But our objection is to passing a law that permits discrimination. NOW fears that allowing gender discrimination in health clubs could open the door to resegregating golf clubs and other sports venues, Mullin says. Mullin says she would prefer that women-only clubs compromise by offering smaller, separate areas for men to work out. Owners counter that men have no shortage of places to choose from, and adding facilities for men at women-only clubs would create an unnecessary financial hardship, not to mention undermine the purpose of such clubs. But privacy isn't the only issue.
Many women prefer the equipment commonly offered at single-sex clubs.
For instance, the two women-only clubs in Anchorage offer a line of Nautilus machines downsized for women's bodies. The weight stacks increase by 3-pound increments instead of the usual 10. But when Sallin moved to Carpinteria, Calif., she found that the staff members at her local women's club were neither friendly nor knowledgeable about the equipment. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.