Do we need a women-only bit in the gym or women only evenings?

[Lehman]

My brother has been complaining because he went to his local gym and found that he couldn't use it on Tuesday evening as it was women only. My brother is quite over weight but has been doing really well with diet and exercise. The response he got when he complained about the women only thing was that women don't like all the men ogling them in the gym and so must have seperate times / areas. is this true? I confess I am not in the gym much but do we really need special women only times? Are women such delicate flowers?

No. I hate segregated gyms. If men are bothering women they should be kicked out.

Maybe we should get rid of single sex toilets too.

Then men and women can stop being such delicate little flowers

I've never seen the point of single sex gym sessions personally

It's usually two hours a week or so, isn't it? Nothing major.

It may make it possible for women from some religions to exercise when they otherwise wouldn't. And for other women to feel more comfortable.

Delicate flowers is one of those loaded terms, don'tcha think?

Well, in the case of the gym, it's market forces surely? It's obviously a service women use and a willing to pay for.

Obviously I'm not suggesting men and women shouldn't be allowed to have seperate showers or toilets...although I have used toilets before which are combined you just have cubicles which anyone can use. I think there is a difference between privacy when you are showering etc and being able to use gym equipment in your gym togs.

Yes I'd agree with the market point but it wasn't in the contract / advertising. Didn't know reference to flowers was controversial in some way

They exist because people want them. Gyms aren't charities they want to make money. Obviously this makes money. Annoying for your bro though.
I think women only gyms are a good idea. Rather than specific nights of mixed gyms. I'd go to a women's only gym if there were one near me. I think it's useful for Muslim women too.

I don't have a problem exercising around men. I wouldn't actively seek out a gym with women only sessions (or particularly want to go at those times) but I can understand why some women would rather not have men around if they are feeling very self conscious when they're exercising.

I don't think gyms should be forced one way or the other-it depends what their clientele want.

I think female only classes are ok but not the whole gym. I was about to say most people just go there to work out but actually I was hit on and oggled quite a bit.

I'm really on the fence now. I would hate to be turned away from going to a gym that I paid membership for because it was men only at that time but yet some men still harass women in places like that.

I'm sure some women ogle men in gyms.

Well yes but I haven't seen at the gym women going over to men who are working out and try chatting them up and getting their numbers.

We have a permanent ladies only gym at our sports centre. It's not as big as the mixed gym (which I go to) but it has all the latest equipment. I've only been in there once so I don't know what clientele they have.

I would totally use a women only hour, so all the teenage bros aren't in the free weight section!

Never been hit on but had guys ask me if my weight is too heavy or if I need a hand etc. And I'm not exactly a powerlifter, most of the time it is not a lot heavier than my work backpack...!

It's slightly ironic because my brother says he feels quite intimidated exercising in front of some of the people in the gym who are much fitter than he is - I guess I'm just really pleased he's going and doing the best to tackle his weight so wouldn't like to see anything deter him. He's signed up now and there are only some days he can go so to lose one of them seems a shame.

Is that an argument for or against women only sessions, homeriliad?

Women only swim/gym sessions have been around for a while (at least since the 12 years since I started using a gym) and are timetabled so as not confuse the menfolk. I used to use the women only gym session to use the weights room without unsolicited help from male gym goers. Many use them for religious reasons.

There are a couple of women only gyms near me. They've been open for years, and don't advertise much.

I haven't chosen to join them, and go to a mixed gym, but there's obviously a market.

its a bit rubbish if the whole gym is unavailable and this wasnt highlighted on the timetable or by staff when joining. I like the women only section of the gym though.

I love the women's only section of the gym. Peaceful, no blokes grunting as they show off to one another.

Yes seniors amazing - I take my daughter swimming when they do senior water fitness and its very inspiring.

You are probably right it's been around as an idea for a while but just seemed a bit dated to me. Brought to mind female only bathing area from the Victorian era.

Yes they didn't tell him till he turned up and it's the whole gym.

Specific women only hours seem rather restrictive, I'd prefer a women only gym. But would only go there if it was good. (I go to one where there are mostly elderly people, as it is focused on health. Very nice there, no men trying to hit on me - but some of the machines requiring pushing your chest out, and I would be more comfortable if it was women only)