Over Half of UK Gym-Goers Have Witnessed or Experienced Harassment

New research reveals alarming gender differences in gym safety experiences

Brand new data from a comprehensive survey of 1,000 UK gym-goers shines a light on a concerning picture of harassment in UK fitness spaces. 51.8% of respondents reported experiencing or witnessing harassment at the gym – highlighting significant safety issues that affect member experience and potentially limits participation in important physical activity. The data also reveals serious differences between male and female gym-goers – raising important questions about how gym operators handle user safety.

Key Findings at a Glance

• 51.8% of gym-goers have experienced or witnessed harassment
• 47.1% cited “unwanted advice or coaching” as the most common form of harassment
• 64.5% prefer “increased staff presence” as the top preventative measure
• 42.4% believe safety measures should be included in standard membership fees

Types of Harassment: Significant Gender Disparities

The survey identified several prevalent forms of harassment in gym environments, with notable differences between male and female experiences:

These findings clearly show that harassment can span a wide spectrum – from intrusive behaviour to more serious violations of personal boundaries. Women reported significantly higher rates of unwanted staring and unsolicited advice, while men experienced more intimidating behaviour in workout areas. Overall, women faced higher levels of physical and sexual harassment, highlighting the gendered nature of gym safety concerns.

How Gym-Goers Respond to Harassment: Gender Differences in Coping Strategies

When faced with harassment, male and female gym members are found to adapt their behaviour in notably different ways:

The data reveals significant differences in how men and women navigate harassment. Women were much more likely to avoid certain gym areas (37.2% vs 23.4%), bring workout companions (23.3% vs 11.5%), and unfortunately, abandon gym attendance entirely (6.4% vs 4.4%). Men, however, were more likely to intervene when witnessing harassment (20.2% vs 12.4%).

These gender disparities clearly show that harassment creates more substantial barriers to fitness access for women, who more frequently modify their behaviour or withdraw from gym environments.

Preventative Measures: Gender Divides in Safety Preferences

The survey also asked respondents what measures gyms should implement to prevent harassment, revealing telling differences in the opinions and priorities between men and women:

While increased staff presence was the top priority for both genders, the most striking difference was around the support for women-only workout areas. Nearly twice as many women (60.9%) as men (33.3%) favoured this solution, highlighting significant concerns from women about mixed-gender workout spaces.

Women also showed stronger support for punitive measures against offenders (51.0% vs 47.8%), mandatory training (27.6% vs 22.5%), and staff diversity (18.2% vs 11.0%). These differences very likely shine a light on how harassment experiences shape different perceptions of effective safety measures.

The Value of Safety: Gender Perspectives on Cost

When asked how much extra they would be willing to pay for enhanced security measures and strict anti-harassment policies, both male and female participants were closely aligned:

The men and women asked overwhelmingly believed that safety measures should either be included in standard membership costs or available for a modest additional fee. While the gender differences were minor, slightly more women (42.9% vs 41.7%) felt safety should be a standard inclusion rather than an add-on service.

These figures suggest a cross-gender consensus that safety is viewed as a fundamental aspect of gym service rather than a premium feature, though women—who experience higher rates of harassment—were slightly more likely to hold this view, again, likely highlighting a frustration linked to prior experiences of harassment.

Implications for the Fitness Industry

While clearly impacting gym users’ experiences, this trend of harassment across the UK has significant implications for gym operators, particularly around the differences in the experiences of different genders.

1. Gender-Specific Strategies: The distinct harassment patterns and preferences between men and women suggest that one-size-fits-all approaches to gym safety may be ineffective. More targeted strategies that address gender-specific concerns would almost certainly lead to better experiences for users.
2. Women-Only Spaces: With 60.9% of women supporting women-only workout areas, gyms could see significant competitive advantage by offering dedicated spaces or women-only hours, particularly for operators targeting female membership growth.
3. Enhanced Member Experience: Addressing harassment concerns could significantly improve customer satisfaction and retention, especially among female members who demonstrate higher rates of gym avoidance and withdrawal due to harassment.
4. Staff Training on Gender Dynamics: The data highlights the need for staff training that specifically addresses gendered aspects of harassment, including recognising and responding to the different types of harassment predominantly experienced by each gender.
5. Financial Considerations: With similar percentages of men (58.3%) and women (57.1%) willing to pay extra for safety measures, there’s potential for gyms to recover costs associated with implementing enhanced security while addressing the concerns of both genders.

Since the survey respondents were from across the UK, the data clearly indicates that harassment in gyms is not an isolated problem but a widespread concern affecting member experience, with particularly pronounced impacts on women.

If operators are willing to implement appropriate preventative measures with an understanding of gender differences, fitness facilities can almost certainly create safer, more inclusive environments that allow all members to focus on the enormous benefits of health and fitness – without the fear or discomfort that so many users currently have to tolerate or work around.

Methodology: This survey collected responses from 1,000 UK gym-goers in January 2025, with a balanced gender distribution. Respondents were asked about their experiences with harassment in gym settings, responses to such incidents, and preferences for preventative measures. Gender-specific analysis was conducted to identify disparities in experiences and attitudes toward gym safety.