Ryan FowlerEpassi UK, a provider of workplace health and fitness benefits, has revealed that just under half of its customers in 2024 were women, with the proportion of female users consistent across all age groups from 16 to 65 and older.
The figures suggest that offering gym memberships as part of employee benefits helps women establish and maintain regular exercise habits. This is significant given that fewer women than men meet the Government’s recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. Research from Vitality shows that less than a quarter of women achieve this target, with only 20% of those aged 20 to 39 getting enough exercise.
Epassi UK CEO James Shillaker said: “Our figures show that when women have access to exercise facilities, they will take advantage of them. It is really encouraging to see that women of all ages are using them. We’ll be working hard with our clients this year to build on these levels with the aim to reach parity between the genders in the near future.
“With rising levels of long-term and chronic illnesses leading to unprecedented pressure on the health service, it has never been more important to encourage employees to be physically active. Employers have a vital role to play, encouraging employees to take time to look after their health. They have the power to help break down barriers, making exercise an appealing and affordable option, especially for women, providing easy access they need to gym and exercise facilities.”
Women face additional risks as they age, such as osteoporosis, which weakens bones and increases the likelihood of fractures. Strength training is a crucial part of preventing this condition, yet NHS data shows that only 29% of women include enough strength-building exercises in their routines.
