Conclusion & Sources
Following the completion of a multitude of research methods, it became clear that there are viable solutions to the problem at hand: What role do gender related discomforts play in comfortability in co-ed, college fitness settings and how can spatial allocation, acoustics, and other design elements be utilized to eliminate these barriers?
Based on the combination and comparison of the survey results & Literature Review findings, gender appears to be very relevant in the discussion of fitness which acts as necessary validation of the focus on gender as a priority. Beyond this, design elements have great capability in improving comfortability within fitness spaces. A natural desire to seek individual comfort is clearly present which is why the incorporation of solutions to aid discomfort are key.
Making the fitness process as simple as possible presents itself as an unavoidable step in fostering a comfortable environment for its users. Solutions both physical and digital work together to provide as many opportunities for comfort as possible. Digital platforms are able to present access to wellness instruction and guidance from the comfort of a user's home.
Physical interventions such as added acoustical elements, a reduction in direct sightlines, as well as creating a balance between desired equipment and equipment that goes unutilized are put into place to create elements of comfort. By combatting Evaluation, Comparison, and Ineptitude, fitness spaces are able to be made into environments that are welcoming and comfortable.
Sources
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Bohn, Katie. “Researchers Study Strength-Training Gender Gap, Possible Solutions.” Penn State University, Penn State News, https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/researchers-study-strength-training-gender-gap-possible-solutions/.
Department of Health & Human Services. “Menstruation – Amenorrhoea.” Better Health Channel, Department of Health & Human Services, 26 Apr. 2001, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menstruation-amenorrhoea#causes-of-primary-amenorrhoea.
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Nikolajsen, Helene, et al. “Barriers to, and Facilitators of, Exercising in Fitness Centres among Adults with and without Physical Disabilities: A Scoping Review.” MDPI, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 9 July 2021, https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/14/7341.
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Salvatore, Jessica, and Jeanne Marecek. “Gender in the Gym: Evaluation Concerns as Barriers to Women's Weight Lifting - Sex Roles.” SpringerLink, Springer US, 29 July 2010, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11199-010-9800-8.
Segar, Michelle, et al. “Fitting Fitness into Women's Lives: Effects of a Gender-Tailored Physical Activity Intervention.” Women's Health Issues : Official Publication of the Jacobs Institute of Women's Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2002, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2578875/.
The Servicescape in the Fitness Center: Measuring Fitness Center’s Services. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kyoung-Kim-23/publication/303355152_The_Servicescape_in_the_Fitness_Center_Measuring_Fitness_Center/The-Servicescape-in-the-Fitness-Centers.
“Social Physique Anxiety and Physical Activity Behaviour of Male and Female Exercisers.” Taylor & Francis, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17461391.2017.1417485.
Staff, Science X. “Study Explores How Gender Defines the Gym.” Phys.org, Phys.org, 1 Dec. 2017, https://phys.org/news/2017-12-explores-gender-gym.html.