Recently, we visited Fitness4Less in Colchester to learn more about their Ladies-Only Gym. The gym has been at this location for around 20 years and has always had an area where women can exercise in a safe and private environment, as seen with all Fitness4Less gyms.
Ladies-only gym area at Fitness4Less
We were shown the area itself, which was suitably to the side of the mixed gym area. It can be accessed directly from the female changing rooms, meaning that women do not have to walk through the mixed gym area to access the women’s only section if they do not want to.
The area can be accessed through changing rooms or the main gym.
We spoke to Matt, Manager of Fitness4Less in Colchester, who shared the importance of having an area which was culturally appropriate, for ethnically diverse communities and faith groups, and gave women the opportunity to exercise in a safe space. It has also proved popular with women who are often nervous about using a gym for the very first time and feel more comfortable in a female-only environment. It was shared that for some customers, they initially begin within the Women’s Only area and as their confidence grows, some chose to exercise in the mixed gender area. The Ladies-Only Gym was said to have received positive feedback, with many users noting that this is a rare feature of gyms but very much appreciated.
It is important to Fitness4Less that their customers have the choice to work out in an area they feel most confident in and that it is a safe space for everyone and for all demographics.