We're not knocking unisex gyms — so many great ones are out there — but sometimes, a lady just wants to sweat it out with her fellow ladies. Female-only workout spaces breed a certain level of comfort and inspiration that others don't. For starters, you don't have to worry about being hit on or watched and you can go hard without a care in the world. Also, such spaces tend to cater more to feminine needs (i.e. bathrooms are stocked with feminine hygiene products, girly deodorants, hair ties, etc). Best of all, though? You're surrounded by like-minded women who encourage, inspire, and commend you — and that's motivating AF.
Image via PureBarre
The next time someone says you punch like a girl, you can say thank you. Jabz's hot pink gyms are filled with punching bags, kickboxing bags, punching mannequins (cleverly referred to as Bob), and a center "ring." The 16-circuit class utilizes all the above, plus ropes, tires, TRX, medicinal balls, bosu balls, a pull-up bar and weights at various stations, with cardio bursts between each. You'll feel kickass walking in and walking out. Currently, studios are available in Arizona, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Image via Jabz
PureBarre studios are technically open to both men and women, but seldom do you find a dude planking it out or doing graceful ballet moves at the barre. Given the workout — which focuses on toning legs, butt, arms, and abs via isometric movements — it's pretty clear the classes are targeted toward women. We'd describe it as a low-impact class that combines pilates, ballet, yoga, and strength training with some dance elements since you're moving to the beat of the music. You can find studios across the nation.
Image via PureBarre
This list would be remiss without Curves, which launched 30 years ago as one of the original nationwide, female-only gyms. Curves is known for their 30-minute circuit class, which incorporates strength training, cardio, and stretching, and has you working closely with a trainer. Over the years, it's expanded to offer additional classes, including high intensity cardio, high intensity boxing, lower intensity "body basics," and lower intensity balance. Over 4,000 gyms sprawl the US.
Image via @curvesofficial
If all you want is an open gym that caters to women, consider Shapes Fitness For Women your new go-to. It's set up like some of the big-name unisex gyms out there, which means you can create your own workouts and go at your own speed. That said, they do offer classes you can sign up for as well. Another bonus is that each club offers spa amenities, which makes post-sweat clean-up more convenient. Current locations include Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.
Image via @shapesfit