Approximately 88% of Women Find 'Women-Only' Exercise Facilities Appealing; 'Location (Accessibility)' Tops the List of Important Conditions

What Points Do Women Emphasize When Choosing an Exercise Facility? "I want to start exercising, but I'm concerned about men's attention." "I want to join a gym, but I don't know what criteria to use to choose one." Many women may face these concerns. With a growing health consciousness, the number of women interested in gyms and fitness studios is increasing year by year. However, the conditions for choosing one, such as fees, location, atmosphere, equipment, and programs, are quite varied. In recent years, attention has been growing towards environments where women can feel at ease, such as women-only fitness studios and machine Pilates studios. Therefore, this time, in collaboration with the women-only machine Pilates studio 'the SILK,' we conducted a survey on "Conditions Women Seek in Exercise Facilities/Studios" targeting 69 women nationwide who had previously indicated they have been to or considered joining a gym or fitness studio.

55.1% Prioritize 'Location (Accessibility)' When Choosing an Exercise Facility First, we asked what conditions they would prioritize when choosing an exercise facility. The most common answer was 'Location (accessibility)' at 55.1%. This was followed by 'Price' at 24.6%, and 'Atmosphere' and 'Cleanliness' both at 4.3%. More than half prioritize 'accessibility,' indicating that the ability to continue exercising is largely dependent on the distance from home or work. Reasons cited included, "It becomes a hassle if the place is hard to get to," "It's easier if it's nearby," and "I won't continue if it's difficult to commute to." Those who prioritized price mentioned, "Cheaper is better," and "I want to avoid a financial burden." There were also voices emphasizing atmosphere and cleanliness, with a common theme being "whether I can continue without overexerting myself." Since consistency is key for an exercise habit, accessibility and the comfort of the space are important decision-making factors.

88.4% Find 'Women-Only' Exercise Facilities Appealing Next, we asked if they find 'women-only' exercise facilities appealing. 36.2% found them 'very appealing' and 52.2% found them 'somewhat appealing,' totaling 88.4% of women who are attracted to 'women-only' facilities. Reasons for the appeal included, "I don't have to worry about others' gazes," "I don't have to be concerned even in light clothing," "I feel secure in terms of changing rooms and security," and "I can move freely without worrying about male attention." These comments suggest a strong need to "concentrate on exercise without being self-conscious." Some also feel that being among other women makes it easier to receive guidance tailored to their physical strength and body concerns.

60.9% Consider 'Visiting Empty-Handed' and 'Good Rentals/Amenities' as Important Conditions Finally, we asked about the importance of being able to 'visit empty-handed' and having '充実したレンタルやアメニティ (extensive rentals and amenities).' 14.5% considered it 'very important' and 46.4% 'somewhat important,' for a total of 60.9% of women who find this condition important. Reasons for its importance included, "I can drop by on my way back from somewhere," "I can easily go after work," and "It reduces the amount of luggage I have to carry." For those who want to visit on their way home from work or an outing, not having to carry workout clothes and towels contributes to the ease of attendance.

Summary This survey revealed that 55.1% of women prioritize 'location (accessibility)' when choosing an exercise facility. Additionally, 88.4% of women are attracted to 'women-only' facilities, indicating a high demand for an environment where they can concentrate on exercise with peace of mind. Furthermore, 60.9% rated the condition of being able to 'visit empty-handed' as important. These results show an expectation for an environment that allows for sustainable, hassle-free continuation. For exercises like Pilates that require continuous practice to condition the body, factors like accessibility, facility atmosphere, and a sense of security can determine one's ability to stick with it. Choosing a facility that is easy to get to from home or work and where one can relax is the first step in building a healthy habit.