Gym Culture Still Dominated by Masculine Norms, Discouraging women from Exercising, Study Finds
Gyms remain spaces “dominated by conventional masculine norms,” creating barriers for women who wish to exercise, according to a recent study led by Liverpool John Moores University and published in the journal PLOS One. The research, which surveyed 279 women of various ages, revealed that many women feel judged by men for their outfits, figures, or performance, leading to discomfort and self-consciousness.
One participant described the gym surroundings as one where they had to “navigate harassment and unsolicited comments” from men, with some groups behaving like “hyenas” when women were present. This opposed atmosphere frequently enough made women feel like intruders,particularly in the male-dominated free weights area.
The study highlighted several recurring themes, including the pressure women feel to conform to appearance standards.Some women reported spending up to 40 minutes applying makeup before workouts to “fit in.” Others expressed concerns about “looking manly,” being “too fat,” or appearing “wobbly.” Many opted for modest, baggy clothing to avoid drawing attention to sweat stains or “problem areas.”
Despite these challenges, the study noted that women were generally supportive of one another. “Women reported being non-judgmental and accepting of othre women’s bodies and attire but felt self-conscious about their own appearance,” the researchers wrote.
Key Findings from the Study
Table of Contents
| Theme | Details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Perceived Judgment | Women felt judged by men for their outfits, figures, and performance. |
| Harassment | Many reported navigating unsolicited comments and harassment from men. |
| Appearance Pressure | Some women applied makeup for 40 minutes before workouts to “fit in.” |
| Clothing Choices | Many wore baggy clothes to avoid highlighting sweat or “problem areas.” |
| Support Among Women | Women were accepting of others’ bodies but self-conscious about their own. |
The findings underscore the need for gyms to foster more inclusive environments. While some women found empowerment through skill acquisition and breaking gender norms, the pervasive masculine culture continues to deter many from fully engaging in fitness activities.
For more insights into the barriers women face in gyms, explore the full study here.
Women in Gyms: Empowerment Amidst Pressure and Intimidation
Gym attendance among women has surged in recent years, with many reporting feelings of empowerment and confidence after regular sessions. though, a recent study reveals that this positive trend is accompanied by meaningful challenges, including pressure to conform to specific gym attire and experiences of intimidation from male gym-goers.
The Pressure to “Look the Part”
The study highlights a pervasive expectation for women to dress in a certain way while working out. Many women reported feeling pressured to wear matching gym attire, such as crop tops and leggings, to appear as though they “knew what they were doing.” This perceived need to conform to a specific aesthetic often overshadowed their focus on fitness goals.
“Women felt pressure to wear specific gym attire such as crop tops and leggings to look as if they knew what they were doing,” the study noted. This pressure, coupled with the fear of “looking like a newbie,” created an environment where women felt judged for their appearance rather than celebrated for their efforts.
Intimidation and Unwanted Attention
The study also shed light on the discomfort many women experience in gyms, particularly in male-dominated spaces like the weights area. Of the respondents, 39% reported feeling intimidated by men while exercising, and a staggering 72% said they had received at least one unsolicited comment from a man during their workout.
“They felt like they did not belong and should not take up ‘too much space,’ whereas men took up an ‘unholy amount of space’ and felt entitled to take gym equipment women were using,” the study revealed.When women did assert their presence, they often faced unwanted stares, comments, and criticism.
Some respondents shared that they felt “sexualised” or “creeped out” by men staring at them or making inappropriate remarks. Additionally, there was a concern about being judged for their form, technique, or skills, further exacerbating feelings of insecurity.
Empowerment Through Regular Attendance
Despite these challenges, the study emphasized the positive impact of regular gym attendance on women’s confidence and self-esteem. with gym attendance among women now considerably higher, many reported feeling empowered and more in control of their fitness journeys.
“Gym attendance has risen among women, and many said they felt empowered after attending regular sessions,” the study noted. This cultural shift reflects a growing movement of women reclaiming their space in fitness environments and prioritizing their health and well-being.
Key Findings at a Glance
| Aspect | Findings |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Gym Attire Pressure | Women felt pressured to wear crop tops and leggings to “look the part.” |
| Intimidation | 39% of women felt intimidated by men; 72% received unsolicited comments. |
| Empowerment | Regular gym attendance boosted confidence and self-esteem among women. |
Moving Forward
The study underscores the need for gyms to foster more inclusive and supportive environments for women. Addressing issues like intimidation and promoting body positivity can help ensure that women feel comfortable and empowered in their fitness journeys.
As more women continue to embrace gym culture, the focus must shift from appearance to achievement, celebrating progress over perfection.
For more insights on fitness trends and women’s health, explore our fitness resources and join the conversation on creating inclusive gym spaces.The Gym Dilemma: How Women Navigate Body Image in fitness Spaces
in recent years, the fitness industry has witnessed a significant shift in societal ideals, with strength and fitness now often prioritized over thinness. However, a new study led by Emma Cowley from Liverpool John Moores University reveals that this evolving standard may still pose challenges for women’s body image.
The research highlights a pervasive issue: women often feel scrutinized in gym environments, regardless of their fitness level. “Women cannot win in the gym, frequently enough feeling judged for being too muscly if they are very fit or feeling that they look like novices or have the wrong body type if they have just started,” Cowley explains. This dual pressure—to be strong yet not “too muscular,” or to appear experienced while being a beginner—creates a no-win situation for many women.
The study underscores the need for gyms to foster more inclusive and supportive environments. It suggests that fitness centers should shift their focus from appearance-based goals to those centered on health, strength, and personal achievement.Additionally,the research calls for increased anti-harassment training for staff to ensure women feel safe and respected while working out.
Key Findings at a Glance
| Issue | Impact | Suggestion |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————|———————————————————————————–|
| Pressure to be strong but not “too muscly” | Creates body image concerns for fit women | Focus on health and strength goals, not appearance |
| Judgment for being a beginner | Discourages new gym-goers from continuing | Promote inclusivity and celebrate progress, not perfection |
| Lack of anti-harassment measures| Makes women feel unsafe or unwelcome | Implement comprehensive anti-harassment training for staff |
the findings resonate with a broader cultural conversation about body image and fitness. While the shift toward valuing strength over thinness is a positive step, it’s clear that the fitness industry still has work to do in creating spaces where women feel empowered rather than judged.
As Cowley’s research suggests,the solution lies in redefining what it means to be fit. By prioritizing health and personal growth over aesthetics, gyms can definitely help women feel more comfortable and confident in their fitness journeys.
what’s your experience with gym culture? Do you feel the fitness industry is doing enough to support women? share your thoughts and join the conversation.
For more insights on body image and fitness, explore our guide to building a positive gym mindset.
The Gym Dilemma: An Interview on Women’s Body Image in Fitness Spaces
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. Can you start by summarizing the key findings of Emma Cowley’s study on women’s experiences in gyms?
Guest: Absolutely. The study highlights several critical issues women face in gym environments.First, there’s a pervasive pressure to conform to certain attire like crop tops and leggings to “look the part.” Second, many women feel intimidated, with 39% reporting discomfort around men and 72% receiving unsolicited comments. On the positive side, the study also found that regular gym attendance can boost confidence and self-esteem. However,the overarching issue is the scrutiny women face regarding their bodies,whether thay’re highly fit or just starting out.
Editor: That’s interesting. How does this scrutiny manifest, and what impact does it have on women’s gym experiences?
Guest: The scrutiny takes various forms. Such as, fit women frequently enough feel judged for being “too muscly,” while beginners feel they don’t look experienced enough.This creates a no-win situation that can deter women from continuing their fitness journeys. The pressure to balance being strong without appearing overly muscular or to look experienced despite being new can lead to notable body image concerns. This dual pressure makes many women feel unwelcome or uncomfortable in gyms,which is counterproductive to their health and fitness goals.
Editor: What solutions does the study propose to address thes challenges?
Guest: The study emphasizes the need for gyms to foster more inclusive and supportive environments.This includes shifting the focus from appearance-based goals to health, strength, and personal achievement. Additionally, the research calls for implementing anti-harassment training for staff to ensure women feel safe and respected. Promoting body positivity and celebrating progress over perfection can also help women feel more empowered in their fitness journeys.
Editor: How does this research fit into the broader conversation about body image and fitness culture?
Guest: This study is part of a larger cultural shift that values strength over thinness.While this is a positive advancement, it’s clear that the fitness industry still has work to do in creating spaces where women feel empowered rather than judged. The research underscores the importance of redefining what it means to be fit, prioritizing health and personal growth over aesthetics. By doing so, gyms can definitely help women feel more comfortable and confident in their fitness journeys.
Editor: What message would you like to leave our readers with regarding this topic?
Guest: It’s crucial for gyms and the fitness industry as a whole to recognize the challenges women face and take proactive steps to address them. By fostering inclusive environments, celebrating progress, and prioritizing health over appearance, we can create spaces where women feel empowered and supported. I encourage everyone to join the conversation and share their experiences to help drive positive change in the fitness industry.
Conclusion
Emma Cowley’s study sheds light on the challenges women face in gym environments, from pressure to conform to feelings of intimidation and scrutiny. The research underscores the need for gyms to create more inclusive and supportive spaces, focusing on health and personal growth rather than appearance. By addressing these issues, the fitness industry can empower women to feel confident and comfortable in their fitness journeys.
