What Motivates Women to Exercise?

Published Dec. 11, 2010
AOL Patch
By Erin Kelly

Nancy Street works out at Curves, an all women’s gym, three to four times a week.

“If I don’t go, things slow down,” she said.

Street, who never gives her age to anyone, is one of several women that can be found at Curves in Easton each day and is part of the growing number of women hitting gyms locally and nationally.

But it wasn’t always that way for women.

Patricia Leavy, a Sociology professor at Stonehill College in Easton, Mass. said the reason why women never used to work out had to do with society’s view of femininity.

“I think American culture has closely associated femininity with being small, pretty, delicate and above all, not masculine. Therefore, anything that has been socially coded as masculine, such as working out, is viewed as socially unacceptable for women,” she said.

Women thought that working out made them unattractive, said Leavy.

While this view has changed, some women feel uncomfortable going to the gym and even working out. Leavy, the 2010 New England Sociologist of the Year, said it’s because there is a lack of comfort.

“Women are often judged based on their bodies, and are made to feel insecure about their bodies through media culture. As a result, many women feel uncomfortable in venues when their bodies might be judged.”

Street said when she was growing up few women worked out. That seems to be changing, as more and more women are trying to stay fit.

Studies show that even moderate weight training can increase a woman’s strength by 30 to 50 percent. Curves has found a way to get women motivated to work out.

Street, of Easton, a professor at Bridgewater State University for 35 years, would much rather be at Curves than any other gym.

“Other places are not as comfortable,” she said. “Here, a person can be as alone or as lively as they want to be,” she said.

Street admits that she goes to Curves not to lose weight. “I’m not one pound heavier or lighter than I was in 1992,” she said, “but Curves makes me stronger and gives me more energy.”

There seems to be many reasons, other than weight loss, as to why women are choosing to go to Curves.

“Here women can take advantage of a complete fitness program that adds a personal touch,” said Bonnie Arruda, owner of Curves in Easton.

Arruda has been the owner for four years, and credits the regimented circuit-training as a main reason for success.

“These women know the importance of exercise,” she said.

The structured, 30 minute total body circuit is equivalent to an hour and a half workout.

With music and 30 second intervals, women are constantly moving and strengthening different muscles, Arruda said. “It’s the perfect amount of time,” she adds.

The women’s only gym also creates a comfortable and intimate atmosphere, something most co-ed gyms cannot do. That’s the reason why Judy Marsh of Taunton goes.

Marsh used to work out at Curves in Raynham, until it closed down.

“When it was gone, you never saw a sadder group of women,” she said.

Marsh’s friend group consisted of all different people with various occupations, but because of Curves, they became “great friends” she said. “Curves was the one thing we all had in common.”

Marsh feels the same way in Easton. “There’s a great support system, and it not only helps me physically, but mentally too,” she said. In order to exercise, people have to be motivated, said Marsh.

“I really am,” she said.

Intimate and comfortable perfectly describe Curves in Easton.

It is very small compared to other facilities, with several types of equipment all in a circle. On certain days of the week, there is a “boot camp” which lasts an hour, and also something called “The Curvettes,” which incorporates dance with exercising. And the best part is that everybody knows everyone.

“I really like the exercises, music, and friendships,” said Judy Gorman, of Brockton.

Gorman goes to Curves three times a week, and said that she has seen more women going to gyms.

“I used to do aerobics 20 years ago, but now there’s so much more,” she said. “All women’s gyms make working out more comfortable, and great friendships do form," said Gorman.

Dana Klana of Easton also said the size of the facility is a factor. “Walking into a big gym is like walking into a bar,” she said, “I did my thing and left…the smaller the better.”

Klana, 63, was first a member of Curves, but then became the boot camp instructor six years ago. “I only wanted to go to all women gyms,” she said.

“I love to help people,” she said.

The strength training really benefits the whole body, and Klana is finding ways to keep women motivated.

“I don’t feel uncomfortable here at all,” said Klana. “I love it.”