Making Gyms Safer for Everyone: Ending Harassment, One Rep at a Time

For many, the gym is a place of personal growth—a space to push physical limits, improve health, relieve stress, and feel good in one’s own body. But for far too many women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and even some men, it’s also a site of discomfort, fear, and harassment.

While gyms are filled with machinery, mirrors, and motivational slogans, they aren’t always the empowering havens they claim to be. If we want to change that, we all have lifting to do—lifting the burden off those who feel unsafe, and lifting up a standard of respect, consent, and accountability.

The Reality of Harassment at the Gym

Surveys from the past few years highlight a troubling truth:

• 87% of American women report feeling unsafe at the gym (BarBend, 2022).

• 56% of women have experienced harassment while working out (RunRepeat, 2021).

• Even cisgender heterosexual men have stories of being followed, touched, or propositioned in ways that made them feel violated.

Harassment can be subtle or aggressive:

• Prolonged or uncomfortable staring

• Unwanted comments about one’s body

• Repeated requests for contact info or dates

• Invasive touching, even during “help” with exercises

• Filming or photographing people without consent

• Cornering, following, or mimicking another person’s workout routine

Whether it’s dismissed as “flirting” or “being friendly,” it’s often a violation of someone’s physical and psychological boundaries.

What You Can Do If You Witness Harassment

If you're not the target but see someone being harassed, you have the power to act—without escalating the situation.

• Check in privately with the person: Ask if they’re okay and let them know you noticed the behavior.

• Offer support: Invite them to work out together, or move them away from the harasser under a casual pretense.

• Back them up: If they decide to report the behavior, offer to support their claim to gym management.

• Interrupt gently: Use neutral actions like using the machine nearby, asking for help with an exercise, or starting light conversation to shift the energy.

What If You Are Being Harassed?

Depending on your comfort level and safety, you can try indirect or direct actions:

Indirect Strategies:

• Change your routine: Alter your workout times or switch exercises.

• Use physical cues: Wear a cap and headphones to signal you’re not open to conversation.

• Avoid vulnerable positions: Swap exercises that leave you overly exposed.

• Bring backup: Work out with a friend or trainer.

• Consider a safer space: LGBTQIA+-friendly or women-only gyms can be a better fit.

• Tell the gym why you’re leaving, if harassment is the cause.

Direct Strategies:

• Set boundaries verbally: Let the person know their behavior is unwelcome.

• Report the incident to gym staff, especially if the behavior continues.

• Escalate externally if needed: In some countries, like Brazil, harassment can be reported to specific police units or gym regulators.

• Ask for formal policy changes: If your gym has no harassment policy, request one.

What If You Think You Might Be Crossing a Line?

Flirting in public spaces can easily turn into harassment—especially when someone isn’t receptive. Respect personal cues:

• Is the person avoiding eye contact, wearing headphones, or walking away?

• Are they not returning greetings or small talk?

• Are they shifting away or changing their workout to avoid proximity?

These are all signs that they want to be left alone. Instead of risking discomfort:

• Keep interactions casual and minimal unless invited.

• Avoid commenting on bodies—even if the intent is positive.

• Ask for feedback: If you’re unsure whether your behavior is crossing a line, talk to a trusted friend or therapist.

• Check your patterns: Do you consistently approach people who don’t seem interested? It might be time for reflection and personal growth.

Changing Gym Culture for the Better

In cultures with strong machismo or outdated gender norms, like Brazil and parts of the U.S., harassment has long been normalized. But societal standards evolve, thanks to the efforts of feminist, LGBTQIA+, and progressive movements.

The gym is not a nightclub. People are there to take care of their health, not to be hit on. Wearing tight clothing or showing skin does not equal an invitation.

Creating a safer gym doesn’t mean avoiding everyone—it means being more mindful of how we interact. By treating others with the respect we expect in return, we help gyms become the empowering places they’re meant to be.

Let’s Build Safer Spaces—Together

Whether you’re a bystander, a gym owner, or just someone who wants to do better, your role matters. Safety in public spaces isn’t just the responsibility of those at risk—it’s a collective effort.

Lift with care. Respect personal space. Support others. Be part of the change.