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Why Women Only Gyms, Zones, Classes and Time Slots are Not The Answer By Nicola Poole.

Writer's picture: Nicola PooleNicola Poole

My interest in women's sport and physical activity probably stems from my "why can't I" attitude that developed as a young girl. I grew up within a sporty family. Both my brothers were keen sportspeople and so was I. My parents didn't treat me any different from my siblings and all through primary school I was the classmate who ran the fastest, hit the ball the hardest and beat everyone. And then I went to secondary school and hit puberty! Suddenly I was separated from boys in PE, I couldn't try football or rugby and had to do dance! Throughout my sporting life I have never compared myself against other women I set my bar at everyone.



At university my dissertation was a study based on how girls self-worth and body image affected their physical activity participation during adolescence. So, you could say the topic of girls and women in sport and exercise is close to my heart. I'm all for increasing opportunities and access for girls and women. But why do I think the concept of creating women only spaces in gyms is not a good idea? Well, coming from a woman who has been weight training for 30 years in many different gyms. I find this concept both demeaning and patronising. It simply reinforces the male gym culture and stereotypes men and women are pigeon holed into. It's like putting a plaster on a laceration. It will appear to work temporarily but it's not going to solve the problem without serious intervention.



When I first started working as a personal trainer I had this belief that I must help women feel comfortable in a gym environment. I believed the problem lied with them and I could help them fix this. Afterall, I have never had a problem with gyms or those in it. I've not been made to feel uncomfortable or covertly bullied. It was all in their head. The solution was learn the exercises, focus on your own training and smile at the meatheads because they aren't really scary.


But these days I know the problem isn't you. You never were. The gym is the problem! Or

should I say the men who own and run your gym who are creating the gym culture you find yourself a part of. The majority of gyms are owned, managed and designed by men for men. They contain the equipment men want. They have a look that appeals to men more. Their areas are ranked higher in importance. They market and advertise their facilities with men in mind.



Some examples of this include:

·       Machines that are only suitable to use if you are a certain height or have a level of strength already to be able to operate it.


·       No or limited 10kg and 15kg bars.

 

·       No or limited number of dumbbells and kettlebells with smaller weight increments.

 

·       Equipment stored at levels difficult to reach if you're shorter.

 

·       Areas intentionally created so women can hide away.

 

·       Branding that is masculine, dark and aggressive to appeal to male egos.

 

·       Marketing videos containing young, pretty women in their 'active wear' to entice them through the door.

 

·       Classes that are marketed deliberately towards women. Using terms like fat burning, toning, and mention specific body parts.


Whether or not this is intentional doesn't really matter. The fact is, women are never going to feel comfortable in a space that's designed for the alpha male community and segregation is encouraged. So, rather than creating women only zones, time slots or classes gym owners need to create a space that women want to be in. A space that both men and women feel belongs to them. But they won't. The cynic in me says they like their space as it is. But they also like the money we bring in. So they will continue to tell us we feel uncomfortable and unwelcome because of how we feel about ourselves and offer token gestures to include you so that you keep paying for a membership you hardly ever use.


Do I think that all gyms are full of predatory men hunting women down to flex their pecs in an act of dominance, superiority and courtship? No, I don't but I know in more urban areas there is a problem with women being harassed and abused.  So I get why women want to find a safe space to train. But the majority of men are just pissed because we've infiltrated their gym. They once had a space where they only had to impress their male peers on the size of their biceps and calves. Their only thoughts were who had the biggest bench press and how they could shape their delts. They could swear and fart to their hearts content and answer to no one. So of course they say give women their own gyms, classes and zones so we can have our space back!


In recent years, there has been a surge in women only gyms. They are growing in popularity and thriving. Which would indicate that this is what women want. However, if you look deeper into this concept there's a common denominator. Women only gyms are owned and managed by, yes you guessed it. Women! Because we know how to create an inclusive culture, we know how to make people feel at ease and we know what everyone is looking for in a gym. So, my argument is that we don't need more women only gyms. What we need is more women stepping up and becoming gym owners. How many gyms do you know of that are solely owned by women? I know of 1,  soon to be 2 (me lol).


Do I think men and women can harmoniously train side by side with equal respect and understanding? Yes I do, but a lot has to change. Gym owners have to make significant changes to create a positive gym culture and facilities for everyone to feel they belong. They need to delve deeper into why certain populations avoid gyms and cause anxiety. We need to close the strength training gender gap. We need to abolish the stereotypes both men and women are accustomed to. Men have to accept that women want what they have too. And women need to understand that there is no such thing as women's weight training. It's just weight training.



Nicola Poole is the owner of Inspired Coaching and Cybele Gym. With 10 years of personal training and strength & conditioning coaching behind her she also owns and manages Cybele based in Ashburton, Devon. She is a tutor/assessor for personal training qualifications. Competed in powerlifting at an elite level for many years plus worked for 14 years as a PE teacher. She has extensive knowledge and experience in her field of work. Operating as an inclusive, HAES and body neutral coach helping people achieve the right balance between exercise, health and life. Nicola currently freelances for Performance Training Academy supporting them in their delivery of health and fitness courses and also works with The Different Travel Company providing online training and support to trekkers and adventurers alike.



    















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