It’s time to stop treating the gym as a ‘guy’ thing

Because I’m a girl, people are always surprised by how much I go to the gym. Presumably it’s because I’m as dedicated to it as a lot of guys are. A huge double standard seems to exist which means it’s not possible/cool for a girl to be more of a gym nut than a guy.

The gym isn’t exclusively for dench guys like this

I often have to deal with comments like “Why do you gym so much?” and “Do you wear anything other than gym kit?” which get boring after a while, particularly because I know none of my male friends would ever get asked the same things. For no legitimate reason, it seems girls aren’t allowed to do perfectly healthy daily exercise without everyone else commenting on it.

Gymming is a unisex activity. #gainz and #shredz should be done by both sexes. Boys can lift, girls can lift. Girls can go to the gym without makeup, and so can boys.

Surely we should share this sensationally sweaty experience together? Right, guys? Unless you’re scared women will become fitter than you – is that it?

Casual run, with my protein shaker (filled with water)

Last year Sport England discovered 75 per cent of women were put off exercise because they feared what others might think. Women dread being judged about their appearance and ability in the gym, which stops them from exercising completely.

Jennie Price, chief executive of Sport England said: “Women do less sport and exercise than men, but most say they would like to do more.”

Through the This Girl Can campaign, Jennie hopes to build the confidence of women to block out criticisms and build the confidence to “just do it”.

After a long run

Everyone has to start somewhere. Chris Robshaw wasn’t born a rugby god, and Candice Swanepoel wasn’t always a Victoria’s Secret angel.

Everyone has to start their fitness journey somewhere and if it is going to be through participating in the pulse timetable everyday, let it be.

How I looked in September

The next time you see a mate, whether they’re a girl or a guy, in their gym kit, admire their dedication. If you really feel like being critical, bite your tongue, because it only reveals a massive insecurity about your own fitness.

So get your green juices blending, your protein shaking and your playlists pumping… Summer is here.