The gym can be an intimidating place for anyone. Going to the gym can cause anxiety or embarrassment; just getting yourself psyched up enough to go is enough. Media and marketing portray men’s sports as athletic while showing women’s sport in a sexualized manner. This creates an atmosphere where men feel, whether conscious or subconscious, as though the gym is their domain. At a women’s only gym session, there is less intimidation and judgement creating a welcoming environment for women looking to lift weights or go for a run. Women-only sessions would be beneficial for women who want to or already do go to the gym because it frees them from stereotype threat and a toxic masculine environment.

There is a correlation between women working out alongside men and higher levels of anxiety. Specifically in regard to weight lifting, there is evidence to prove that women in college gyms feel as if they are being judged as they workout. Women tend to be associated with cardio exercises rather than muscle hypertrophy exercises, and it’s difficult to break this stereotype.

Gender identity comes into play, as women subconsciously know that weightlifting is often geared towards men, so it’s hard to perform whilst being watched by them. Women are not able to perform to their highest potential, since gender stereotypes tend to get the best of them, especially in a college setting. If women were able to work out strictly with other women in the gym, they would feel less pressure and would, in turn, be able to perform better.

An increased participation in the gym and in sports (whether collegiate, club, or intramural), is correlated to higher levels of self esteem, higher GPA, and higher retention rate. A lower likelihood of developing mental health problems such as body image and eating disorders is also seen in those who choose a more active way of life.

By conducting women’s only sessions at the Eppley Recreation Center, the most popular gym at the University of Maryland, women’s wellbeing and health is promoted, and a sense of community is encouraged among those who want to live a healthy lifestyle.