The gym, a symbol of vitality and surpassing oneself, does not always rhyme with comfort and freedom. According to a study carried out in August 2025 among 2,000 French women, 1,262 of whom practice or have practiced an indoor activity, this universe supposed to embody well-being often remains perceived as a space of observation and judgment. Léa Paolacci, research manager at FLASHS, summarizes this duality: “The gym spontaneously evokes health, vitality and self-confidence. However, this survey shows that it is not just a place of personal surpassing“.
When well-being collides with performance
The study reveals that nearly two out of three women have already had a gym membership. For the majority of women, the main motivations remain improving physical condition, losing weight and the need to take some time for themselves. Among those under 35, weight loss even becomes a dominant objective.
But if the room attracts, it also repels. Cost remains the primary obstacle for 49% of women who have stopped or given up the subscription, followed by fatigue and lack of time.
Added to this is a more intimate dimension, because behind the desire to feel better lies a diffuse social pressure. “Between the well-being sought and the pressure felt, women often oscillate between the pleasure of taking time for themselves and vigilance in the face of others’ gaze.“, explains Léa Paolacci. And the figures confirm it: 15% mention discomfort linked to the gaze of others, a feeling which rises to 26% among 18-24 year olds. This mixture of motivation and discomfort illustrates what Paolacci describes as “the coexistence of two logics: that of care and that of performance“.
A place under social surveillance
The sports space is not neutral. Only 42% of women surveyed consider the room welcoming, while 30% perceive it as intimidating or hostile – a figure that rises to 37% among younger people. Nearly half say they are in favor of creating spaces reserved for women, reflecting a need for safer places. The male gaze, in particular, remains a source of embarrassment for many: six out of ten women say that the gaze of others has already weighed on their practice. For 27%, it is mainly the view of men. In response, almost half avoid busy times, 33% choose loose clothing and 32% isolate themselves behind their headphones.
This visual and social pressure sometimes goes beyond simple discomfort. In this space supposed to liberate, “many still say they feel observed, judged, even forced to adopt certain codes — even to the point of wearing makeup or choosing strategic clothing“. According to the study, a quarter of women say they have already felt obliged to wear makeup or get ready to go to the gym, and 7% do it systematically.
When embarrassment turns into sexism
The observation becomes even more worrying when we talk about inappropriate behavior. 58% of women surveyed say they have already experienced at least one situation of this type. Among them, 40% reported infantilizing attitudes, such as remarks such as “You are strong for a girl“, condescending nicknames such as “princess” Or “my beautiful“, or even unsolicited corrections.
Others denounce intrusive behavior: more than 30% report insistent stares, 12% unasked for advice, and around 10% report insistent flirting or the feeling of being followed. Finally, 16% mention attacks on their physical integrity or their private life: photos taken without consent, unwanted physical contact, or insecurity in changing rooms and showers.
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These figures reflect a persistent tension in a place supposed to be synonymous with development. As Léa Paolacci summarizes, “The gym is ultimately a mirror of our times, where well-being is combined with self-presentation, and where the intention to feel better can sometimes clash with the pressure to be seen.“.