Q. The local women's only gym has been adding fitness classes run by male instructors to its roster, although initially only women were allowed into the gym. Additionally, instructors have been observed visiting the gym at times when they are not leading classes (while most women are dressed for the gym). Although there is a considerable presence of frum members, and few women have tried to impress the importance to management of a women only environment (for religious observance and other reasons) there seems to be a lack of clarity for the women who are not speaking up. What is the halachic opinion, of women exercising in an environment where instructors or other staff may be male? Is the argument that a women needs to exercise for health reasons a valid reason for a woman to attend a male fitness class? Can a woman attend a coed gym if properly attired?
A. On question 339 in regards to Yoga practiced in mixed groups we wrote that as there are issues of Tznius (modesty), Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that it should not be carried out in mixed groups.
The Rov’s opinion in regards to gym exercises, where male instructors are present and the attendants are properly dressed, is that although it cannot be outright prohibited, it should be avoided when possible. The reason is that it can easily degrade itself into compromising and libertine situations.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
Important Numbers
