If TikTok is anything to go by, it would seem that the rise in the demand for women only gyms is on the up, with research citing that the last year alone saw over 18 million views on TikTok for the hashtag #womenonlygyms.
Those in the industry are all too aware that hitting the gym for many can at times be a very daunting task, with many obstacles to overcome before taking that leap and stepping into the gym. Those feelings and barriers to gym attendance can be enhanced substantially when the gym-goer, especially women, feel uncomfortable in their workout space.
Alongside the TikTok statistics recent reports have also seen a 69% spike in Google searches for women’s only gyms over the past year. So why are women’s only gyms building up such a momentum in the industry?
Comfort in the environment seems to be a factor, although a number of popular mixed gym environments operate and flourish across the UK, research suggests that according to 2021’s The Gym-tidation report of 1,000 gym goers, that 2 in 5 women have avoided exercising at the gym because men make them feel uncomfortable.
The choice of workouts can suffer too, with 28% of women gym goers avoiding the resistance area as ‘it’s mostly men in there’. Otherwise known as weight-training, strength training using the weighted plates and equipment found in the resistance area helps to increase bone density – and is ironically one of the best workouts for women considering the bone loss experienced both during and after menopause.
Origym’s Gym-tidation report revealed that women in particular avoided the resistance area the most in the gym. With This Girl Can’s latest Adult Lives report highlighting a drop in women doing two muscle strengthening workouts a week over the past year.
Enter women’s only gyms like Sunderland’s Club Zest which can offer an inclusive space where members can explore all that the gym has to offer. “In our all women environment, all members are supported with inductions, reviews, and trainers on hand all of the time to assist in the gym,” explains co-owner Jennie Moyse. The weights area is actually one of the most popular areas in the gym, and we’ve even incorporated useful ‘how to lift’ guides across social channels due to demand.
Another major benefit to an all-female gym is that workouts are 100% tailored to the female physique. PT sessions are particularly popular at Club Zest, allowing a tailored and bespoke session for members, which are personalised to allow better achievement of goals.
The sense of community is also a big draw for many, there is a good chance of meeting other woman at the gym with shared interests and goals. “We really push the community side here at Club Zest, we’ve recently just returned from our popular Jolly Girls Outing, we also run retreats and socials, it’s such a great way to get to know the members more and form that sense of community.” Says co-owner, Holly.
Offering an inhouse hair and beauty salon, sports massage and physio services alongside their state-of-the-art gym facilities and over 50 classes each week, Club Zest have been helping women from across Sunderland and the North East become fitter, healthier and more confident for over 20 years.
Since winning the National Fitness Award for Ladies Only Gym of the Year in 2022, co-owners Holly and Jennie are well-positioned to offer an alternative space if you recognise any of the above stats as factors in your own workout.
