Women-only gyms aren’t a new concept. In the late ’90s, Curves, the largest name in female-focused gyms, was one of the fastest-growing franchises in the world. Though fitness trends ebb and flow, there’s always a desire for female-only spaces, particularly when it comes to getting fit.

It’s hard enough to find the time and motivation to cultivate a fitness routine without having to worry about gym etiquette, fighting for equipment, or at worst, harassment. We spoke with Dr. Milica McDowell, owner of Epic Fitness in Bozeman, Montana about the benefits of women only gyms. 

“Even though the gym I own is co-ed, I do have an appreciation for women’s only spaces and I have spent a lot of time working out in them when I travel for work,” says McDowell. “I love that there are gyms that focus on the needs of women and create a safe space for them to lift other women up and support the female community.”

Focused Attention 

“The benefit is creating a space that really caters to a lady’s needs,” says McDowell. “As a gym owner, it’s challenging to meet the needs of all communities, and when you focus on one specifically, like a women’s only gym, you can give care and attention to features that really help you connect to your membership.”

Unlike a one-size-fits-all gym like Planet Fitness, a women-only gym can allow for more specialized attention from trainers and staff focusing on issues that are pertinent to the community, like post-partum exercise and building strength to reduce the effects of osteoporosis.

A Supportive Community

“An all female space empowers lots of gals to come back to exercising after a break, a baby or a big life change, when we’re surrounded by other women who lift us up, the struggles we face seem smaller,” says McDowell. 

Many women feel more comfortable being vulnerable in front of other women. So breaking a sweat, trying a new exercise, or wearing form-fitting yoga pants, can all be a little less intimidating in the company of other women. Of course, a conflict-free space is not guaranteed, but everyone has a baseline shared experience.

Curated Equipment

“Another benefit of women’s only gyms is that equipment can be catered to the community,” says McDowell. 

This might mean that more 1-5 pound weights are used for toning exercises than at a typical gym. It also applies to the programming available.

“Classes can also be catered to more female-centric training, such as pelvic floor strength or certain postures that may be hard for instructors to queue in classes with guys in attendance,” says McDowell.

That’s not to say that weight racks and boxing classes aren’t available at women only gyms, they are. But anyone taking a pilates class can tell you light weights and small movements are no joke when done properly.

Find What Works For You

Many women are drawn to women-only gyms because they don’t feel comfortable working out, and adding a co-ed experience increases the pressure. Women-only gyms create a safe space for female-identifying exercisers to work on their fitness in a supportive and understanding community that caters to the female experience. It’s not the right choice for everyone, but it can be very beneficial.

“Even though the gym I own is co-ed, I do have an appreciation for women’s only spaces and I have spent a lot of time working out in them when I travel for work,” says McDowell. “I love that there are gyms that focus on the needs of women and create a safe space for them to lift other women up and support the female community.”