My almost women only gym is actively getting more men to join

[Healthierthisyear]

I go to a place that does classes only but I call it the gym for ease of conversation. It isn't women only, and men have always been allowed, but it's so heavily marketed towards women that it is mainly women who go. I go because it feels safe, and the proportion of female customers has increased even more over the years as everyone recommends it to their friends. That's become its selling point. And I've actually met a couple of people who thought it was women only and were surprised to learn it wasn't. It's fairly trendy and a bit expensive but I go because I feel comfortable there.

A few months ago they sent out a big customer survey and one of the questions was, do you think we should encourage more men to join? I said absolutely not as it's fine how it is.

They've obviously ignored that as I've noticed their website has more photos of men added. There's been a sudden influx of men coming to classes, and it's changed the atmosphere, and it does feel less safe. I know it's January and there's an influx of everyone, men and women, but still. Men can go to practically any gym and feel safe, so why did they have to change one of the few where women felt safe?

I know you're going to tell me IABU because it was never women only in the first place, but still. I don't know why they had to make the change because they're on the verge of losing their USP and becoming like any other gym.

No-one is sneering.

OP has asked why they had to change it.
She points out they did a survey, and assumes everyone else feels the same as she does. Whereas clearly that isn't the case.
The gym is a business and obviously has to attract as many customers as possible. If everyone had replied they preferred a 'women only space', and other market research suggested that would attract the most customers, then that is the way they would have moved forward. Obviously that isn't what they have found, so they have done their marketing in a way which makes their business most successful. As all businesses will.

They aren't there as a charity or community programme to support individuals who need to be isolated from men. They are a business.

user7522689

In that case you join a women only gym or class, surely? Why join a mixed sex gym and then complain that men are going to it?

@user7522689 I still don't get why women wouldn't feel safe with men in the class. They're in a room with lots of other people and under the guidance of a tutor. What danger are they not safe from? They're in possibly the safest environment that they could be. Walking to the gym or crossing the car park is relatively far less safe.

It is very easy for any leisure activity to change direction and turn away long standing members/participants. This may be the case in the place concerned, if it loses their USP.

As for why, perhaps it is simple economics. Those who join in January and hardly ever go by March keep such places in business.

There would be uproar here if the situation was reversed and it was a male dominated club whose members were kicking off about more women joining it - cries of sexism would be shouted from all corners!

You're being unreasonable and incredibly sexist/judgmental stating that you feel "unsafe" simply because a few more men are in the classes

What if this was say a workplace not a gym - and when you were employed it was an all female team - then the company decides it wants to attract more male employees and one or two men join your team.....yeah you'd sound sexist wouldn't you.....

They did a survey, so presumably on that basis they're informed about how many people are for and against the idea, and have calculated that it is a good business plan. They're not doing it for any other reason. They just want to make the most money. So yanbu to think it's a shame for you and those who agree with you, but yabu to think it will harm the business.

If you join a women only gym then that's fine, you didn't so YABU.

Why don't you feel safe in a gym?

OP I'm wondering if something has happened that may make you feel less safe. I get why you might not want to divulge that here however it's possibly why many posters feel you are BU. The only way you can guarantee the environment you want is to attend a ladies only gym not expect a mixed one to attract male members.

I've my own reasons which mean I'm vigilant and in guard in certain situations around men I don't know but my gym definitely isn't one of them.

Back I think some responses are lacking in empathy

@user7522689 no sneering from me, I'm just wondering why OP didn't join a women only gym if that's the case. Her gym isn't women only, so she can't complain about men being there.

This is bollocks, OP, isn’t it? Made up to froth people about 'men'?

Well then OP, leave this place and join a ladies only gym. Job done!