GirlGains, creating safe spaces in fitness – Annenberg Media

Going to the gym as a woman can be very…uncomfortable. Between men staring at you, standing behind you on leg day, and touching or booting women from machines, the gym is not most women’s idea of safety. GirlGains is a campus fitness club that focuses on empowering all women and supporting them on their fitness journey. Started by Tiyana Wong-Greene and Devyn Dyett in the January of 2022, GirlGains has created a space in the gym that is by women, for women. This club is open to all woman-identifying individuals and welcomes beginner to expert expert level fitness enthusiasts. GirlGains is a positive space to try new things in the gym, push personal boundaries and focus on the overall goal of gaining a greater wellbeing.

“Whether you have been working out for a long time, or want to get started on your fitness journey, our goal is to create a supportive group of girls to lean on and motivate each other to be the best versions of ourselves,” Tiyana said.

The fitness journey can be difficult to begin alone, so GirlGains hosts classes for things such as Bench Pressing and Squats with another club, Trojan Barbell Club. A buddy system also is accessible to all members, so that no girl has to work out alone. In teaching girls proper lifting techniques and encouraging them to try new things in an intimate setting, many people felt less anxious at the gym while learning proper form. In addition, their buddy keeps them accountable and allows them to build a gym family.

This fit family supports one another in more ways than one. Tiyana says, “Weightlifting not only improves one’s physical and mental health, but also translates to hitting goals outside of the weightroom. As the weightlifting space is usually male dominated, GirlGains creates the space for women to feel empowered and not be intimidated to start their fitness journey!”

At GirlGains, not every gathering happens in the gym. GirlGains previously hosted an event where over 25 women hiked to the Hollywood Sign. It was a time to bond and meet other women who enjoy exercise in a non-intimidating environment as well as a time to get outdoors and get off campus.

In addition, GirlGains has hosted guest speakers offering presentations on everything from tips when starting your fitness journey and how to overcome gym anxiety. GirlGains also hosted a free Pilates class with FratRowFitness. Their next event is a mobility class in partnership with Lululemon.

If you are looking for a community of empowering women this is the space for you!