Introduction to Women’s Fitness Communities
The benefits of participating in group fitness activities, such as fitness classes or recreational sports, can have positive effects on physical and mental health. However, many women still face barriers to regular exercise.
Barriers to Women’s Fitness
Issues such as fighting for space, safety, and finding socially acceptable exercise clothing make going to the gym a daunting prospect for many women across East Africa. In response to these challenges, women are taking initiative to create their own fitness communities.
FitcliqueAfrica: A Women-Only Gym
Mildred Apenyo founded FitcliqueAfrica, a women-only gym that is the first of its kind in Uganda. Her Kampala-based startup focuses on women’s overall wellness and safety rather than achieving the "ideal body." The gym offers classes ranging from strength training to African yoga to self-defense workshops.
Sisters In Sweat: Empowering Women Through Sports
Swetha Subbiah co-founded Sisters In Sweat in Bangalore in 2017 with the aim of addressing the worrying percentage of women in India who drop out of sports after school or college. The organization wants to ensure that women have a platform to participate and enjoy a sport in a community of like-minded people, as the landscape of organized recreational sports for women in India is virtually non-existent.
The Importance of Women’s Fitness Communities
These grassroots fitness communities are crucial in promoting physical and mental health among women. By providing a safe and supportive environment, they empower women to take control of their health and well-being. The success of these initiatives highlights the need for more women-only fitness communities and the positive impact they can have on women’s lives.
