Extremely beneficial for mental and physical health, going to the gym can also bring overall social well-being. Whether you do strength training, mobility training, or any cardio-based exercise, working out releases neurotransmitters such as endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin — the “feel-good” hormones. In addition to boosted levels of happiness, going to the gym can help build community. Working out alongside people one feels safe and comfortable with can help maintain motivation and encourage emotional connections.
Women and gender diverse people often feel afraid and ostracized in gyms dominated by cis men. Many denounce cases of objectification and gender-based violence in gyms, both verbal and physical. These traumatizing experiences can lead to individuals purposely avoiding the gym.
Having specific time slots and rooms can not only reduce stress but increase safety. As Meera Atkinson writes in an article for The Guardian, “Patriarchy perpetuates trauma.” A society in which men hold the most power enables the systemic oppression of women and gender diverse people.
Fitness spaces exclusive to women and gender diverse people can help people with patriarchal trauma and from certain cultural backgrounds find a secure environment to workout freely. Considering that people have different needs, we need to accommodate this diversity. Regarding fitness spaces, the one-size-fits-all answer doesn’t exist. Women who use hijabs, for example, may have additional requirements, such as a space which has strict anti-photography policies and an all-women staff. In practice gyms could have different times slots that allow for people with different identities to access gym spaces that would cater to their needs.
The SFU Fitness Centre has reserved time slots open to “all participants who self-identify as women, non-binary, or Two-Spirit individuals who feel comfortable in women-focused spaces.” These reserved spaces are necessary to promote safety and comfort. They make the gym more welcoming, heighten community within marginalized groups, and ease performance anxiety.
Feeling safe and welcome at the gym should be the bare minimum. Many gyms across BC, such as Club16, Goodlife Fitness, and Fitness Unlimited, have women-only sections. The women-only spaces at regular gyms do not explicitly state they welcome Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary individuals, which can be problematic and lead to exclusion and judgement. As Laura Bell writes in an article for Vice, “Simply entering into such a strict binary environment is mistakenly taken as an invite for strangers to police your gender.” Building a safe space for every individual of marginalized gender is crucial when promoting inclusivity and community.
I have found that women-only sections also tend to be small and provide access to only a fraction of the gym equipment. Similarly, while the SFU gym’s reserved time slots do openly promote their inclusivity, they are limited to just one and a half-hour sessions four times a week. Having only a portion of space or time being given to more vulnerable communities shows that spaces are primarily designed with men in mind. Men are centred, while the needs of others are cast aside.
Gyms must learn that historically excluded people are also a major part of the gym community.
Providing more space, equipment, and longer hours will create a more inclusive environment.
