A recent poll conducted for Newsweek by Redfield & Wilton Strategies has revealed that more than half of Generation Z individuals in the U.S. support the idea of gender-segregated gym spaces. This marks a significant shift in attitudes toward separate facilities for men and women, particularly among younger generations. While separating men and women is often associated with more conservative views, the survey found that support for gender-segregated gyms was strongest among Gen Z respondents, with 57 percent in favor.
The shift in attitudes toward gender-segregated gym spaces is part of a larger trend of young people identifying as more conservative on various issues, according to a Gallup and Walton Family Foundation study. This trend is particularly pronounced among young conservatives within Generation Z, indicating a departure from the liberal leanings often associated with younger demographics in recent years. The polling data also revealed that older generations exhibit less enthusiasm for gender-segregated gyms, with millennials voicing relatively strong support at 22 percent, compared to only 14 percent of baby boomers and the Silent Generation.
To address the growing demand for gender-segregated gym spaces, Total Fitness, a U.K. gym chain, recently launched The Women’s Gym, a female-only facility that has been well-received by their female customers. The success of women-only spaces in their existing gyms led to the opening of The Women’s Gym, which has seen particular interest from younger women aged between 22 and 32. Social media platforms like TikTok have also played a role in popularizing gender-segregated gym spaces, with users sharing their experiences in female-only spaces and viewers expressing interest in finding similar spots near them.
Overall, the shift toward gender-segregated gym spaces reflects a growing awareness of the need for safe and comfortable environments for women in fitness settings. Young people, who are more frequent gym users and have more direct experience of the downsides of mixed gym areas, are leading the support for gender-segregated facilities. This trend highlights a willingness among younger generations to challenge conventional wisdom and find common ground on issues related to gender separation in public spaces. As attitudes continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the debate around gender-segregated gym spaces develops in the future.
