Working out at a public gym can be a scary experience. in fact, According to the New York Post, half of Americans experience “gym fear” and are afraid to train with others in a gym environment. 17 percent experience intimidation, especially when exercising in front of members of the opposite sex.
Content creator while filming himself working out at the gym Maddy Levy When a man questioned her technique and destroyed her property, she inadvertently proved why many people, especially women, are afraid to go to the gym.
A man approaches Levy at the gym and tells her that it’s her fault that he has a “girl problem.”
As Levy was recording herself doing her “leg day warm-up,” a man who was also training at the gym approached her. “Hey, what are you doing?” he asked her without saying anything.
She answered, “Today is the day to warm your feet,” but he did not accept her answer. [expletive]” he said, towering over Ruby who was sitting on the ground. “You know what you’re doing.”
When Levy didn’t react, the man continued to beat her. “You realize you’re the one at fault for that girl,” he said, pointing at her.
“Are you referring to me?” Levy asked with a laugh, but her humor only seemed to annoy the man who demanded that she “keep this” and not come to “his gym.” [expletive] online. “
The fight escalated from there, and the man violently kicked Levy’s cell phone. She explains why she added an image of a cracked iPhone at the end of the video, captioning the video: “This is why 2024 is dangerous for women.”
The fitness industry is still run by men.
According to the survey, Sports Alliance and Women’s Fitness Association, 70% of the fitness industry is made up of men. Although there are women in leadership roles in the industry, 27% of them claimed that it is difficult for them to become a leader because of their gender or because they are often looked down upon. However, 7% of men’s girlfriends unsurprisingly denied this.
Stephanie Cohen, a postdoctoral researcher in geography, said: conducted research About how men and women perceive themselves in the gym. Many of the men in the study claimed to avoid certain equipment because they considered it “feminine.”
However, both men and women agreed that men take up more space in fitness areas. This is not because men believe that they are superior, but because, according to them, they feel that the environment is more masculine.
Ruvee’s video received mixed opinions from commenters.
Some questioned her exercise, which she claimed was a “pulse squat.” For these people, Levy showed the evidence that stretching exists and clarified that it is “actually beneficial” because it strengthens the muscles in the buttocks, thighs, and buttocks.
However, regardless of whether Ruvee exercises officially exist or not, no one should ever criticize others in the gym or destroy other people’s property. Lack of skill is never an excuse. She had the right to go to the gym, and she didn’t bother anyone until a guy got in her way.
She also questioned the women in the comment section who said Levy deserved to have her phone kicked.
“Do I deserve to be harassed in public because I was minding my own business in the corner of the gym?” she asked. “Is there a no-phone rule?” No, there isn’t. Was she on a tripod? Was I uncomfortable? No. Was I too loud? no. ”
“It’s really sad to see comments like, ‘I deserve something because I go to the gym and stretch,'” she added. “Men tend to get angry about what they can’t have.”
Both men and women often request “gender-specific” gyms.
It’s no secret that for years gym goers, especially women to a lesser extent men, have supported “gender-only” gyms, and it’s easy to see why. 1 study found Almost 71% of women admitted to experiencing an unpleasant interaction at the gym. More than 90% of women say they don’t like being stared at while working out, and nearly 80% of women say they don’t even want people talking to them when they’re at the gym. Many of these women admit that they have stopped going to the gym or changed their habits for this very reason.
While the existence of women-only gyms would seem ideal for dealing with harassment, surprisingly most states do not allow them. In 2022, connecticut supreme court The women-only gym was found to be in violation of state discrimination laws. The lawsuit was filed by two men who wanted access to two female-only gyms.
“While we respect the court’s decision, we are proud to be able to offer our members the active services of a women-only studio.” Statement from Edge Fitness — One of the gyms in question.
Ultimately, if everyone took care of themselves in the gym, there would be fewer problems and less need for separate spaces for men and women. You shouldn’t be harassed, questioned, or stared at when you’re simply trying to work out, but if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, talk to a staff member and prioritize your safety.
Lauren Reams is a writer for YourTango, covering entertainment and news.