Gender Identity and the Gym

Recently, there is a growing interest in fitness and healthy lifestyles. Simultaneously, there is an increase in the number of people from various socio-cultural backgrounds interested in the membership of fitness clubs. Similar to the larger society, different gender ideologies, identities, and hierarchies are produced and reproduced by the members of the health clubs within these clubs. The past decade has produced numerous studies in the area of gender space and hegemonic masculinity in contemporary society. Using ethnographical research and observation method, this research examines how gendered spaces, hegemonic hierarchies of athletic prowess, fitness knowledge, gender, physique, rituals, and strength are reproduced and dominate a college campus recreational center. The data reveals multiple gender transgressions by the cliental when entering the space dominated by the opposite gender. By utilizing the ideologies that dominate diverse members of the health clubs, this paper contributes to our understanding of the social interactions of male and female participants within these fitness institutions. This research questions whether or not health club cliental challenge what the college campus fitness clubs perceives as a gender-neutral space?