Women’s only gyms – the perfect solution to the male gaze?

You’re fighting to get fit, applying Pilates like a Zen master and jogging like a professional athlete. Yet when you hit the gym, your workout is interrupted by a plethora of grubby guys trying to get your number.

It’s a problem faced by tons of women, men prowling around and staring at women working out, not realising how irritating they’re being – otherwise, they realise they’re being irritating and simply don’t care.

The problem is widespread enough that female-only gyms are opening around the country. Shapers in Surrey is one of the latest.

Manager of Shapers Lynda Howarth said:

“Most ladies tend to feel intimidated by big brawny men lifting heavy weights.

“Men tend to use gyms as somewhere to pick up a date but at Shapers, women can work out without having to worry about that, they can just focus on what they are doing.”

Lynda also cited the problem of “gym bunnies”, women who spend all their time getting ready for the gym simply to show off. Venues like Shapers allow women to simply workout – without worrying about other women judging them.

Indeed, the gym is filled with an endless array of men and women doing their best to look good in front of fellow exercisers – especially the opposite sex.

It’s this vanity that female-only gyms are trying to avoid. But not every area has one.

Have you ever thought of setting up your own female gym? Then bear these tips in mind.

Know your stuff

Chances are you know all there is to know about how to get your body into the peak of fitness. Yet whenever you’ve recommended your diet plans to your friends, they’ve failed like a dunce trying rocket science.

Why? Because everybody (and every body) is different, and exercise has never been a one-size-fits-all kind of deal.

Before opening a gym, enrol in gym instructor courses that’ll teach you all you need to know about exercising and nutrition for all body types. Moreover, they’ll teach you the interpersonal skills you’ll need to communicate your exercise regimes to clients.

Know your audience

Most businesses struggle to pigeonhole their demographic, but you’re in luck. Your gym is definitely targeting women, and chances are they’ll be between the age range of 20-50.

It’s a good start. They’re also likely to be middle class (they are joining a private gym, so they’re bound to have disposable income).

Use this sliver of knowledge to give women the benefits they want from a gym. What those might be is up to you!