ukactive Playbook Fights Gym Harassment for Women 2026

Key Points

• UK fitness trade body ukactive and Sport England’s “This Girl Can” campaign have jointly launched a guide titled “From Policy to Practice: How to Share Your Stance Against Harassment in Your Facility.”
• The guide offers practical tips for gym operators to communicate anti-harassment policies, report incidents, and build trust with female members.
• UK Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock endorsed the initiative, stressing women’s right to safe workouts.
• Research shows only 46% of female gym users knew of safety policies in 2022, but awareness has risen to 63% among women aged 16-34.
• Sport England’s Active Lives Survey reports 7.7 million women over 16 participated in fitness activities at least twice in the last 28 days, up 1.9%.
• The guide stems from focus groups, consultations with the Safer Spaces to Move Taskforce, and addresses unreported harassment due to unawareness.
• Brands like Curves are expanding women-only gyms to enhance safety.

England (Britain Today News) March 4, 2026 -UK groups ukactive and Sport England launch anti-harassment guide for gyms amid surging female participation.

Leading fitness organisations ukactive and Sport England’s “This Girl Can” campaign unveiled a comprehensive playbook on Thursday to transform gyms into safer havens for women and girls. Titled

“From Policy to Practice: How to Share Your Stance Against Harassment in Your Facility,”

the resource equips operators with actionable strategies to communicate zero-tolerance policies on sexual harassment and intimidation. Available at saferpacestomove.ukactive.com, it targets everyone from operations teams to marketing staff, aiming to foster trust, confidence, and respect in fitness spaces.

The initiative responds to booming female gym attendance, as revealed by Sport England’s latest Active Lives Survey. It shows 7.7 million women over 16 engaged in fitness activities at least twice in the prior 28 days—a 1.9% rise, the largest across all activity types.

What Triggered This Push for Safer Gyms?

The guide addresses stark gaps in awareness and reporting. According to 2022 research commissioned by ukactive and This Girl Can, just 46% of female gym users knew their facility had a code of conduct or safety policies. Worse, 15% of women who faced harassment or intimidation skipped reporting because they did not know whom to contact.

Awareness has improved markedly, with nearly two-thirds (63%) of women aged 16-34 now recognising their club’s code of conduct. As reported by Athletech News in their coverage of the launch, this progress underscores the need for clearer communication to sustain momentum.

The playbook emerged from extensive consultations. UKactive and This Girl Can ran focus groups with men and women to pinpoint expectations for operator messaging on safety and trust-building. They also tapped the Safer Spaces to Move Taskforce, featuring representatives from operators across public and private sectors, varying in size.

How Does the Guide Help Communicate Anti-Harassment Policies?

Facilities gain practical tools to signal that sexual harassment and intimidation will not be tolerated. Key topics include crafting clear messaging for visitors and members, outlining reporting procedures, next steps post-report, and available support.

Operators learn to instill confidence in their policies and training, empowering more members to flag issues. Designed for broad use, it suits operations, marketing, and member communications teams.

“Women and girls have the right to go to fitness facilities to work out, keep active and have fun without being intimidated or harassed,”

UK Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock stated, as quoted in the official release covered by multiple outlets including Athletech News.

“As a government, we are committed to building a healthier nation by making physical activity truly accessible and welcoming to all, and these guidelines will play a vital role in ensuring gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools are equipped to play their part,”

she added.

Who Supports the Growing Female Gym Population?

Claire Edwards, head of campaign activation at This Girl Can, hailed the launch

“With millions of women and girls using gyms and leisure centres, the fitness sector must be ready to tackle harassment and intimidation, and today’s launch reaffirms our commitment to helping gyms and leisure centers put stronger safety standards into action,”

Edwards said, per Athletech News reporting.

Sport England’s Active Lives Survey, detailed in their November 2023-2024 report, bolsters the case. It highlights fitness as the fastest-growing activity for women and girls over 16.

Industry pioneers are stepping up too. Athletech News noted Curves’ investment in regenerating its women-only chain across the UK and Europe, creating tailored safe spaces. A separate Athletech News piece referenced a study on women’s gym struggles, with brands adapting amid rising strength training interest among females.

Why Are Women Flocking to Gyms Now?

Female participation surges as cultural shifts embrace strength training, yet discomfort persists in mixed environments. The guide counters this by promoting inclusive safety measures.

UKactive, the UK’s premier fitness trade body, leads the charge alongside This Girl Can—a nationwide Sport England campaign empowering women and girls in sport. Their partnership builds on prior research exposing reporting barriers.

The Safer Spaces to Move Taskforce provided vital input, drawing from diverse operators. Focus groups revealed members crave transparent policies that build trust without alienating anyone.

What Role Does Government Play in Gym Safety?

Minister Peacock’s endorsement signals strong governmental backing. Her comments emphasise accessibility for all in pursuing a healthier nation, positioning gyms, leisure centres, and pools as frontline players.

This aligns with broader efforts to boost physical activity. Sport England’s data shows sustained growth, but safety remains key to retention.

How Can Gym Operators Implement These Tips?

The guide offers real-world examples: signage, apps, emails, and staff training to publicise policies. It stresses follow-through—clear reporting channels, swift responses, and support services.

For marketing teams, it suggests campaigns highlighting commitments. Operations staff get protocols for handling complaints.

What Challenges Do Women Face in Gyms?

Beyond stats, anecdotes from focus groups paint a picture. Women seek environments where they feel respected, not ogled or approached aggressively.

Athletech News highlighted brands pioneering women-only zones or timed sessions. Curves’ UK and Europe expansion exemplifies this, fuelling a potential comeback for dedicated spaces.

What’s Next for UK Fitness Safety?

UKactive and partners vow ongoing support. Future updates may incorporate member feedback and evolving data.

As female gym-goers hit record numbers, this playbook could redefine standards. Operators adopting it stand to gain loyal, confident members.

The launch caps a multi-year effort, blending research, consultation, and policy. With ministerial support and industry buy-in, UK gyms edge closer to true inclusivity.