this post was submitted on 06 Jun 2026
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I've never been a fan of gyms myself and the number one and two things that scared me most when. I was started was me not knowing what I was doing, and the stares from guys because I'm the only woman in the weights section. After a while, you get in the mindset of not giving a flying F about anyone else because some of them really have no clue either.
That being said, I have not tried a women-only gym myself, but I have a friend who's in her 50s that goes regularly and enjoys it a lot. She did say that you have to book in early for classes or they fill up quickly. For me, it's been a cost thing. I don't really know why it costs more for women-only.
I think it is worth also to try different gyms (take advantage of free trials. Lots of big name gyms are franchises so you can do a free trial at each one). I've got a Snap Fitness membership and all of the Snap gyms I've been to have different clientele. FWIW, I've been to both regional and metro gyms during quiet and peak times, and it makes a difference. 2PM seems to have the male tradies in, whereas morning and lunch are more women. After 5PM is mixed bag.
Finding a trainer that suits you and understands your needs is really important. I think having one at all helps you build your confidence and teaches you right techniques. I think of them like a psychologist or GP: It might take a while to find the right one, but when you do, it'll be great. Definitely ask if they have free trials, too.
You could also considering getting some weights and doing some gym stuff at home?
Sorry for all the info, it might be more than what you're looking for, but when I started, I was so nervous, too. I wish I had someone to explain everything to me.
Gosh, don’t be sorry about too much info, no such thing, and I asked after all! I do have some weights at home and I downloaded the app Caliber to help me figure out what to do. I just have to hold myself to it. Interesting what you say about different branches of the same gym having different clientele and also the time of day. I am lucky in that I work part-time, from home and with a lot of flexibility (kinda… lots of evening meetings) so I could go in the morning.
There is definitely a woman-tax on things beyond the stuff we know about like tampons!
Then I'm happy to provide some advice :) (More info helps with the anxiety. I speak from experience 🙋🏻♀️)
Yup, exercise is about discipline. To see results, you have to show up for yourself, because it's you who will benefit from you pushing yourself to do it even on the days you'd rather be on the couch.
I've not heard of Caliber, but keep trying different apps to see which one works best. You can also do body weights, if it starts to cost too much to get equipment. You can also use household things, too! When I first moved to Australia from Vancouver, what did I have? A 5kg bag of rice. I had a friend who squatted with a house plant. Use house things to your advantage!
I would record your sets and reps (8 dumbbell curls using 8kg weights, repeat 3 times; 10 kettle bell squats using 2kg weight, repeat 3 times; etc.) or download an app. I use an app called FitNotes. It's no frills, no ads, no permissions, just basic workout tracking.
You start with, what you're comfortable with, and move up in weights and reps. It is so satisfying to see the progress. Remember - progress is progress no matter how slow and small. If you slide back, it's normal. You'll have good days and bad days. You get sick, you slide back a bit, but your body has muscle memory and it'll bounce back.
Re gym: I've also got a very flexible part time job as well, so I go around 11AM-12PM. There seems to be a bit of a lull around then and just before lunch, but find a gym that is close so you've no excuses.
I think the women-tax thing for gyms is that many women seem to tend to like to do classes rather than be in the gym (I used to do lots of classes for two years, and 95% of the customers were women).. So the fee will often include all of the classes. They may also have lockers, showers, sauna, hot tub, plunge pools, etc. Research what you want and what you need.
Also, not sure where you live, but in certain parts of the world, there's something called a Class Pass. It's a pass that gets you whatever classes you want across the city with whatever gym/studio is signed up. You pay for credits and you can try different classes (pilates, boxing, kickboxing, cycle, crossfit, F45, etc.). It's not cheap cheap, but it'd be something to at least explore what you like if the standard gym isn't your thing. Might be worth looking in to!