Gym Fees

[Felix125]

I'm a male who is a member of a local gym. Open to all genders & ages and we pay a monthly fee. Its quite a nice gym and has a pool, steam room, sauna etc

They are now suggesting that the afternoon sessions at the gym/pool will be female only. Now, as I work shifts I can only go to the gym at certain times which will make things awkward as you can imagine.

As the availability of the gym is now restricted for me I have inquired if my fees will be reduced as a male - as I have less opportunity to attend. They response i got was 'No - they will stay the same for both men & women'.

Surly this can't be correct?

You don't have equality of access any more and the terms have changed since you took out the contract. It doesn't seem an unreasonable question to me.

You should ask them. Not worth asking Mumsnet.

If you can only go at certain times and they’re not going to let you in, you should cancel it

Im sure you can leave and go elsewhere.

Ask for male only times for it to be fair?

TBH I would take my custom elsewhere as it no longer works for you.

Yep. Doesn't sound fair at all.

Every single afternoon is women only?

Of course, all you have to do is identify as a woman for those afternoon sessions and you'll be fine. Just explain to them that you're gender fluid.

It's reasonable for them to make the change.

As they are materially changing their offering, you will be able to leave without any of the normal penalties they expect.

I have no objection to female only sessions but surely not at the same time everyday. That's ridiculous. Are they actually female only because that seems rather unlikely in this day and age?!

If it doesn't work for you probably need to take your custome elsewhere or try to get them to change the policy. A reduction in fees is no good if you can't go at the times you aren't at work.

To be honest you should probably not be going to the gym at all until you get over the severe case of "whataboutism" that you seem to have contracted. I hear it's quite contagious and can lead to a severe loss of perspective. Best avoided.

Thats a bit rubbish. If they're really going to do that id be taking my money elsewhere.

Im all for safe female spaces, but every afternoon and keeping membership prices the same when facilities/access have been reduced isnt on.

It is surprising a gym would make such an extreme change as making every afternoon female only.

Very surprising indeed.

That's what I thought Purpledaisies. What a very surprising situation.

You don't have equality of access any more and the terms have changed since you took out the contract. It doesn't seem an unreasonable question to me.

I agree. There is a shorter time in which you have access therefore you are effectively paying more/getting less. Women are paying the same and getting a better deal so arguably it’s discriminatory.

I’ve been to gyms where there’s a woman-only section, but never woman-only times. Similarly, pools often have adult-only times but a) it’s already in the contract and b) children pay lower prices anyway.

To be honest you should probably not be going to the gym at all until you get over the severe case of "whataboutism" that you seem to have contracted.

This is not whataboutism at all. The OP is directly affected and has confined his points to the issue in hand. Your comment isn’t helpful in the least.

OP I agree it sounds unfair. If it’s the same time each day and that’s the only time you can go on a weekday then you should be offered a discount or the ability to leave with no penalties.

When is the male only time? I agree it's not fair to decide a certain gender can only be free to work out at certain hours of the day. I would find a new gym if it were an option.

@Notimeforaname

When is the male only time? I agree it's not fair to decide a certain gender can only be free to work out at certain hours of the day. I would find a new gym if it were an option.

Where is the demand for a male only time? Men (in general) aren’t intimidated by having women working out at the same time as them in the same way that women are.

To be honest you should probably not be going to the gym at all until you get over the severe case of "whataboutism" that you seem to have contracted.

Where’s that? OP is quite rightly cross about paying the same price but getting less access, and finding that the new access is too restrictive.

Very surprising indeed

Quite, but the OP does seem rather concerned with women getting sports participation opportunities denied to him. Synchronised swimming, just one more example of how women have it all their own way these days. Poor men. Le sob. Smallest violin, etc.

I find this very strange. Was there any kind of survey of gym members wishes to justify the change?

I think it is unfair. think in your your shoes I'd register an objection and cite the Equality Act. It sounds like a great place and something you enjoy...on equal terms with other members.

but the OP does seem rather concerned with women getting sports participation opportunities denied to him

What are you on about?

He's paid for something he is now being denied use of. It's reasonable to expect a reduction in fees.

Find another gym. I wouldn’t continue to pay for something that I am banned from using at the times that are most convenient for me.

On another strange point not far from me is a woman’s only gym. Great but it is owned and run by men. Limited opening times and pretty basic equipment available. No pool and no sauna yet charges the same as the 24 hour better equipped gym not half a mile away.

@Orf1abc

but the OP does seem rather concerned with women getting sports participation opportunities denied to him

What are you on about?

He's paid for something he is now being denied use of. It's reasonable to expect a reduction in fees.

Advance search is quite illuminating.