Gym anxiety is keeping women away from traditional gyms – here’s how women-only
gyms are helping women get fitter and stronger.
What is gym anxiety?
Gym anxiety is a term that describes the feeling of worry or dread that you might
experience when you think about going to the gym. This is usually because of a
negative experience with PE at school or at a gym, or because of a preconception
you’ve got about gyms being judgemental or unwelcoming.
Women are more likely to suffer from gym anxiety than men (although we acknowledge
that plenty of men feel anxious about going to the gym, too). The main factors behind
women’s gym anxiety is fear of being looked at or judged, people making comments,
not knowing about proper exercise technique, worry about being too unfit, or a dislike of
loud gym music.
Am I suffering from gymtimidation?
If you’re reading this, you probably have felt “gymtimidation” or gym anxiety. Perhaps
you’ve tried going to a traditional gym and had a bad experience. Or maybe you’d like to
join a gym but keep putting it off because you think all gyms will be noisy, macho, or
intimidating. If you are worried about going to a gym, keep reading to find out why a
women-only gyms could be right for you.
Remember that none of this is your fault. Girls are steered away from strength training
(and gyms in general) from an early age. We’re encouraged to do ‘feminine’ physical activity, and told to be careful and ‘not overdo it’. And traditionally, gyms were all about
losing weight and achieving a certain body type.
At Fitology Hub, we are changing all of that! No mirrors, no judgement. Just the
opportunity to tune in with yourself and feel great about what you’re doing. We help you
feel stronger - mentally and physically.
Overcoming gym intimidation
1. Identify your biggest concerns
Do you know what’s behind your gym anxiety? Have you had a bad experience in the
past? Do you know you hate loud music or noisy weights? Could you do without people
looking at you or making comments? Once you know what’s worrying you, you can find
a safe workout space.
2. Look for a women-only gym near you
Women-only gyms are designed and run for women of all ages and fitness levels. At our
gym in south London, we offer small group training and one-to-one personal training
with female staff and trainers. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming. People are
accepting and kind. Our community understands that we are all individuals and show
this through kindness and love.
By changing the atmosphere, shifting expectations, and leaning into what people
actually want to do, we help our members overcome gym anxiety and really enjoy their
workout space.
3. Find a fitness community for women
We know that everyone who joins our community has a lifetime of experiences with
exercise and nutrition that has shaped them somehow. A good women-only gym will
naturally have a fitness community of women who support and motivate each other.
That’s certainly true at our gym – the Fitology Hub. We are all here for each other and
love to celebrate every small win along the way.
Is a women-only gym good for gym anxiety?
A women-only gym is the solution to every source of your gym anxiety as a woman. If
you worry about not knowing what to do in a gym, we fix that by offering expert
coaching that’s tailored to women’s bodies at every stage of life. If the thought of loud
music or crashing weights puts you off, be assured that our gym is calm and quiet.
Women have lots to do! Jobs, responsibilities, caring roles - it's full on. We don't have
time to be sore, exhausted and unable to move after a workout. That's why we coach in
a sustainable way that allows us to build strength well into our 60s and 70s.
We’re all women, and we all understand what it’s like to feel nervous or unconfident
especially about our bodies. We offer female empowerment in a safe workout space
that’s free from criticism.
How does a women’s gym help with confidence
A women-only gym eliminates a lot of the stresses and pressures many women feel
when they go to the gym. Many women feel safer and more relaxed working out with
other women, especially if they are new to the gym. And when we want to discuss
women’s health or hormone issues, it’s just nicer to be around people who will
understand.
What to look for in a women-only gym
1. Female trainers and instructors
Our gym has all-female staff, including the personal trainers and instructors that will
coach and support you.
2. A supportive environment
Make sure you feel supported, cared for, and listened to when you first go to your local
women-only gym.
3. Women’s fitness classes
If you enjoy doing classes or group exercise, make sure the gym offers women’s fitness
classes on days and times that will work for you.
4. Women’s fitness success stories
Ask to see or hear about some success stories from the women-only gym. Do they
resonate with you and your goals? Check out our Reclaiming Yourself podcast to hear from some amazing women who have used strength training to reclaim and rebuild themselves and do things they never thought possible.
5. A safe workout space
Most importantly, do you feel safe and relaxed in the gym? The best gym is the one
where you feel motivated and supported with no pressure.
Best women-only gym for gym anxiety
Our women-only gym in Brockley south London is a haven for women in their 40s+ who
don’t want to go to a traditional big gym. We’ve created a supportive environment where
you’ll be guided through the best workouts and exercises for women. Drop us a line to