Heather Huesman is a 23-year-old server who shared her experience exercising at an all-women gym on TikTok, and people have plenty of thoughts.
The video, which now has nearly 6 million views, shows off the features and safety measures of Blush Fitness, located in Overland Park, Kansas. While all-women gyms aren't a new concept, Blush Fitness seems to take things a step further for women's comfort and safety. For example, the windows are tinted so people can't see into the building as they're walking by.
The gym is open 24/7, and women and members can only gain access with a key fob.
There are free menstrual hygiene products in the bathroom.
And to top it all off, women and members are notified whenever male staff members will be working inside the gym.
Heather told BuzzFeed, "I decided to share my experience because ever since the first time I went into Blush, I felt a sense of relief. It felt like a breath of fresh air walking into a gym with no men!"
"I definitely feel safer in an all-women’s gym. I personally like to wear tight clothing because it is easier to work out in, and I don’t have to worry about men taking photos of me without my permission, or worry about men making me feel uncomfortable while I’m there. There are also not so many people there that all the racks are being taken up. The place is very clean and has great energy and vibes to it!"
Judging by the comments on Heather's TikTok, plenty of women — and even some men — feel the same way:
But there are some other commenters (exclusively men, surprise surprise!!!) who aren't so thrilled about the gym and its features. They're calling it "segregation" and saying it doesn't support "equality":
When asked what she thought about the whole "segregation" take, Heather told BuzzFeed, "I don’t think the gym is segregation at all. I honestly love the idea of an all-men’s gym as well. I think if someone is mad that there's an all-women’s gym, it’s because they want women [in their co-ed gym] for a reason. ... Whatever makes people feel comfortable working out at a gym is what should be done. Everyone is there for a reason and needs to start somewhere!"
Plenty of other commenters also made some some ~very interesting~ points to counter the "segregation" take. For example, how is an all-women gym any different than a men-only country club?
Or the many other gendered spaces in society?
Also, maybe these feelings of exclusion they're experiencing are something women have also had to deal with for a long time?
Perhaps women prefer to work out in an environment that minimizes the risk of sexual harassment and sexual assault?
Isn't there a little bit of hypocrisy in putting all the responsibility on women to protect ourselves, and then getting upset when we do just that?
And lastly, maybe it's a good idea to consider WHY all-women gyms are a thing in the first place?!
