THE STUDY
Cowley, E. S., & Schneider, J. (2025). “I sometimes feel like I can’t win!”: An exploratory mixed-methods study of women’s body image and experiences of exercising in gym settings. PLOS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0316756
This study used a mixed-methods approach to explore women’s body image concerns and their gym experiences. The researchers aimed to understand how gym environments and social expectations shape women’s perceptions of their bodies and gym behaviours. They also examined how these factors influence whether women choose to engage in physical activity.
THE METHODS
The study gathered data from 279 women, aged 17-60, with 84.2% being current gym-goers. Survey respondents were primarily from White backgrounds (68.1%) and had an average gym-going frequency of 2-3 times a week.
Survey questions explored a range of body image factors such as body appreciation, functionality appreciation, internalised weight bias, and sociocultural attitudes towards appearance. The researchers also assessed how gym environments (e.g. mirrors, gym attire, and social interactions) impacted these body image perceptions and behaviours.
KEY FINDINGS
Gym Attire
Women commonly used gym attire to both express themselves and manage their self-image in relation to body ideals. Many felt the need to wear certain types of clothing to feel either attractive or capable in the gym, contributing to a heightened sense of self-consciousness.
Interestingly, a substantial number of women expressed discomfort with the “fit” or “athletic” look being promoted in gyms, feeling pressure to dress in a certain way to align with societal expectations. Many also avoided wearing certain clothes like crop tops or shorts for fear of being judged or scrutinised.
Contradictions in Body Image and Self-Perception
While many participants advocated for body diversity and acceptance of all shapes and sizes in the gym, a deeper internal conflict was found. Participants revealed that while they could appreciate diverse bodies, they often struggled with self-acceptance of their own.
This conflict is amplified by societal pressure to conform to idealised body standards—creating a paradox where women feel torn between celebrating diverse body types and measuring themselves against a “fitness” body ideal.
Internalisation of the Muscular/Athletic Ideal
The internalisation of a muscular or “fit” ideal was common among the respondents. Many women were drawn to strength-based exercises, and this preference often aligned with the popularised “strong is the new skinny” narrative.
However, internalising this fit ideal was linked to pressure for weight loss or attaining a low body fat percentage, not just increasing muscle mass. This aligns with a societal emphasis on leanness, often conflated with health and fitness.
Interestingly, higher levels of internalisation of these ideals were observed among current gym-goers, suggesting that while some embraced the fit ideal, others experienced feelings of inadequacy when their physical form didn’t align with societal expectations of muscularity or leanness.
Men’s Presence in the Gym
Participants reported mixed feelings about the presence of men in the gym. While some women felt empowered by the atmosphere of male-dominated spaces, others experienced discomfort or even harassment.
An overwhelming 71.9% of participants reported having received unsolicited comments from men, and these interactions contributed to a sense of insecurity and vulnerability. Women’s gym experiences were deeply shaped by whether they were perceived as “fit” or “attractive” by male gym-goers.
The study highlights the challenges women face in environments that often focus on physical appearance over performance and capability, leading to feelings of being “objectified” rather than respected as athletes.
The Role of Mirrors
One of the most impactful elements of participants’ gym experiences was the use of mirrors, which had varying effects—while some appreciated mirrors for checking their form, others felt more self-conscious or distracted by them. The majority of participants reported feeling neutral (37.2%) or positive (28.0% preferred to, 10.6% loved it) about exercising in front of mirrors, which contrasts with much of the existing literature.
Interestingly, those who trained in gyms with more inclusive layouts—featuring women’s areas or spaces focused more on performance rather than appearance—reported higher satisfaction levels. These individuals expressed a sense of comfort in spaces that de-emphasised appearance and instead prioritised skill development, strength training, or general fitness.
Social Media and Body Image
Social media’s role in shaping body image was noted as a major influence. The study found that the rise of the “fitspiration” movement—promoted through fitness influencers—has led to the internalisation of narrow beauty ideals linked to muscularity and leanness.
Although these ideals are seen by many as more achievable than the “thin” ideal, they still present unrealistic expectations, often leading to negative comparisons. Study participants expressed frustration at the gap between the “fit” body on social media and their own gym experiences, where they did not always match these representations of strength and beauty.
From Objectification to Empowerment
While the study emphasises the role of self-objectification in gym settings, it also highlights women’s resistance to traditional body ideals. Many participants found empowerment in reclaiming spaces that were traditionally male-dominated, like weight rooms or strength areas.
For some women, lifting weights and focusing on personal strength or endurance became a way to resist societal pressure to conform to traditional beauty standards. This shift in focus from appearance to performance reflects a growing recognition of the mental and physical benefits of exercise, beyond body image concerns.
LIMITATIONS
- Sample Demographics: The study predominantly featured women from White backgrounds and may not fully represent diverse ethnic or socio-economic groups.
- Cross-Sectional Design: The study’s cross-sectional nature means it cannot capture the long-term evolution of women’s body image or how their gym experiences change over time.
- Gender Considerations: The research focused only on women, leaving out the experiences of non-binary or male individuals in gym spaces.
- Self-Reported Data: Responses based on personal experiences may have been influenced by recall bias or personal perceptions, limiting the objectivity of some findings.
CONCLUSION
Women’s experiences in gyms are shaped by a mix of personal, social, and cultural factors. The study highlights how concerns about body image, fitness ideals, and gender expectations can affect women’s confidence and willingness to go to the gym. Some women find ways to redefine their relationship with exercise, while others feel held back by the pressure to look a certain way.
While many would prefer to shift their focus from looks to function, long-standing beauty standards can make this difficult. The study suggests that certain gym environments—such as those with fewer mirrors, less focus on appearance, and strong social support—can create more positive experiences. Encouraging fitness messages that highlight strength, performance, and wellbeing may also help foster a healthier relationship with exercise and body image.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all answer, the research highlights the many ways women experience gym spaces. Making gyms more inclusive means understanding these differences and creating environments that support a variety of needs, helping women feel confident and comfortable in their fitness journeys.
MY THOUGHTS
As someone with a challenging history with body image and nearly a decade working in the fitness space, I’ve seen firsthand how these struggles can affect women’s confidence, motivation, and overall relationship with exercise—and I care deeply about creating a more positive approach.
The pressure to look a certain way—whether lean, toned, or ‘fit’—can overshadow the real benefits of exercise: feeling strong, capable, and empowered in our own bodies.
While this study highlights the struggles many women face in gyms, it also shows that shifting the focus from aesthetics to performance can make a meaningful difference.
My hope is that more gym environments, fitness communities, and trainers like myself will prioritise strength, inclusivity, and self-acceptance—creating spaces where women feel encouraged to train for what their bodies can do, rather than how they look.
Want to feel stronger, more confident, and supported in your fitness journey?
If you’re ready to shift the focus from aesthetics to performance and build a healthier, more empowered relationship with exercise, I’d love to help. Whether you’re looking for in-person training in Perth or online coaching tailored to your goals, we can create a plan that works for you.
Let’s celebrate what your body can do—not just how it looks. 💪📩
Get in touch today to start your journey towards strength, confidence, and lasting wellbeing!