Ladies Gym Night: The Origins and Impact of a Women-Only Night at the Fitness Center

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Girls just wanna have guns! Ladies, come out to the gym the first Friday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. or 7 to 8 p.m. Photo by Mary Cavanna.

You decide to start going to the gym after your last class of the day. It’s Wednesday at 3 p.m.. You walk in to hear the thundering crash of weights collapsing onto deadlift platforms and see the bustling crowd of students spreading to every corner. 

In spite of all the noise and the hustle, every student is locked into their own individual way of training. If this is a new experience for you and you show up by yourself, there is only one conclusion left to draw: this is not for me.

While this is not a problem that impacts the University of Dallas uniquely, it is one that Junior Theology major Angela Vu and Senior English major Rosie McGill set out to remedy for the women of UD. 

“I know a lot of gals that would love to get into fitness, but they find the gym intimidating. A lot of women tell me that they would prefer to workout in a space with only women. I figured that there was a need for a ladies night in the gym, so I wanted to make it happen for them!” said Vu, who was inspired to start the program after hearing of a “Ladies Night” sponsored by the Office of Student Life during her Rome semester.

The first iteration of the program took shape as a one-hour guided workout, planned by Vu and campus minister Shelby Ponikiewski, with an option to take advantage of the rest of the gym during that time. 

It also served as a way for newcomers to learn different exercises and how to use certain equipment.

The program has since expanded to include one “Ladies Gym Night” on the first Friday of every month from 6-7 or 7-8 p.m., led by McGill. “These ladies nights will simply be an open gym and there will not be a guided workout; it is just a time for women to workout comfortably with other women,” said Vu.

The ultimate motive of the program isn’t to exclude men, but instead to foster a community among women that encourages health and fitness as a complement to one’s best self. 

“The intention of ladies night is not because women hate when men workout in the gym, or even to restrict the accessibility to do so; rather, it is just a time that allows for women to comfortably figure out this part of their fitness [and] health journey, to feel more confident [and] secure in their capabilities, and to not feel embarrassed about not knowing everything about fitness, equipment, etc.” said Vu.

The Ladies Gym Night program is a great way for the women of UD to build a stronger connection with one another while also improving their general well-being. 

Regardless of whether you are just thinking about starting a fitness routine or have been working out for a long time, the program is dedicated to fostering a healthier and happier university.

Wherever you are on your path to wellness, it’s a tremendous opportunity to spend time with friends and get stronger at the same time.

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