A new women-only gym, EmpowerFit, just opened its door in early 2025 to offer the chance for women to exercise freely without feeling the pressure of a co-ed environment in Riverton, a small town with a troubled past. Complete with frosted windows and keycard entry, the space offered a strict no-men policy and almost immediately found loyal customers among local women. In doing so, however, it has sparked a heated debate over issues of gendered spaces, fairness, and the contemporary functions of gyms in society. Is EmpowerFit the progressive step toward inclusivity and safety, or a throwback to discrimination and segregation? The broader possibilities of the shared concerns about gender, privacy, and equity that were triggered by the discussion reverberate in a world still grappling with these issues.
EmpowerFit’s founders, sisters Jenna and Mia Carter, say the gym was born out of personal experience. “We’ve both felt uncomfortable in traditional gyms,” Jenna explained in a local interview. “The staring, the unsolicited advice, the sense that you’re being judged—it’s exhausting. We wanted a space where women could lift, sweat, and grow without that baggage.” The gym offers state-of-the-art equipment, women-led fitness classes, and even free menstrual products in the restrooms.
The good things about EmpowerFit are numerous. Even among women, the appeal to its members for the EmpowerFit gym is safety and comfort. Gyms usually project an overwhelming impression, especially to newcomers. The weights room, usually controlled by menmen, can often come off as a no-go zone, with stories of 'mansplaining' or outright ogling being found common on social media platforms. According to a 2023 survey by Fitness Today, as many as 62% of women reported having faced different kinds of unwanted attention in co-ed gyms, ranging from lingering stares to inappropriate comments. For these women, it is not merely a nuisance, but a great hindrance to staying active. Religious and cultural concerns play a role as well. Let's say that coming from communities, modesty is of great importance: Certain Muslim or Orthodox Jews find it impossible to satisfy their beliefs in co-ed gyms. EmpowerFit’s policy of notifying members when male maintenance staff will be present has been a game-changer for these women, allowing them to exercise without compromising their values. “I used to skip workouts because I couldn’t find a time that felt private,” said Amina Hassan, a Riverton resident. “Now I don’t have to choose between my faith and my health.”
Then there’s the psychological boost. Without the perceived pressure of male gazes, many women say they’re more willing to experiment with heavy weights or try new moves. “I used to stick to the treadmill because I didn’t want to look silly struggling with a barbell,” admitted Lopez. “Here, I’m deadlifting 150 pounds and loving it.” Advocates argue that this empowerment aligns with broader feminist goals, creating a space where women can thrive on their own terms.
The Backlash: Is It Fair to Exclude?
Not everyone is cheering. Within weeks of EmpowerFit’s opening, a group of local men launched a petition calling the gym “sexist” and “discriminatory.” “If a men-only gym opened, there’d be outrage,” said petitioner Ryan Keller, a Riverton mechanic.“Equality means that by all accounts, everyone ought to be given the same privileges, with no special privileges given to one faction.” The petition—now with more than 500 signatures claims Men’s exclusion from such programs is unfair and could encourage other genders to demand protection from the privileges of some. Legal questions have also arisen; in the U.S., private businesspeople may create their own rules, but the laws on Public accommodations, one such law being Connecticut’s, which in 2022 abolished women-only areas at the gym, bar discrimination against a particular sex under certain conditions. EmpowerFit, being a private entity, likely won't fall under these regulations, but critics point out cases like the 2014 Masterpiece Cakeshop ruling, where the business's right to refuse service clashed with anti-discrimination principles. “If they can exclude men, what stops a gym from excluding women, or anyone else, for any reason?” asked Keller.
Online, the debate has exploded. On X, posts about EmpowerFit range from “Finally, a place where I don’t feel like prey” to “This is just reverse sexism dressed up as progress.” Some men argue they, too, face gym-related discomfort—being judged for their size or strength but no one’s rushing to build men-only spaces. Others question the logistics: if women need a separate gym, why not separate hours or sections in existing ones? The backlash has even drawn ire from women who prefer co-ed settings, with one X user writing, “I like working out with guys. It pushes me harder. Don’t assume we all want this.”
A Generational Divide:
Interestingly, the debate reveals a generational split. A 2024 Newsweek poll found that over half of Gen Z (ages 18-27) supports gender-segregated gym spaces, compared to just 14% of Baby Boomers. Younger people, especially women, cite safety and anxiety as drivers. TikTok is awash with Gen Zers praising women-only gyms, with creators like @senora_alma calling them “a dream.” Meanwhile, older generations often see the trend as unnecessary, echoing sentiments from a 2016 Guardian piece that framed women-only spaces as a reluctant response to male privilege, not a privilege in themselves.This divide hints at shifting cultural norms. Gen Z, raised on social media and hyper-aware of gender dynamics, seems more open to carving out tailored spaces. Older adults, shaped by decades of pushing for integration, may view separation as a step back. “I fought for women to be in every room, not to have our own,” said Linda Hayes, a 65-year-old Riverton retiree. “But I get why the young ones feel differently.”
The Broader Context: Gender and Public Spaces:
EmpowerFit’s controversy taps into a larger conversation about how public and private spaces accommodate gender. From bathrooms to locker rooms, society has long grappled with balancing inclusion, privacy, and fairness. The rise of transgender and non-binary identities adds complexity EmpowerFit welcomes trans women but not non-binary individuals assigned male at birth, a policy some call inconsistent. “If it’s about safety, why not include everyone who feels vulnerable?” asked Riley Chen, a non-binary Riverton resident.
Legal precedents offer mixed guidance. The Connecticut Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling against women-only gym areas emphasized equality over privacy exceptions, warning that such carve-outs could harm marginalized groups, including trans people. Yet religious groups and women’s advocates argue that blanket bans on gender-specific spaces ignore real needs, a tension the court left for lawmakers to resolve.
What’s Next for EmpowerFit and the Debate?
As EmpowerFit thrives, with membership doubling in its first month, the Carters are unfazed by the backlash. “We’re not here to solve every problem,” Mia said. “We’re here for the women who need this.” Plans for a second location are already underway, suggesting the model has legs. But the debate it’s sparked isn’t going away. Riverton’s town council is now fielding proposals for co-ed gym reforms, like stricter harassment policies or women-only hours, to bridge the gap.
Beyond Riverton, EmpowerFit reflects a broader question: how do we create spaces that feel safe and fair for everyone? Some see women-only gyms as a temporary fix to a cultural problem male behavior that makes shared spaces unwelcoming. Others view them as a permanent option, a niche in a fitness industry increasingly driven by personalization. “Maybe the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all,” suggested Chen. “Maybe it’s about choice.”
For now, EmpowerFit stands as both a sanctuary and a symbol, a small gym in a small town that’s forced us to rethink big ideas. Whether it’s a triumph of empowerment or a flashpoint for division, it’s clear the gender space debate is far from over. As society evolves, so too will the places we carve out within it sweaty, contentious, and all.
EmpowerFit’s founders, sisters Jenna and Mia Carter, say the gym was born out of personal experience. “We’ve both felt uncomfortable in traditional gyms,” Jenna explained in a local interview. “The staring, the unsolicited advice, the sense that you’re being judged—it’s exhausting. We wanted a space where women could lift, sweat, and grow without that baggage.” The gym offers state-of-the-art equipment, women-led fitness classes, and even free menstrual products in the restrooms.
The good things about EmpowerFit are numerous. Even among women, the appeal to its members for the EmpowerFit gym is safety and comfort. Gyms usually project an overwhelming impression, especially to newcomers. The weights room, usually controlled by menmen, can often come off as a no-go zone, with stories of 'mansplaining' or outright ogling being found common on social media platforms. According to a 2023 survey by Fitness Today, as many as 62% of women reported having faced different kinds of unwanted attention in co-ed gyms, ranging from lingering stares to inappropriate comments. For these women, it is not merely a nuisance, but a great hindrance to staying active. Religious and cultural concerns play a role as well. Let's say that coming from communities, modesty is of great importance: Certain Muslim or Orthodox Jews find it impossible to satisfy their beliefs in co-ed gyms. EmpowerFit’s policy of notifying members when male maintenance staff will be present has been a game-changer for these women, allowing them to exercise without compromising their values. “I used to skip workouts because I couldn’t find a time that felt private,” said Amina Hassan, a Riverton resident. “Now I don’t have to choose between my faith and my health.”
Then there’s the psychological boost. Without the perceived pressure of male gazes, many women say they’re more willing to experiment with heavy weights or try new moves. “I used to stick to the treadmill because I didn’t want to look silly struggling with a barbell,” admitted Lopez. “Here, I’m deadlifting 150 pounds and loving it.” Advocates argue that this empowerment aligns with broader feminist goals, creating a space where women can thrive on their own terms.
The Backlash: Is It Fair to Exclude?
Not everyone is cheering. Within weeks of EmpowerFit’s opening, a group of local men launched a petition calling the gym “sexist” and “discriminatory.” “If a men-only gym opened, there’d be outrage,” said petitioner Ryan Keller, a Riverton mechanic.“Equality means that by all accounts, everyone ought to be given the same privileges, with no special privileges given to one faction.” The petition—now with more than 500 signatures claims Men’s exclusion from such programs is unfair and could encourage other genders to demand protection from the privileges of some. Legal questions have also arisen; in the U.S., private businesspeople may create their own rules, but the laws on Public accommodations, one such law being Connecticut’s, which in 2022 abolished women-only areas at the gym, bar discrimination against a particular sex under certain conditions. EmpowerFit, being a private entity, likely won't fall under these regulations, but critics point out cases like the 2014 Masterpiece Cakeshop ruling, where the business's right to refuse service clashed with anti-discrimination principles. “If they can exclude men, what stops a gym from excluding women, or anyone else, for any reason?” asked Keller.
Online, the debate has exploded. On X, posts about EmpowerFit range from “Finally, a place where I don’t feel like prey” to “This is just reverse sexism dressed up as progress.” Some men argue they, too, face gym-related discomfort—being judged for their size or strength but no one’s rushing to build men-only spaces. Others question the logistics: if women need a separate gym, why not separate hours or sections in existing ones? The backlash has even drawn ire from women who prefer co-ed settings, with one X user writing, “I like working out with guys. It pushes me harder. Don’t assume we all want this.”
A Generational Divide:
Interestingly, the debate reveals a generational split. A 2024 Newsweek poll found that over half of Gen Z (ages 18-27) supports gender-segregated gym spaces, compared to just 14% of Baby Boomers. Younger people, especially women, cite safety and anxiety as drivers. TikTok is awash with Gen Zers praising women-only gyms, with creators like @senora_alma calling them “a dream.” Meanwhile, older generations often see the trend as unnecessary, echoing sentiments from a 2016 Guardian piece that framed women-only spaces as a reluctant response to male privilege, not a privilege in themselves.This divide hints at shifting cultural norms. Gen Z, raised on social media and hyper-aware of gender dynamics, seems more open to carving out tailored spaces. Older adults, shaped by decades of pushing for integration, may view separation as a step back. “I fought for women to be in every room, not to have our own,” said Linda Hayes, a 65-year-old Riverton retiree. “But I get why the young ones feel differently.”
The Broader Context: Gender and Public Spaces:
EmpowerFit’s controversy taps into a larger conversation about how public and private spaces accommodate gender. From bathrooms to locker rooms, society has long grappled with balancing inclusion, privacy, and fairness. The rise of transgender and non-binary identities adds complexity EmpowerFit welcomes trans women but not non-binary individuals assigned male at birth, a policy some call inconsistent. “If it’s about safety, why not include everyone who feels vulnerable?” asked Riley Chen, a non-binary Riverton resident.
Legal precedents offer mixed guidance. The Connecticut Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling against women-only gym areas emphasized equality over privacy exceptions, warning that such carve-outs could harm marginalized groups, including trans people. Yet religious groups and women’s advocates argue that blanket bans on gender-specific spaces ignore real needs, a tension the court left for lawmakers to resolve.
What’s Next for EmpowerFit and the Debate?
As EmpowerFit thrives, with membership doubling in its first month, the Carters are unfazed by the backlash. “We’re not here to solve every problem,” Mia said. “We’re here for the women who need this.” Plans for a second location are already underway, suggesting the model has legs. But the debate it’s sparked isn’t going away. Riverton’s town council is now fielding proposals for co-ed gym reforms, like stricter harassment policies or women-only hours, to bridge the gap.
Beyond Riverton, EmpowerFit reflects a broader question: how do we create spaces that feel safe and fair for everyone? Some see women-only gyms as a temporary fix to a cultural problem male behavior that makes shared spaces unwelcoming. Others view them as a permanent option, a niche in a fitness industry increasingly driven by personalization. “Maybe the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all,” suggested Chen. “Maybe it’s about choice.”
For now, EmpowerFit stands as both a sanctuary and a symbol, a small gym in a small town that’s forced us to rethink big ideas. Whether it’s a triumph of empowerment or a flashpoint for division, it’s clear the gender space debate is far from over. As society evolves, so too will the places we carve out within it sweaty, contentious, and all.
