Why Indian women still feel unsafe in gyms across the country | Fitness News

“Like anywhere, I’m definitely hyper-aware of my clothes, the looks, and the surroundings,” said Saraswathi Anand, a Bengaluru-based media professional and powerlifter, speaking to . Fitness culture is booming in India, and many women are stepping out of their comfort zones to pursue health and strength.But it’s not just about physical goals. Even today, many women perform a parallel, invisible workout — the constant mental calculations required to ensure their safety in gym spaces. From choosing specific workout times to adjusting attire, women’s fitness journeys are shaped concerns their male counterparts rarely consider.
According to a BBC report, “recent research found 25 per cent of 400 women surveyed had experienced an ‘uncomfortable interaction’ at the gym, like staring or inappropriate comments.” The situation is not very different in India. Earlier this year, Gautam Buddh Nagar’s adminration in Noida introduced a mandate requiring all gyms, pools, and yoga centres in the drict to employ more female trainers.
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But do women across the country face the same issue?
“I have avoided certain timings when either the gym gets very crowded or it has men who usually work out together,” said Anand.
This experience isn’t unique. Across India, women are making similar adjustments to their fitness routines, revealing a complex reality beneath the surface of the country’s growing gym culture.
“For me, gyms have horically been very hostile. They’re designed with an unwelcoming vibe –– loud Kanye music, not many women inside, and bulked up people walking around with their protein shakes,” said Priyanka Peeramsetty, 33, from Hyderabad.
“I’ve become hyper-aware of my clothing and how people react to me,” said Arshia Shaikh, a PR executive, admitting it’s reached a point where she is unable to work out in public as she always feels judged. “This wasn’t the case when I started; I didn’t care what people thought. But now, I think thrice before even going for a brisk walk. The stares at the gym or while jogging became too much to handle. I now work out alone in my room with the door closed,” she said.Story continues below this ad
“I am particularly conscious about the clothes. I don’t wear sleeveless tops or shorts as that would draw unwanted attention. But I see most men wearing shorts or sleeveless without attracting any attention, said Padmaja Konisetti from Hyderabad.
This hypervigilance, the constant scanning for potential threats, takes a significant psychological toll, according to experts.
Across India, women are making similar adjustments to their fitness routines, revealing a complex reality beneath the surface of the country’s growing gym culture. (Source: Freepik)
“When safety is uncertain, even neutral environments become mentally exhausting,” said Jai Arora, counseling psycholog and co-founder at Kirana Counselling. “Women may experience frustration, anxiety, and emotional fatigue from constantly monitoring their surroundings. This disrupts the very purpose of exercise, which is stress relief.”
Gurleen Baruah, an exential psychotherap at That Culture Thing, elaborated on this dynamic: “When a woman enters a gym and doesn’t feel safe or at ease, the psychological impact runs deeper than most realise. Spaces meant for strength and well-being start to feel like places where one must constantly self-monitor. They often wonder “How tight are my clothes?” “Who’s watching me?” “Am I taking up too much space?”Story continues below this ad
First-hand experiences
Women report a range of discomforts in gym spaces. “From unwanted advice to inappropriate comments to people intruding into my workout space, quite a lot happens,” said Anand. “You need to build an emotional armour before entering a gym.”
Peeramsetty said, “Not harassment exactly, but way too much unsolicited advice, often from people not in their best form. There’s something about men and the audacity to offer tips no one asked for. Please, calm down.”
Arora explained that repeated exposure to microaggressions – comments, stares, advice – can lead to avoidance behaviours. “It’s a form of learned helplessness. You begin to feel that discomfort is inevitable and nothing will change.”
Baruah concurred. “Chronic, subtle discomfort in fitness spaces can cause long-term avoidance of exercise. It doesn’t affect everyone, but it’s very real when the discomfort is systemic.”Story continues below this ad
How gyms are responding
Fitness businesses are taking note and implementing new measures.
Vikas Jain, managing director at Anytime Fitness India, said, “Our gyms are equipped with 24/7 CCTV surveillance in common areas, access-controlled entry, and emergency assance buttons.”
While the chain doesn’t offer women-only hours, Jain said they “ensure a welcoming environment with at least two female staff members, a trainer and a front desk staff during peak hours.”
Addressing the trainer gender gap, he said, “We’re working actively to reverse it. Some clubs offer flexible work arrangements and incentives to recruit more female trainers. We also offer subsidised certification through our virtual ‘Anytime Fitness Academy’.”Story continues below this ad
Fitness businesses are taking note and implementing new measures. (Source: Freepik)
Mayara Neeraj Sharma, director at MultiFit, highlighted how female leadership drives change. “Led Deepti Sharma and her daughter Mayara Neeraj Sharma, we’ve shaped a culture that prioritises safety and respect,” she said.
MultiFit offers women-specific programmes, including masterclasses on hormonal health, injury prevention, personal safety, and self-defence. “It’s not just about information, it’s about empowerment and community,” Sharma said. From women-led classes and trainers to wellness workshops, the chain aims to make safety a “lived reality.”
Finding community despite challenges
Despite the obstacles, many women are reclaiming gym spaces and building supportive networks.
“’Gym bros’ aren’t all bad. Some of the bulkiest men have my back and will stare down anyone who bothers me. It’s about finding your tribe,” Anand said.Story continues below this ad
Peeramsetty agreed, noting how representation helped shift her view. “A friend kept hyping her pull-up progress and stressing muscle-building. That really changed things for me.”
Solutions and strategies
While personal coping mechanisms help, experts are of the opinion that structural change is essential.
“Joining an all-women’s class with a female instructor is a practical solution, but not a permanent fix,” Arora said.
Baruah offered practical advice while acknowledging its limitations: “Strategies like wearing headphones (even without music) to signal boundaries, choosing off-peak hours, or seeking smaller, inclusive gyms can help and not because women should have to, but because it restores some control.”Story continues below this ad
Konisetti’s suggestion felt the most doable: “People minding their own business, that’s the most effective solution.”