Women Exercising in Gyms: Overcoming Barriers and Empowering Women
When it comes to exercising in gyms, women often face a myriad of barriers that can hinder their overall experience. These barriers span across various domains, including physical appearance and body image, gym attire, the physical gym environment, and interactions with others. A recent study published in PLOS One shed light on these challenges faced by women in gym settings.
Exercise is known to significantly improve physical, mental, and psychosocial health. However, research indicates that women tend to be less active than men, despite the numerous health benefits associated with regular exercise. The study conducted by Emma Cowley and Jekaterina Schneider aimed to explore women’s body image and their experiences while exercising in gyms.
The researchers surveyed 279 women, the majority of whom were current gym-goers. The results highlighted that women often feel judged for their appearance and performance in gym settings, leading to feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, women reported having to fight for space in the gym, navigate harassment and unsolicited comments from men, and struggle to be taken seriously.
One key finding of the study was women’s perceptions of gym attire as both a barrier and facilitator to exercise. While many women chose attire based on comfort and functionality, their choices were also influenced by comparisons with others and fear of judgment. Some women even selected gym attire to hide perceived flaws or avoid appearance concerns, such as visible sweat stains.
Despite the challenges faced by women in gym environments, the study also revealed signs of resistance and empowerment among participants. Some women found empowerment through skill acquisition, breaking gender norms, and exercising in supportive environments.
The researchers acknowledged some limitations of the study, such as the lack of diversity among participants. Most respondents were white, heterosexual, identified as “normal” weight, and lived in western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic countries. Future research should aim to diversify the sample population to ensure the generalizability of findings.
In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for a multi-level approach to support women in accessing and feeling comfortable in gym spaces. By addressing the barriers identified in the study, such as body image issues and harassment, efforts can be made to increase physical activity and reduce exercise disengagement among women. Empowering women in gym settings is crucial for promoting overall well-being and body positivity.
