For many women and girls, taking the first step into a gym can feel daunting. Whether it’s uncertainty around equipment, lack of confidence, or concerns about exercising in a busy environment, these barriers can make getting active feel harder than it should.
That’s why One You Cheshire East has the Women’s Only Gym Programme at Everybody Health & Leisure’s Macclesfield Central, creating a supportive, welcoming space where women can build confidence, improve their health and feel comfortable exercising at their own pace.
Despite growing participation in fitness activities, many women still experience barriers that affect how comfortable and confident they feel in gyms and leisure settings.
Women’s only sessions can help remove some of the pressures often associated with starting a fitness journey. Exercising in a female-only environment can reduce feelings of anxiety, increase confidence when trying new equipment, and encourage long-term participation in physical activity. Supportive environments have also been linked to improved self-esteem, stronger social connections and greater consistency with exercise habits.
Regular physical activity plays an important role in both physical and mental wellbeing, helping to improve fitness, health and overall quality of life. The NHS recommends regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle and highlights its benefits for both physical and mental health.
According to Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign, women’s participation in fitness activities has increased by 1.4 million since 2020/21. However, harassment and intimidation remain a reality for many women, affecting how they experience being active and contributing to the gender activity gap.
For many women, access to a welcoming female-only environment can help transform exercise from something that feels intimidating into something that feels achievable, enjoyable and sustainable.
The Women’s Only Gym Programme is available to eligible women aged 18 and over who would benefit from support in becoming more active.
The programme may be suitable if you:
• Feel anxious, unsure about what to do in the gym, or lack confidence when exercising.
• Are currently inactive and participate in less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week.
• Want guidance and support to start building healthier habits.
• Would feel more comfortable exercising in a female-only environment led by a female instructor.
The Women’s Only Gym Programme is available to eligible women aged 18 and over for anyone who would benefit from support in becoming active. Support is available through One You Cheshire East’s Active Lives programme and eligibility criteria applies.
Participants receive a personalised exercise programme from an Active Lives Coach during their induction and are supported throughout the programme to develop confidence using gym equipment and exercising independently.
Over the 12 weeks, you’ll learn how to:
• Use a variety of gym equipment safely and effectively.
• Follow a tailored exercise programme suited to your ability and goals.
• Build strength, improve mobility and increase overall fitness.
• Progress your exercise routine with ongoing support.
• Develop the confidence to make physical activity a regular part of your lifestyle.
Participants also have access to a wide range of equipment, including cable machines, free weights, cardio machines, resistance bands, kettlebells and more.
The Women’s Only Gym Programme aims to:
• Support women in building a healthier lifestyle.
• Boost confidence within a gym environment.
• Improve mobility, strength and overall fitness.
• Create a safe and welcoming space for women to exercise.
• Encourage meaningful connections with others who may be on a similar health and wellbeing journey.
• Help participants make sustainable, long-term changes that continue beyond the 12-week programme.
One You Cheshire East services are provided by Everybody Health & Leisure, supporting local people to make positive lifestyle changes and improve their health and wellbeing. The Women’s Only Gym Programme is one example of how we work to reduce barriers to physical activity and create opportunities for more people to move with confidence.
At Everybody Health & Leisure, we’re committed to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where everyone feels they belong. Whether you’re taking your first steps into fitness or returning after a break, you’ll be supported in an environment that encourages confidence, wellbeing and lifelong healthy habits.
