Health and Fitness / Fitness
Breaking down the gym gender gap
Walk into any gym and you will recognise the ‘man zone’ – usually by the weights section. Look for the women and you will tend to see them stick to the cardio machines. It’s a subtle yet revealing illustration of gender stereotyping in a public space where men and women are equally welcome.
Breaking down why this ‘gym gender gap’ exists reveals gender stereotypes that we are all too familiar with. Men are considered physically strong so strength training is socially acceptable, while for women, a slim physique is aspirational but building muscle can be seen as masculine and unfeminine.
Amy Newton is keen that women understand the physical and mental health benefits strength training has
Amy Newton, owner and head trainer at The Warrior Programme, is trying to break down these stereotypes when she trains people at a private gym in Pithay Studios in central Bristol. Her personal training business focuses specifically on strength training and empowerment for women, addressing barriers both real and perceived.
is needed now More than ever
“A lot of women want to weight-lift but they feel intimidated by it,” Amy explains. “It’s the men’s area in the gym. They don’t want to walk in there and make a fool of themselves.
“I also think it’s a culturally ingrained thing. For a woman to be strong and muscular is considered a masculine trait. Even as a young girl you somehow become aware of that. There’s a societal judgement of muscular women. It’s rubbish – you can be fit and strong and feminine”.
Solicitor Jo Turner has been strength-training for 2 years
Jo Turner, a solicitor in her 40s who lives in Mangotsfield, is just one of Amy’s clients, and has been a real advocate of strength training since she began: “When I started, as someone who sits at a desk for ten hours a day, I had a bad shoulder, a bad neck – lots of little niggles. My posture has improved so much and I really enjoy it. I get a real buzz and feel energised. It definitely uplifts you.”
Sonia Punter, a mum from Weston-super-Mare who also works full-time, has also found other positive effects from strength training. “I feel more confident and in control,” she says. “I think that exercise is the foundation for mental well-being. It has led to other benefits in my mindset and nutrition.”
Sonia deadlifting 70kg – a personal best – at her session
More generally, sports participation in the UK suffers from a significant gender gap. Two million fewer women engage in sport or physical activity compared to men, though 75 per cent of women say they want to be more active.
As advice for women who are thinking about strength training, Sonia says: “Find somebody you trust and connect with, whether that be a gym buddy or a professional.”
Find out more about the Warrior Programme at www.amynewtonpersonaltrainer.com/journal/2017/3/8/me-the-warrior-programme
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