A recent study published on January 29, 2025, in the open-access journal PLOS One, reveals that women encounter various obstacles while exercising in gyms, such as concerns over physical appearance and body image, choices of gym wear, the gym environment itself, and social interactions. This research was conducted by Emma Cowley from the SHE Research Centre at TUS, Ireland, and Jekaterina Schneider from the University of the West of England, U.K.
Exercise plays a crucial role in enhancing physical, mental, and social health. Studies suggest that women who regularly work out enjoy more significant health advantages than men, including a lower overall mortality rate and a reduced risk of heart-related issues. Nonetheless, even as gym memberships rise, women remain less active than men, and there’s limited understanding of the challenges they encounter in gym settings.
To address this lack of knowledge, Cowley and Schneider investigated women’s perceptions of body image and their experiences in gyms. They conducted an online survey with 279 women (84% currently active in gyms; 68.1% White). The results indicated that many women feel scrutinized regarding their looks and performance, leading to feelings of inadequacy. They often have to compete for space and recognition in the gym while dealing with harassment and unsolicited comments from men. Nevertheless, some women showed resilience against societal and appearance-related pressures prevalent in gym cultures, finding empowerment through skill development, challenging gender norms, and exercising in encouraging settings.
A notable finding in the study was women’s views on gym wear, which they perceived as both a hindrance and a support for their exercise routines. Consistent with existing literature, women typically selected workout clothing for comfort and utility. However, their selections were frequently swayed by comparisons to others or a fear of being judged for donning non-brand names or appearing too polished. Additionally, many women opted for gym attire that concealed perceived problem areas or minimized appearance-related anxieties, such as visible sweat stains.
The authors emphasize that these findings should be viewed alongside certain limitations. For instance, most of the participants were White, heterosexual, identified as having a “normal” weight, were able-bodied, current gym members, and resided in wealthy, educated, and democratic nations; this may hinder the general applicability of these findings, prompting the need for future research to broaden the demographic diversity of the sample. Despite these constraints, the researchers advocate for a multi-faceted approach to help women access and feel at ease in gym environments, thereby boosting physical activity levels and reducing disengagement from exercise within this group.
The authors concluded: “In the gym, similar to other life areas, women frequently find themselves caught between perceptions of being ‘too much’ and ‘not enough’, facing judgments about their appearance, performance, and even the space they occupy. Although the pressure to be extremely thin is decreasing, the increasing emphasis on building muscle and athleticism introduces new challenges. It fosters unrealistic expectations that can harm women’s body image and overall well-being.”
