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Image captured by Amelia.

My name is Amelia Cataldo and I am a student pursuing my education at CCNY, with a personal interest in fitness and the strength women have in their individual selves. I aim to find a safe and welcoming alternative to co-ed gyms, where women feel welcomed and loved. As a researcher, I am interested in assessing the difference in the environment between a women-only space in comparison to a co-ed space. I am looking to focus on the difference in the community, the comfort levels of the individuals, and the social interactions throughout the environment. The hope of strong interactions with the owners of gyms run by women along with the participants supports my proposal of understanding the environment from all perspectives. The role of an outsider observer in the environment, yet an insider in the gym culture, will give me a strong understanding of the difference in the environment, while continuously aiming to emphasize the difference throughout the communities. The highly debated topic of inclusivity of spaces for women regarding safety brings a drive to observe the actual environment from a first-hand perspective. As I introduce the women’s only gym to my classroom and the community, I aim to show women that a comfortable gym space is in existence and that it is possible to build a strong community as you work out.