Preserving women's-only spaces in gyms is important for a diverse community seeking wellness

When my youngest son was born, I struggled with postpartum depression. I had four children under six years old and was completely overwhelmed. I managed to feed, nurture and enjoy my kids even though it was complete chaos and they ate a lot of cheese pizza from the Little Caesar's across the street in those first few weeks. 

When my youngest was 10 months old, I decided to join a gym. I had always been active and I needed something for me in my life. I couldn't afford a spa day so my options were limited.

I decided to go to a club in my neighbourhood that was on top of a grocery store. They had an affordable childcare facility for clients and that meant my three younger kids would be looked after while I attended aerobics classes or lifted weights. It became such an essential part of my life and I made friends with other members and we were part of a beautiful community that encouraged each other. I avoided falling deep into depression because of this. I used to jump excitedly out of bed in the morning to get the kids ready and it put a massive pep in my step. I remember those days fondly. 

I even hired a personal trainer and was very successful at meeting my fitness goals. The best thing about this gym was that it was women's only. 

As a hijab-wearing woman, I could exercise safely and comfortably without my hijab on and in exercise clothes I preferred. Everyone can feel self-conscious when working out, but having a women's only space definitely put me at ease. 

There's a name for feeling insecure at a gym and it's called gymtimidation and the data tells us it is experienced by women more than men. 

A lot of women prefer women's only spaces to avoid "gymtimidation", sexual harassment or longer wait times for equipment.