Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Jul 16: A 36-year-old woman in the UK has sparked a heated online debate after revealing that her gym introduced a controversial policy restricting women over the age of 24 from using the facility during peak hours.
The woman, who shared her experience anonymously on the popular UK-based forum Mumsnet.com, posted a screenshot of an email from her gym announcing that the “Ladies Gym” section would be reserved exclusively for females aged 12 to 24 between 4 pm and 7 pm, Monday to Friday.
The email cited feedback from younger female members, stating the move was meant to create a “dedicated, comfortable space” during after-school and early evening hours. It added that the ladies' gym would remain open to all female members outside of those hours.
Reacting to the sudden policy change, the woman expressed frustration, stating that she had specifically joined the gym because it offered ladies-only access until 7 pm — a key factor in managing her fitness routine. She said she now plans to cancel her membership.
"But this is ridiculous, right?" she questioned in her post titled "Am I being unreasonable to think this is unfair?"
Her post quickly went viral, drawing outrage and disbelief from users online. “That’s absolutely ridiculous! Why discriminate by age?” commented one user. Another called it “wild,” adding that such a rule might make sense occasionally, but restricting older women for three hours daily was excessive.
Some speculated that the gym might be catering to social media influencers or younger clientele to enhance its image. Others questioned whether the change was aimed at protecting younger women from harassment, though no official reason beyond ‘member feedback’ was provided.
One commenter wrote, “Is it because that age group can’t exercise at the same time as men without being hit on?” while another noted, “Sounds like someone in charge wants to turn the gym into a trendy youth zone.”
The policy has raised broader concerns about age discrimination and inclusivity in women-only fitness spaces. The gym has yet to issue a public statement in response to the backlash.