The Mood Booster Podcast

27. How to Navigate Fitness as a Female: Reflecting on Sexism in a Male-Dominated Industry w/ Maria Galitzine

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The Home of Wellbeing and Joy.

⚠️ Please note: This episode contains discussions of topics that some listeners may find difficult, including sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

Welcome to Episode 27 How to Navigate Fitness as a Female: Reflecting on Sexism in a Male-Dominated Industry, where Dr Marcus and Charlie bring on Maria Galitzine (@motivatewithmaria) to share her lived experience and how she has grown a platform all about female empowerment and self-confidence in male-dominated spaces.

From early experiences in sport to confronting harassment and breaking down damaging myths, this conversation explores the barriers women face in fitness spaces and the importance of building safe, inclusive communities. Together, we reflect on how men and non-female athletes can play an active role in making change, and what advice can support newcomers to feel confident, safe, and seen.

We explore:

• Maria’s journey through ballet, martial arts, rugby, watersports, and how these shaped her athletic identity 🏋️‍♀️
• Harassment in gyms: what it looks like, why it matters, and how it impacts non-male athletes 🚫
• The taboos around menstrual cycles, nutrition, and the damaging myths still circulating in fitness spaces 📉
• What coaches and PTs need to know to truly support female athletes 🎓
• Practical steps men and allies can take to create safer, more inclusive spaces 🤝

Practical Advice for Listeners:

• For women and newcomers: you deserve to be in these spaces, here’s how to hold your ground.
• For allies: listen, learn, and use your voice to challenge harassment and exclusion.
• Build or seek out safe spaces where confidence, growth, and joy in movement can thrive.

Thanks for listening, and if something resonates, please share it with someone who needs to hear it 💛

📍 Pillars explored: Connection & Community, Introspection & Inspiration, Wellbeing & Joy

📚 References cited in this episode:

  • University of Manchester study showed over 2/3 women in N.England have experienced harassment while running. Accessible at: https://www.n8prp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/315/2024/03/Briefing-Report-UoM-N8-Project-Abuse-of-Women-Runners-CM-RB.pdf?
  • A survey of 1000 UK gym goers showed that 51.8% had either experienced or witness gym harassment in some form. Accessible at: https://train.fitness/personal-trainer-blogs/over-half-of-uk-gym-goers-have-witnessed-or-experienced-harassment
  • Among women who experienced harassment, 25.65% stopped using gyms completely or switched gyms. Accessible at: https://runrepeat.com/gym-harassment
  • Sports bra can improve a woman’s performance by up to 7%.
    • Accessible at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2023.1113952/full
  • Asics Fitness Gender Gap showed that women see lack of “safe spaces” as a barrier to fitness. Accessible at: https://www.asics.com/us/en-us/mk/move-her-mind/report
  • Out of over 1 million UK girls who considered themselves sporty stopped playing after primary school out of fear of being judged, lack of confidence or body image. Accessible at: https://womeninsport.org/resource/barriers-sports-participation-women-girls
  • 72% of women change their behaviour when exercising during winter. Accessible at: https://www.sportengland.org/news-and-inspiration/majority-women-change-behaviour-getting-active-outdoors-winter
  • Adidas news survey found that over 50% of 4500 women were scared to be physically attacked while running. Accessible at: https://news.adidas.com/running/new-adidas-study-finds-92--of-women-are-concerned-for-their-safety-when-they-go-for-a-run/s/c318f69e-7575-4ced-bbf3-9db6d2ab1642

  • Ross, E., Moffat, B., & Smith, B. (2023). The Female Body Bible: A Revolution in Women’s Health and Fitness. Bantam Press.

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    The Mood Booster PodcastBy Charlie and Marcus