Gyms and Women only sections. Sexism or not?

Cian92

My gym has the regular unisex gym, along with another gym for women only. Women don't pay anything extra to use this gym. Do people think it is a double standard on the sexism front, if a gym provides a womens only section and not a men only section too?

Often during peak times the main gym fills up and you have to wait for a machine, but if you are female you can just go to the womens only part and find yourself a machine no bother.

I don't think it is fair that females get access to more equipment for the same price and that there is no equivalent facility for men.

What do ye all think? (Before I write my letter complaining)

biko

Change gym.

starbelgrade

People are far too easy to play the sexism card these days. If there's a women only section it's because there's a demand for it & it makes good business sense to provide it.

There's nothing sexist about it as I'm sure that if men were looking for a men only section, then gyms would also start providing them.

Blazer

Fair enough if women want their own gym then who am I to argue?
All I ask is I can golf in peace.



But having a women's section only? That's taking the píss...especially if it has the same weights equipment as the main section.

keano_afc

Do you go to Curves?

Cian92

biko wrote: »

Change gym.

Not possible, part of the fees I pay to my college covers compulsory gym membership.

Faolchu

its probably because some women feel selfconscious and/or dont feel comfortable working out while men are about.

Dravokivich

OP, seems to me you should take matters into your own hands alright and get a sex change.

Cian92

Faolchu wrote: »

its probably because some women feel selfconscious and/or dont feel comfortable working out while men are about.

God forbid a man could feel self conscious though.

The King of Moo

I'd imagine it's just because there's a demand for a women-only section.

Look at it this way: why would a gym, which is there to make money and undoubtedly has at least a few men involved in running it, go out of its way to be sexist for no reason?

As said already, if there were a demand for a men-only section there would be one.

Anyway, you have your own toilets and dressing rooms: gender equality for men in gyms has come a long way since the bad old days.

Micky Dolenz

I'd love to live in your world OP.

Quit being a cry baby and move on with your life.

ThinkAboutIt

No, it iss not sexist because it is 'women only.'
However, for future reference, it would be sexist if it was 'men only.'
Hope this helps.

Bad Panda

starbelgrade wrote: »

There's nothing sexist about it as I'm sure that if men were looking for a men only section, then gyms would also start providing them.

And I'd give it about 5 minutes 'til some feminazi was up in arms about it on Twitter.

I've no problem with men/women only sections/societies/golf clubs etc...

Cian92

The King of Moo wrote: »

I'd imagine it's just because there's a demand for a women-only section.

Surely they should have to pay a bit extra for it though? I pay the same for less than a female receives.

The King of Moo wrote: »

Anyway, you have your own toilets and dressing rooms: gender equality for men in gyms has come a long way since the bad old days.

Sorry I'm not fully sure what you mean since the bad old days?

southsiderosie

Cian92 wrote: »

My gym has the regular unisex gym, along with another gym for women only. Women don't pay anything extra to use this gym. Do people think it is a double standard on the sexism front, if a gym provides a womens only section and not a men only section too?

Often during peak times the main gym fills up and you have to wait for a machine, but if you are female you can just go to the womens only part and find yourself a machine no bother.

I don't think it is fair that females get access to more equipment for the same price and that there is no equivalent facility for men.

What do ye all think? (Before I write my letter complaining)

Is the equipment different? I've found that in a lot of gyms, the free weights don't scale as gradually as I would like.

Also, I think a lot of women feel self-conscious working out in front of men, especially on weights. If having a women's-only section encourages more women to work out (and especially to lift weights!), then I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing.

Carter P Fly

It is sexual discrimination and shoudl be reported to the sexual discrimination police.

But in all seriousness they couldnt stop you from using that section of you wished to.

kylith

I used to work in a gym and, trust me, women need somewhere to exercise away from some men. Seriously. We had everything from peeping toms to flashers: Some men, I stress some as it is in no way the norm for men, cannot tell the difference between work out wear and seductive undies. Not to mention, as said above, that some middle aged overweight women want somewhere to exercise away from prying eyes.

phill106

Don't you know its only sexist if it is anti-women?
You can discriminate all you like against us men!

Feeona

I used to wonder about this too. I mean logically it doesn't seem fair. Yet deep down I could understand the reason behind the women only section. I couldn't articulate it until one day a guy mentioned that he loves seeing women all sweaty after a gym workout because he found it attractive knowing what they looked like after having sex. He didn't mean any harm in what he was saying, he in his own mind was paying a compliment, but I was weirded out by it.

And I think this is part of the reason why women feel uncomfortable working out in front of men. I personally don't look at men in the gym and daydream 'Hmmm, I wonder is that what he looks like after he's had sex?'

In my opinion and experience, this is the reason why I prefer 'women only' work out areas.

OP, what's your reason for a 'men only' work out area apart from cost and machine availability? Do you actually feel uncomfortable working out in front of women?

stovelid

I hate the usual whining about men's rights that you get on here but I have to say if I was in a gym that charged men and women the same but I had to queue for one section while another had space but was exclusively for women, I would find another gym.

I don't think it warrants a crusade but I would just vote with my wallet.

For the record, I think sports clubs and the like should be able to choose to be men-only or women-only if they choose.

The King of Moo

Cian92 wrote: »

Surely they should have to pay a bit extra for it though? I pay the same for less than a female receives.

I see where you're coming from, but I think if they charged more there'd be less demand for the women-only section, and the gym are happy enough with the money they're already making from it.
It's a sound idea in theory in one sense, but I don't think they gym would see it as a good business move, unless they were aware of enough disgruntled male members. (male members! *childish snigger*)

Cian92 wrote: »

Sorry I'm not fully sure what you mean since the bad old days?

I was just messing, to be honest.

Feeona

Bad Panda wrote: »

And I'd give it about 5 minutes 'til some feminazi was up in arms about it on Twitter.

I've no problem with men/women only sections/societies/golf clubs etc...

And it only took 13 minutes for this masculinazi to be up in arms. You're catching up

biko

LOL

http://life.bitchbuzz.com/rules-for-going-to-the-gym-everyone-should.html

The “Keep Your Testosterone to Yourself” Rule

I used to scoff at female only gyms, and when I noticed my gym had a “women only” section, I rolled my eyes. Sequestering women is not the answer, I sighed to myself.

But then I showed up to my gym directly after work on a Wednesday, and the place was so packed with avid gym goers, I almost turned around and walked out. The super-fit women in teeny-tiny Lycra Nike branded work out clothes didn’t bother me so much, but the grunting, spitting, sweating, GARARRRGGHHHHUUFFFUGH-ing men surrounding the gym with various weights and punching equiptment did.

There’s something about the gym that brings out this carnal, primal urge in men. Maybe it’s the sweat, maybe it’s the endorphins, or maybe it’s the fact that the gym is the only time or place they get to see real life women.

No matter the sweat, no matter the smell, if there’s a woman wearing anything other than sweatpants and a hoodie, and she’s working out, my god, she's free game for staring at.

And this is exactly why when I lift weights, I do so in the ladies area. So I can grunt and twist faces and stick my butt out to do some squats without a thousand creepy, stinky, Creatine-ridden eyes soaking it all in.

Now, of course every man in the gym isn’t like this. Of course you have the normal dudes who just do their thing and then leave. But during peak times, no matter if they’re running behind you on a treadmill or pumpin’ weights near you as you stretch – the staring and gawking is gross.

Do us all a favour, guys. Unless we’re in a bright pink Juicy Couture track suit with a full face of make-up and reading Heat while we slowly pretend to use the cross trainer - we’re probably there to work out. To get fit, run, walk, stretch, lift and sweat.

Not to have you salivating over how our ass fat flops around while we run.

Coriolanus

You're right op. And another thing, my doctor refused to schedule me for a cervical exam, fúcking sexist

Feeona

Nevore wrote: »

You're right op. And another thing, my doctor refused to schedule me for a cervical exam, fúcking sexist

:pac:. That remark reminds me of the day I and my cousin were walking by the local 'Mans Shop'. She dared me to go in and ask for a bra, and then complain loudly about sexism if they didn't have one.

I didn't have the balls : (

Dravokivich

Feeona wrote: »

I didn't have the balls : (

Why you ouaghta woman up!

:pac:

Trankton

Feeona wrote: »

I didn't have the balls : (

Literally

Feeona

Trankton wrote: »

Literally

One day.....*stares wistfully into the distance*

i thought weights sections were always men only
:pac:

starbelgrade

bluewolf wrote: »

i thought weights sections were always men only
:pac:

Sexist.

Teyla Emmagan

biko wrote: »

LOL

http://life.bitchbuzz.com/rules-for-going-to-the-gym-everyone-should.html

Yeah, I think this is pretty spot on actually. For some reason (maybe it's the bang off their own testosterone), the guys in the weights sections seem to ogle way more than the guys on the treadmills, for example. Maybe it's just more noticable because they're sitting around between reps, but a lot of them seem to spend all that time just perving. And it's really off putting. It makes the weights areas of the gym a real no-go for a lot of women. In fact it's generally the only part of the gym where you are less likely to see women.

And that is a shame, because a load of women would really like to, and would benefit from, lifting weights. But all the grunting and sweating and walking around like a gorilla thumping your chest after lifting something particularly impressive tends to be very offputting for women. In my own experience anyway.

I can't see why you would need any other section of the gym to be women only, but a women only weights area would really appeal to me for one. And I'd be happy to pay extra for it.

30Min

If the mixed section is always packed and the wimen's section always has spare machines then I think you should ask the gym to swap over some machines. Makes perfect sense.

Fear Uladh

Equality for some, miniature flags for others!

Duggy747

Not being be to hide in the girl's jacks without them screaming in terror is sexist, if truth be told.

Why, I'd only be too happy to see a girl staring at me in the vents above the cubicle!

pookie82

Yes, technically what's happening here is discrimination: "Discrimination is the prejudicial treatment of an individual based on their membership in a certain group or category. It involves the actual behaviors towards groups such as excluding or restricting members of one group from opportunities that are available to another group."

I can understand that some women are self conscious when it comes to working out around men. But there are women-only gyms to cater for that. If they want the privilege of working out in a special man-free zone, I think they should have to pay for the extra privilege, OR the men should also have a female free zone; a) for those males who may be self conscious also and b) to provide the same number of equipment to men and women. The unfairness here is not that women are getting a special area, but rather that this in turn means they have much more choice with regards to machines, less queueing time, and a generally better gym experience just because they have a vagina.

If you feel strongly about it, why don't you ask a trainer next time you're queueing if you can use a free machine in the women's area. When they refuse, write a letter of complaint asking them to at least provide you with the same opportunity to get a machine as they have, pointing out that they pay no more than you for the advantage they have.

Women wanting to work out without the glares of men is not a bad thing, but I'd be pissed if I were a guy and I was paying the same fees as them without my extra room.

Batsy

Cian92 wrote: »

My gym has the regular unisex gym, along with another gym for women only. Women don't pay anything extra to use this gym. Do people think it is a double standard on the sexism front, if a gym provides a womens only section and not a men only section too?

Often during peak times the main gym fills up and you have to wait for a machine, but if you are female you can just go to the womens only part and find yourself a machine no bother.

I don't think it is fair that females get access to more equipment for the same price and that there is no equivalent facility for men.

What do ye all think? (Before I write my letter complaining)

Of course it's sexist (or you see it as sexist if you aren't a Lefty or a member of the PC Brigade).

And look at those horrible harridans on ITV1's Loose Women, sitting there in every episode slagging off men. Of course, ITV1 would never be able to get away with a programme called Loose Men in which a group of men sit there slagging off women in every episode.

Batsy

starbelgrade wrote: »

There's nothing sexist about it as I'm sure that if men were looking for a men only section, then gyms would also start providing them.

Maybe in Ireland, but in Britain men-only gyms could never exist. As soon as one is set up they'd be forced to close down again due to being "sexist."

In Britain even the Boy Scouts cannot be exclusively male now. The Boy Scouts now have to admit girls because apparently it's "sexist" for the BOY Scouts to have just boys in it.

Of course, boys are not allowed to join the Girl Guides, though.

Batsy

And what those numpties who create women-only gyms don't realise is that they are excluding half of their potential customers.

Yeah, what a clever business venture that is.

Mr.Biscuits

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

Quit being a cry baby and move on with your life.

Charter wrote: »

"Attack the post and not the poster"

kylith wrote: »

I used to work in a gym and, trust me, women need somewhere to exercise away from some men. Seriously.

Some women, some men? This is for all women at the gym, and applies to all men - presumably.

Cian92 wrote: »

I don't think it is fair that females get access to more equipment for the same price and that there is no equivalent facility for men.

If men and women are paying the same fees for membership at the gym and it's a unisex one - then within reason, both men and women should have equal access to equipment that the gym provides.

Faolchu

Cian92 wrote: »

God forbid a man could feel self conscious though.

i agree the one sidedness is a tad unfair for us fat bastards

southsiderosie

Mr.Biscuits wrote: »

Some women, some men? This is for all women at the gym, and applies to all men - presumably.



If men and women are paying the same fees for membership at the gym and it's a unisex one - then within reason, both men and women should have equal access to equipment that the gym provides.

I think that in some gyms, given the gender dynamics around the free weights, a lot of women feel like they don't have equal access.

That said, I would agree with the earlier poster than if there is clearly excess capacity in the women's only section that some machines should be moved back into the general pool.

starbelgrade

Batsy wrote: »

Maybe in Ireland, but in Britain men-only gyms could never exist.

You can provide male or female only services in Britain provided that you can objectively justify providing the services in that way.

Faolchu

Teyla Emmagan wrote: »

For some reason (maybe it's the bang off their own testosterone), the guys in the weights sections seem to ogle way more than the guys on the treadmills, .

no if the guy on the threadmill does it he's probably gonna loose balance and fall on his face. he's aware of this risk and does not want to end up looking the tit so its eyes front when on the threadmill

later12

I love the insinuation that the perve traffic is all one-way.

I've frequently heard my female friends talk about male members of their gym (there's a particular gym back in Dublin which is known as a bit of a dating scene in itself, by the way) just in the same way that men do comment on women.

For some reason, it's just more acceptable for women to be offended by it.

MyKeyG

Yes OP by definition this is discrimination. I just wonder if some of the women justifying it on this thread would let the same excuses slide for a mens only section?

Personally I see nothing wrong with gender allocated gyms, swimming pools etc in general as people (of both sexes) are conscious about their body whether they think they're being ogled or ridiculed, but only if it were a two way street which it's not.

There seems to be a prevailing opinion on this thread that ogling and sexual intimidation is a one way street which is complete and utter nonsense. A gym is a gym. You take it as it comes or move on. The very notion of a womens only section is discrimination at it's best especially if it affords a level of comfort not available to men.

Teyla Emmagan

later10 wrote: »

I love the insinuation that the perve traffic is all one-way.

I've frequently heard my female friends talk about male members of their gym (there's a particular gym back in Dublin which is known as a bit of a dating scene in itself, by the way) just in the same way that men do comment on women.

For some reason, it's just more acceptable for women to be offended by it.

Men LOVE being perved at, what are you on about :pac:

later12

Teyla Emmagan wrote: »

Men LOVE being perved at, what are you on about :pac:

I prefer the ould glare of disgust myself.
Love it when a woman plays hard to get in the gym showers.

30Min

pookie82 wrote: »

Yes, technically what's happening here is discrimination: "Discrimination is the prejudicial treatment of an individual based on their membership in a certain group or category. It involves the actual behaviors towards groups such as excluding or restricting members of one group from opportunities that are available to another group."

I can understand that some women are self conscious when it comes to working out around men. But there are women-only gyms to cater for that. If they want the privilege of working out in a special man-free zone, I think they should have to pay for the extra privilege, OR the men should also have a female free zone; a) for those males who may be self conscious also and b) to provide the same number of equipment to men and women. The unfairness here is not that women are getting a special area, but rather that this in turn means they have much more choice with regards to machines, less queueing time, and a generally better gym experience just because they have a vagina.

If you feel strongly about it, why don't you ask a trainer next time you're queueing if you can use a free machine in the women's area. When they refuse, write a letter of complaint asking them to at least provide you with the same opportunity to get a machine as they have, pointing out that they pay no more than you for the advantage they have.

Women wanting to work out without the glares of men is not a bad thing, but I'd be pissed if I were a guy and I was paying the same fees as them without my extra room.

Its supply and demand. Men will still go to a gym that has a women only section, because the majority, don't give a ****, they just wanna work out. On the other hand there are many women that will hang onto their money if there is not a place for them to work out without having to show off their wobbly bits.

It doesn't matter what people want or think should be the case- its business.

AeoNGriM

kylith wrote: »

I used to work in a gym and, trust me, women need somewhere to exercise away from some men. Seriously. We had everything from peeping toms to flashers: Some men, I stress some as it is in no way the norm for men, cannot tell the difference between work out wear and seductive undies. Not to mention, as said above, that some middle aged overweight women want somewhere to exercise away from prying eyes.

Surely the answer is to remove some men instead of ALL women?

'No, sir, we're sorry. Women are special and require their own private area incase you decide to look at them'

Of course, no woman has ever looked at a man in the gym. Ever.

:rolleyes:

southsiderosie

If men felt that they were being intimidated and ogled out of yoga class, then I don't see why anyone would object to there being a men's only session, especially if the gym felt they were missing out on potential clients because of it. Now if it was offered and only one guy showed up, while all of the other classes at the same time were oversubscribed, then it might be time to rethink things.

starbelgrade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR5p7b5S3eE