How to Avoid Guys Hitting on You at the Gym
You're three sets into your workout. You've got your playlist going, your form is dialed in, and you're finally in that flow state where everything clicks. Then you feel it—someone watching. Before you can finish your set, he's there.
"Hey, need a spot?"
You didn't ask for one. You're doing bicep curls.
"You come here often?"
And just like that, your focus evaporates. Your heart rate spikes, not from exertion, but from navigating the interaction without being rude, encouraging, or awkward. You give a polite smile, offer the shortest answer possible, and relocate. Again.
Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever felt like you need a strategy just to work out in peace, you’re not imagining it — and you’re definitely not alone.
The Uncomfortable Reality of Co-Ed Gyms
Here’s what a lot of women experience but rarely say out loud: A co-ed gym can feel less like a place to train and more like something you have to mentally prepare for.
You're not there to socialize. You're not there to be looked at, evaluated, or approached. You're there to move your body, build strength, and take care of yourself. But in many co-ed gym environments, that simple goal gets complicated by unwanted attention, lingering stares, unsolicited advice, and interruptions that derail your entire workout.
Research on women's experiences in fitness spaces consistently shows that a significant percentage of women report feeling uncomfortable, watched, or harassed in traditional gyms. One study published in the journal Sex Roles found that women frequently modify their behavior in co-ed gyms—avoiding certain exercises, wearing more clothing, or skipping the gym altogether—due to discomfort with male attention.
And here's what makes it even more frustrating: this isn't just happening organically. It's being actively encouraged.
The "Gym Pickup" Trend Making Everything Worse
If you've been on TikTok or scrolled through certain corners of the internet recently, you've probably seen it: an explosion of content from men teaching other men "how to approach women at the gym."
Videos with titles like:
"How to talk to her at the gym (without being creepy)"
"The best way to get her number at the gym"
"Gym pickup lines that actually work"
These videos rack up millions of views, with comment sections full of men hyping each other up to interrupt women mid-workout. The underlying message? The gym is a perfectly acceptable place to hit on women, as long as you follow these "tips."
Here's the problem: No matter how "respectful" the approach, you didn't go to the gym to be approached at all.
You're not standing at a bar with a drink in your hand, signaling availability. You're sweating through squats with your headphones in, clearly occupied. The context is fundamentally different, and yet women are expected to gracefully navigate these interruptions while also not being "rude" or "stuck up."
It's exhausting. And it shouldn't be your responsibility to manage.
The "Solutions" That Don't Actually Work
Over the years, women have been given plenty of advice for how to avoid unwanted attention at the gym:
"Just wear headphones."
You already do. Guys still tap you on the shoulder or wave in your face until you take them out.
"Avoid eye contact."
So now you're walking around the gym staring at the floor, hyper-aware of every man's position, making sure you don't accidentally make brief eye contact that someone might interpret as interest.
"Go at off-peak hours."
Great, so now your workout schedule is dictated by avoiding men instead of what actually works for your life. Plus, "off-peak" isn't always empty—and sometimes being one of the only women there makes you feel more visible, not less.
"Just be direct and say you're not interested."
Sure, because we all know that always goes smoothly and never results in defensiveness, anger, or being called names. Not to mention, you shouldn't have to reject someone just to finish your workout.
"Work out at home."
So the solution to men making gyms uncomfortable is for women to remove themselves from public fitness spaces entirely? That doesn't sound like a solution—it sounds like giving up your right to access quality equipment, expert guidance, and a dedicated workout environment.
Here's the truth: None of these are real solutions because they all put the burden on you to manage someone else's behavior.
You shouldn't have to strategize, modify your routine, or shrink yourself just to exercise in peace.
The Actual Solution: A Space Where This Isn't an Issue
What if you could walk into a gym and simply... work out?
No mental preparation for potential interactions. No adjusting your outfit to be "less noticeable." No calculating which machine is farthest from the free weight area. No interrupted sets, no hovering, no commentary on your form or your body.
That's exactly what a women-only gym provides.
It's not about hating men or avoiding all interactions—it's about creating a space where your only focus is your workout. Where you can wear whatever feels comfortable, lift as heavy as you want, try new exercises without feeling watched, and move through your routine without a single interruption that isn't related to actual fitness.
When you remove the variable of unwanted male attention, something shifts. Women report feeling:
More confident trying new exercises or heavier weights
More focused without the background anxiety of being observed
More comfortable in their bodies and workout clothes
More consistent because the gym stops feeling like a place they have to mentally gear up for
This isn't about segregation—it's about giving women the choice to work out in an environment designed entirely around their comfort, safety, and goals.
No Crowds, No Waiting, No Men
At Eden Fitness Studio, we've built exactly that space—in two powerful ways.
Our tagline isn't just catchy—it's a promise: No Crowds, No Waiting, No Men.
Our Private Women's Gym
Our Private Women's Gym in Lower Pacific Heights offers 24/7 reservation-based access, which means when you book your session, the space is yours. No navigating crowded equipment. No waiting for machines. No unwanted interactions. Just you, the equipment, and the freedom to focus entirely on your workout.
Our Personal Training Studio
If you prefer one-on-one guidance, our Personal Training Studio takes privacy even further. You work exclusively with expert female trainers, receive personalized attention, and have a program designed around your goals. It's the ultimate "no crowds, no waiting, no men" experience with the added benefit of professional coaching.
Whether you're working out independently or training with one of our expert female trainers, Eden provides:
State-of-the-art equipment without having to share or wait
A clean, serene environment designed for focus and empowerment
Complete privacy to work out at your own pace without eyes on you
Expert female trainers who understand women's bodies and goals
A judgment-free zone where your only competition is yesterday's version of yourself
You shouldn't have to choose between access to quality fitness facilities and peace of mind. At Eden, you get both.
What Changes When You Work Out in Peace
Here's what women tell us changes when they switch to a women-only gym environment:
"I finally tried deadlifts."
"I wear what I want."
"I don’t dread the gym anymore."
"My workouts are faster and better."
"I feel strong instead of watched."
When the mental load disappears, your potential shows up. This is what working out should feel like. Every single time.
You Deserve to Work Out in Peace
In a perfect world, every gym would be comfortable for women. Until that world exists, you have choices. And you don’t have to accept discomfort as part of fitness.
You deserve a space where:
Your workout is uninterrupted
Your strength isn’t commentary fodder
Your body isn’t public domain
Your focus is protected
Your comfort is the priority
That space exists. And when you're ready for it, we're here.
This article is meant to inform, inspire, and support your wellness journey, not to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your licensed healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fitness routine, especially if you're taking prescription medications. Read our full Terms & Conditions.
