A gym in the United Kingdom has come under fire for introducing a policy that prohibits women over the age of 24 from exercising during peak hours. A 36-year-old woman took to the online forum Mumsnet to share her experience after receiving a text from the gym outlining the new restrictions. The message stated that the gym would be “reserved exclusively for females aged 12 to 24” from 4 PM to 7 PM on weekdays.
The gym’s text explained that the decision was made in response to feedback aimed at creating a more comfortable environment for younger female members. “This update has been made in response to feedback and to better cater to our younger female members who require a dedicated, comfortable space during peak after-school and early evening hours,” it read. Outside of these hours, the gym will remain available for all female members.
Frustrated by the policy change, the woman expressed her disappointment in her post titled “Am I being unreasonable to think this is unfair?” She noted that one of her primary reasons for joining the gym was its “ladies hours” from 9 AM to 7 AM on weekdays, which now no longer suits her schedule. As a result, she indicated her intention to cancel her membership, prompting a wave of responses from fellow forum users.
The feedback from Mumsnet users was overwhelmingly critical of the new policy, with 93 percent of respondents agreeing that the gym’s decision was unreasonable. Comments ranged from disbelief to outrage. “That’s absolutely ridiculous! Why women of a certain age!? I’d feel furious,” one user remarked. Another chimed in, “Three hours every weekday is mental. I’d cancel, too.”
Some users expressed confusion over the rationale behind the decision, questioning if the gym aimed to attract a younger demographic, possibly influenced by social media trends. “I wonder if they’re trying to attract the influencer-type crowd for some free marketing,” one user speculated. Others suggested that the management might be focused on a “young, hip” atmosphere, disregarding older members.
Despite the backlash, a few commenters defended the gym’s approach. They argued that providing a dedicated space for teenage girls could be beneficial, as this demographic often faces challenges in maintaining an exercise routine. “Teenage girls collectively are a group highly at risk of stopping exercise,” one user pointed out. They emphasized that if the gym management believes there is a viable business case for the change, they should be allowed to proceed.
The controversy surrounding this gym’s policy highlights broader issues regarding inclusivity and the challenges faced by different age groups in fitness environments. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the gym will respond to the mounting criticism and whether it will reconsider its decision.