Gym culture in 2022 is advertised as a friendly, positive space created for people wanting to become the best versions of themselves.

Through the world of social media, influencers inspire thousands with their easy to follow workout routines and 'you can do it too' mantras.

However, through the online platforms that have made keeping fit easier than ever, an ugly side of gym-going has been thrust into the spotlight.

Whether it's a New Year's resolution-inspired subscription, a passion for bodybuilding, or simply a way to keep on top of fitness, women are working on themselves in gyms all around the world.

But there’s recently been a surge in cases of inappropriate and even threatening behaviour from men towards female gym-goers.

A rise in harassment cases

Fitness influencer Beck Vassey recently advocated for all-female gyms in order to help women feel safer. The TikTok content creator, who is working on her fitness to help overcome an eating disorder, uploaded a video of a man repeatedly staring at her for prolonged periods of time while she was trying to workout.

In the caption of the video she explained that despite men believing women-only  gyms are sexist, her footage demonstrated exactly why these facilities are being called for.

Another TikTok user, US marine vet Emily Telesca, shared footage of her gym session being interrupted by a man who had threatened to hit her with a dumbbell because he seemingly didn't agree with the fact she was recording her workout.

Telesca had already been made to feel uncomfortable when the man questioned why she was filming herself, before apparently rolling his eyes. He described her as a "conceited f**ing girl" to another gym member before making the comment about hitting her.

In some cases, it's not even fellow gym goers who have been responsible for harassment towards women.

Emily Williams, a London-based personal trainer and powerlifter, revealed she has heard numerous stories of women who have been touched inappropriately by male trainers at the gym.

Williams founded the moment Gym Safe Ladies in 2020 to raise awareness of sexual harassment within fitness environments and helped set up the #LetMeLift campaign, which has collected countless horror stories of women's experiences with unpleasant and inappropriate behaviour.

Williams has been pushing for stricter policies in gyms, stating women have "lost sexual respect" and outlining how serious these cases of unwanted attention have become.

"Just because I’m wearing a pair of leggings or shorts to the gym doesn’t mean you can film it and send it to your mates," she said.

WEST ISLIP, NEW YORK - MAY 13: Dumbells lie dormant at Gold's Gym Islip on May 13, 2020 in West Islip, New York. The gym has been closed since New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had the gyms closed due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Women struggling to find safe spaces

The sad reality of gyms being an intimidating and sometimes unsafe place seriously limits the options for women when it comes to keeping fit.

During the first UK lockdown, fitness companies advertised ways to stay in shape while at home. Retail giants like Sports Direct saw dumbbells and resistance bands fly out of stock due to the high demand of home workout equipment.

Garages became makeshift gyms, living rooms were used for recreating YouTube workout sessions, and the limited daily outdoor allocation was used for walking, jogging and cycling.

Now, with restrictions lifted, outdoor activity is booming once again, but even running in a public place during the day isn't safe.

In January this year, 23-year-old primary school teacher Ashling Murphy was tragically murdered by a man while out on a run. It was 4pm.

Vigils were held for Ashling following her death and women around the world begged for their voices to be heard as they campaigned to end violence against women.

The call for women-only gyms has been criticised — but what options are left if being outdoors in broad daylight is not safe, and staffed gym facilities pose the threat of sexual harassment and unwanted attention?

The only alternative is a shift in attitude from male gym-goers. But recent cases have shown this is a long way off.