Body image is an important component of satisfaction and self-perception. Several studies have shown that women tend to perceive of themselves as being "too big" and wanting to be "skinnier" (Grogan, 2008). Being physically active and engaging in regular physical activity has been associated with an increased sense of well-being (Penedo & Dahn, 2005). Moreover, positive body image has been linked with increased self-confidence and power in social situations (Grogan, 2008). Accordingly, the author of this paper would like to hypothesize that women who are in good physical shape (normal weight and athletic) are more likely to enter male dominated spaces in gyms than women who are, although working out, (still) overweight. These "gendered spaces" are either rooms where weight-lifting equipment (free weights or dumbbells) is kept or sports-classes that cater to a predominantly male audience, such as boxing, kickboxing, or speed cycling classes. Moreover, the author of this observational exercise assumes that overweight or out-of shape men are more likely to participate in such classes or enter male-dominated spaces than women who are in comparable physical shape. Accordingly, the author would like to suggest that gender is an important factor in determining body image and self-confidence. Moreover, gender might be more important in determining which kind of physical activity people engage in that actual health status or body weight.
Over the course of three days, women and men at a local gym were observed for 90 minutes at a time. The times at which the observations took place varied each day to account for changing sports class' schedules. During the one-week period, the participants of five sports classes were observed. These sports classes were: "mixed martial arts," "speed-cycling," and "mud-and-rocks boot camp."
At the beginning of each class, the author counted the number of male and female
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