Why is there a women's gym and no men's gym? Isn't it sexist?

Question

First, don't tell me the gym is for men because it's not, it's called the gym, not men's gym, unlike women's gym. Both men and women can go to the gym, while only women can go to the women's gym. How sexist is this?

To the few of you that will say: ''you can still use the women's gym'' WELL NO A GUY CAN"T !@#^^& since it's WOMEN ONLY!!!

Answer 1

I think it is sexist. I go to the gym, with my ipod, and I don't want to be bothered by anybody. I'm there for me. Unless there's a service that Curves offers that differentiates it from all other gyms, then it's only there to soothe the insecurities of those women who patronize it.

Baba Yaga - It is not ageist, but I can opt to go the THE SAME gym at 11, or whenever that class is over. That's not the same as a gym that as a policy restricts access to a specific demographicas a matter of policy.

Answer 2

Well I am pretty sure the original meaning for YMCA meant young mens club athletics..(or something like that) and was at one time a men only gym. I guess this is the same reason why all black schools and grants can exist but not all white schools. There is surely some sexism and racism going on amung our own kind. It is strange but who's gonna fight it without looking racist or sexist? I dont mind the segregation occuring in some areas, but it is quite ridiculous how unjust it can ultimately become.

Answer 3

There are men's gyms where I live. They're private, and only allow men...why are you so angry over women having their own gym?

BTW, I go to a co-ed gym, and I sometimes catch guys staring while I'm working out (and no I don't wear revealing clothes, I wear sweats). It really breaks my concentration and it makes me feel very self-conscious, I don't want to be distracted like that when I go to the gym. Maybe that's why there is a market for women's only gyms. Women don't want to be judged in that type of setting.

EDIT--Here's a link to info about a men's only gym:
http://www.franchising.com/athleticnation/
So...do you feel less discriminated against now?

Answer 4

some all women's gyms focus on women's overall health (as Curves does) whereas most co-ed gyms kinda ignore it and have mostly men's health.
i used to go to a co-ed gym, and there was mostly guys there (like 4 or 5 women at a time, to about 15-20 guys). and they catered to the men, didn't offer a full range of classes women would like, and sold supplements that could be unsafe or unhealthy for women at certain times in her life.
i am now a member of curves, and they cater to MY health needs. their supplements i can take anytime, even now and i'm pregnant! their entire program is very safe for women in any stage of life. a lot of older women go there--the majority of the members are 60+ or started out very overweight or they're pregnant or have another female specific condition.

Answer 5

No. This is not sexist, but enterprising. A "men's only" gym would not make $.
Only those women who do not care to be objectified by men prefer the "women's only" club, and a few entrepreneurs understood that they could make $ because of that preference. Those women who are themselves looking to hook up go to the co-ed club.
You would have a beef only if men had no where to go.

Answer 6

There are several men only gyms that I've seen advertised. I believe the company that runs "Ladies Workout Express" also has "Men's Express" gym.

Answer 7

The short answer to your question is; TWO DIFFERENT TARGET MARKETS. 'Curves' is NOT just about fitness: they counsel women about weight-loss issues also. Curves even has lighter training equipment - lighter being more suitable for women:

"The Curves fitness program allows you to get a complete aerobic and strength training workout in just 30 minutes. The system is built around easy-to-learn hydraulic resistance machines, so there are no cumbersome weight stacks to change or manage. The machines are designed specially for women. And Curves makes it fun. Many of our members say that their time at Curves is the fastest 30 minutes of their week! The laughter, conversation, and sense of support that you see at the typical Curves is different from any other health club you may have visited in the past.

Today, over four million women are members. Women around the world are discovering that Curves is 30-minute fitness, commonsense weight loss, and all the support they need to reach their goals. The best way to find out how well the Curves approach to fitness and weight loss works is to visit your local Curves. ..."

EDIT;
Let me put it this way: the local indoor swimming pool offers 'aqua-cise" classes classes for seniors each Thursday morning at 10. Do do feel this is "ageist" ? Are they discriminating against you because of your age? Wouldn't it look foolish if you started petitions, etc.., for your right to join them? How many signatures do you think you would get? How seriously do you think you would be taken? Do you think people would dismiss you as a CRANK?

Choose your battles carefully.

EDIT: 'GABE"
"there's a service that Curves offers that differentiates it from all other [generic] gyms...". It has been pointed out by several posters including myself that YES, this is indeed the case.

Answer 8

show me a straight man who is gona be willing to go to the gym and have no women to look at...
the only all men gym that would survive would be gay men gym.

Answer 9

Historically, gyms were dominated by men, so a women's gym was created to give them an opportunity to stay fit.

Answer 10

Men are annoying when you go to the gym and they try to talk to you and flirt as if you are there to socialize..im an advocate for womens gyms..I remember one time I was in a group exercise room by myself doing sit-ups and a fool walks in and plops his a.s.s down next to me asking me personal questions like my name and age and his breath was horrible...Have you noticed a woman coming onto a man at a gym....?I havent.