Zest

Strengthening revolution sees women ‘match men’ in UK gym attendances

The numbers of women attending gyms has grown substantially in recent years. There are now almost as many UK women attending the gym as men (UK Active 2025). Some reports argue there are now more women than men, a claim borne out by the stats from our own gym here at Zest where we recorded 31% more female attendances than men in the previous 12 months.

What is clear is that all gyms now need to better cater for women. They need to listen and they need to deliver, because, at the end of the day, women want different things from their physical workouts than men.

Zest is proud to have been ahead of the curve and has had a gym dedicated to women for almost 10 years.  In fact, we’re celebrating our tenth anniversary in September with a Stronger for Longer message and a series of taster sessions dedicated to strengthening.

When it comes to the benefits women are looking for when attending the gym building strength and improving flexibility are right up there along with weight management, stress reduction and improved cardiovascular health.

Here’s a deeper dive into the benefits of strengthening exercises for women.

Strength building – the advantages for women

Yoga and Pilates classes have long been favourites with women looking to improve flexibility. Strength building exercises though have perhaps been more associated with men. Not anymore. There has been a huge development in interest from women wanting to lift weights. It’s not that women have suddenly become attracted to body building, although it would be remiss to discount those that have. No, the main reasons are the benefits, particularly for women, associated with strengthening.

Improved bone health

One example of how using weights has now been recognised as particularly helpful to women is how it can improve bone health and joints. This can be beneficial to women especially as they get older and approach menopause, when the body naturally produces lower levels of oestrogen.

Lower levels of oestrogen have been shown to weaken bones and muscles hindering regeneration and, in some cases, leading to osteoarthritis.

Strengthening and aerobic exercises have been shown to help mitigate the natural degradation of bones and muscles caused by lower oestrogen levels by improving bone strength. Resistance exercises such as lifting weights also helps to strengthen joints through the development of muscle and increases muscle definition and tone.

The Zest women’s only gym has its own fully equipped free weights section to help support strength building routines for women as well as a series of machines for resistance exercising.

Promotes mental health and wellbeing

But the benefits don’t stop there. Using the gym has been proven to improve mental health and wellbeing. Whether it’s lifting weights, working out on the cross trainer or treadmill or, attending fitness classes – workouts work. Endorphins released by exercise reduce stress levels which in turn improve a feeling of wellbeing and help ward off depression – which is another common condition associated with menopause.

Add to that the feeling of maintaining a healthy body weight will not only help guard against type 2 diabetes but leave you looking and feeling healthier.

Flushes and sweats

There is some evidence to show working out, whether with weights or aerobically, can alleviate the frequency and severity of flushes and sweats. An article in the North American Menopause Society found that low to medium intensity exercise helped improve body thermoregulatory function – basically helping regulate heat better.

However, intense exercise, especially if the body is not used to it can, in fact, trigger hot flushes.

Insomnia

In addition, a number of studies have found low intensity to moderate physical exercise can help aid a better night’s sleep, provided it’s at least two to three hours before bedtime. After that it can have a negative impact on your sleep pattern.

It’s clear strengthening exercises can certainly provide a number of health and wellbeing benefits to women. Combined with aerobic exercise the positive affects are increased.

Features and benefits of a Zest gym membership

Sign up to our one-year membership and take advantage of our free personalised fitness programme. You’ll also get a free introductory session with one of our qualified fitness instructors to get you moving in the right direction. Sometimes a professional nudge makes all the difference.

Here are some other features and benefits of Zest gym membership that might appeal to women looking for the perfect environment to work out:

• Our women only gym is fully separate from the mixed gym with its own toilet and changing room.
• It provides a motivating, non-intimidating, relaxed environment
• The Zest Centre was recently described as a safe and secure space according to 98% of visitors (Zest Customer Services Survey 2024)
• Despite our excellent safety record we’ve recently installed new panic alarms into the women only gym which adds an additional precaution
• Our women only gym is fully kitted out offering free weights and aerobic and resistance exercise machines. The free weights section has been recently launched as part of our gym renovation programme.
• Friendly and helpful professionally qualified staff (we have five qualified personal trainers, four are women)
• Choice of flexible memberships
• Free access to the mixed gym
• Free personalised six-week fitness programme for new members which includes a free session with one of our personal trainers. Conditional on signing up to a 12-month value direct debit or a one-year annual membership
• Nearby parking (public car park 50 metres from main entrance and plenty of on street parking near the building)
• Variety of class options – currently offering weekly pilates, yoga and senior fitness classes at £5.50 per class
• Easy access (for people with disabilities)
• Free access for carers when accompanying the person they are caring for
• Onsite swimming pool for swim and gym members. Alternatively, gym only members and anyone else can pay as you go
• Onsite café for a relaxing cuppa or a bite to eat after your workout

If you want to join our gym you can do it here Join our gym

Alternatively, pop along to the Zest Centre and enquire at reception. Our helpful staff will be able to advise and help you with any questions you might have.

We look forward to welcoming you.