Across India, women are adjusting their routines to feel safe while working out, exposing the deeper reality behind a booming gym culture.
“Like anywhere, I’m definitely hyper-aware of my clothes, the looks, and the surroundings,” said Saraswathi Anand, a Bengaluru-based media professional and powerlifter, speaking to indianexpress.com. Fitness culture is booming in India, and many women are stepping out of their comfort zones to pursue health and strength.
But it’s not just about physical goals. Even today, many women perform a parallel, invisible workout — the constant mental calculations required to ensure their safety in gym spaces. From choosing specific workout times to adjusting attire, women’s fitness journeys are shaped by concerns their male counterparts rarely consider.
According to a BBC report, “recent research found 25 per cent of 400 women surveyed had experienced an ‘uncomfortable interaction’ at the gym, like staring or inappropriate comments.” The situation is not very different in India. Earlier this year, Gautam Buddh Nagar’s administration in Noida introduced a mandate requiring all gyms, pools, and yoga centres in the district to employ more female trainers.
Source: The Indian Express