Gym Operations

Creating a Women-Only Section: Design and Operations Guide

Women-only spaces can increase female membership by 40%. Learn how to design, market, and operate a successful women's section.

24 November 20249 min readBy WTF Powered Team

Why Women-Only Sections?

  • Reduces gym intimidation
  • Increases female enrollment
  • Premium pricing opportunity
  • Competitive differentiation

Space Planning

Minimum Size: 500-800 sq.ft Ideal Size: 1,000-1,500 sq.ft

Equipment Essentials:

  • 3-5 cardio machines
  • Cable machine (multi-functional)
  • Light dumbbells (2-15kg)
  • Functional training area
  • Stretching zone
  • Yoga mats

Design Considerations

Privacy:

  • Frosted glass or solid walls
  • Separate entrance if possible
  • No direct line of sight

Ambiance:

  • Softer lighting
  • Pleasant colors (not pink clichés)
  • Quality mirrors
  • Good ventilation

Amenities:

  • Private changing area
  • Clean washrooms
  • Hair dryers
  • Vanity mirrors

Staffing

Female Trainers Only:

  • Certified female trainers
  • Background verified
  • Customer service trained
  • Sensitive to needs

Timing:

  • Female staff during women's hours
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Adequate coverage

Programming

Popular Classes:

  • Zumba
  • Yoga
  • Aerobics
  • Pilates
  • Dance fitness
  • Strength for women

Special Programs:

  • Pregnancy fitness
  • Postpartum recovery
  • PCOS management
  • Menopause fitness

Pricing Options

Option 1: Premium Add-on

  • Regular membership + ₹500-1,000/month
  • Access to women's section

Option 2: Women's Only Membership

  • Separate pricing
  • Women's section + classes
  • Premium experience

Option 3: Time-Based Access

  • Women-only hours (mornings/evenings)
  • Same membership, dedicated time

Marketing to Women

Messages That Work:

  • "Your space, your pace"
  • "Judgment-free fitness"
  • "By women, for women"
  • "Safe and comfortable"

Channels:

  • Instagram (visual content)
  • Women's groups (society, office)
  • Referral from female members
  • Female influencers

What to Avoid:

  • Pink everything
  • Weight loss only messaging
  • Body shaming language
  • Male-gaze marketing

Operations

Rules:

  • Strict no-entry for males
  • ID verification if needed
  • Staff accountability
  • Clean environment

Maintenance:

  • Regular deep cleaning
  • Equipment upkeep
  • Hygiene supplies stocked
  • Pleasant fragrance

Common Concerns

"It's too small"

  • Quality over quantity
  • Less crowded, better experience
  • All essentials covered

"Same trainers as main gym"

  • Female trainers only
  • Better understanding of needs
  • Comfortable environment

Success Metrics

Track:

  • Female membership %
  • Women's section utilization
  • Class attendance
  • Retention rates (women)

Conclusion

A well-designed women's section can transform your gym's female membership. Invest in the space, staff it right, and market sensitively.

WTF Powered helps you manage zone-based access and track section-wise utilization.

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