So what exactly is happening?
A recent study titled 'Women's Body Image and Experiences in Gyms,' published in PLOS ONE and involving 279 women gym-goers, sheds light on these issues. The study found that while 84% of participants were current gym-goers, nearly 72% had experienced unsolicited comments from men, and 55% felt most insecure about their stomachs while working out. The study revealed four central themes shaping women’s gym experiences: feeling judged, self-criticism, harassment and safety concerns, and moments of empowerment. Let’s break down what this means for fitness businesses and how they can foster a more inclusive environment.
One of the most recurring experiences shared by women was a constant sense of inadequacy, with perceived judgments about both appearance and performance creating anxiety. Women in the study also reported that societal pressures regarding physical appearance made them hyper-aware of their bodies, often avoiding certain gym activities or clothing due to fear of criticism. Many participants reported being hyper-aware of their body image, worrying about how they’d be perceived while exercising.
Comments like, “I worry that other people will judge me or laugh at me for being an overweight person attending the gym” were echoed by several participants. Even those who’d typically describe themselves as fit expressed concerns. Women worried about being “too muscular,” “too thin,” or not wearing the “right” attire, creating a vicious cycle of self-consciousness.
Why does this matter for gym operators? When your members feel judged, they’re less likely to stay. Cultivating a judgment-free atmosphere is key to retaining these members. Staff training on inclusivity and encouraging all body types and fitness levels is essential.
The internal dialogue of self-criticism was also prevalent in the study. Many women shared that they criticize their own bodies in ways that inhibit their ability to fully enjoy workouts. The stomach was highlighted as a particularly problematic area for body dissatisfaction, with 55% of respondents indicating it was the body part they felt least confident about.
On top of this, participants reported frustrations with gym clothing. Tight-fitting outfits, sweat marks, and body visibility during workouts intensified feelings of vulnerability. One participant described feeling anxious about wearing leggings due to “camel toe” visibility and sweat marks, reflecting the layers of anxiety women face when choosing workout attire.
For gym owners, offering amenities such as diverse activewear options at retail shops or creating private workout areas could help alleviate these concerns. Additionally, cultivating a supportive atmosphere where all members feel comfortable regardless of what they’re wearing can make a lasting difference.
Feeling on display was another significant theme. Many women shared experiences of being stared at or receiving unsolicited advice from male gym-goers. Nearly 72% of respondents reported receiving unsolicited comments from men, with many describing these interactions as creating a pervasive sense of discomfort, objectification, and anxiety in gym spaces.
One participant recounted an incident where a man made a patronizing comment about her ability to lift heavy weights. Others mentioned men taking weights from their stations without asking or asserting dominance in the space through loud, performative behavior. This dynamic creates a gendered division of gym spaces, where women often feel excluded from the free weights area.
Fitness centers can address this by enforcing strict policies on harassment and ensuring that staff are proactive in promoting respectful behavior. Creating women-only zones or hosting events aimed at empowering women in strength training can also help shift perceptions.
Despite these barriers, there were also moments of empowerment. Many women found strength in breaking gender norms by lifting heavy weights and excelling in traditionally male-dominated areas. Participants described feeling empowered when they surpassed men in the gym, defying stereotypes of female fragility.
Inclusive and supportive gym spaces played a critical role in fostering these positive experiences. Smaller gyms with a focus on performance rather than appearance were highlighted as particularly empowering. Participants also shared that developing their skills and gaining confidence over time made them feel more comfortable taking up space.
For gym owners, this is a reminder that creating a supportive community can be a powerful tool for retention. Programs that focus on skill-building and mentorship, such as beginner’s strength training courses, can foster confidence and long-term engagement.
The gym experience is not a one-size-fits-all journey, especially for women. Understanding the themes of judgment, safety concerns, self-criticism, and empowerment helps gym owners and operators take meaningful steps to create spaces where all members feel comfortable and motivated. Implementing changes in gym culture, layout, and programming to address these needs isn’t just a matter of good business. It’s an essential step toward promoting health and equity in fitness.
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