A Christian men-only gym in Oklahoma City has emerged as a focal point in discussions about gender dynamics and personal struggles, with its owner aiming to create a "lust-free" environment.
Proverbs 27:17, founded by Jeff Hambrecht, offers a space where men can work out without the perceived distractions that can accompany co-ed gyms. Hambrecht, who has spoken about his own recovery from addiction, including pornography, stated that the gym's concept is designed to help men who may be struggling with similar issues.
"If you're struggling with pornography and lust and women, why would you keep going to a place over and over and where you're going to keep getting yourself in trouble? So I just eliminated that," Hambrecht told Fox News Digital. He explained that the gym's approach is rooted in Christian principles and aims to foster community and address mental health challenges faced by men.
"I just saw this gap of there's no place for guys to go and just be vulnerable and get closer to God with other men chasing that same thing," he said. The gym's philosophy extends to encouraging a re-evaluation of relationships and views on women from a biblical perspective, according to Hambrecht.
The concept has garnered a range of reactions, with some supporting the idea of gender-specific or faith-based fitness spaces. Kim Abt, owner of PWRGRLS, a women-only gym in Sherman Oaks, California, acknowledged that the desire for gender-secluded gyms from men is understandable.
"Guys complaining about, you know, being distracted by [women in particular workout clothes]. So I respect it," Abt said. She noted that many women join her gym due to feeling intimidated by traditional gyms or due to past harassment, highlighting the importance of community for her clientele.
Brad Jensen, a fitness industry veteran known online as "thesoberbodybuilder," offered a nuanced perspective. He expressed empathy for women seeking women-only gyms and suggested that a Christian gym might benefit from a dress code to foster shared values among all members, rather than exclusively excluding women.
Jensen also commented on the broader discourse surrounding gym etiquette, noting instances where attire or behavior might be seen as pushing boundaries. "There is a fine line sometimes. There ha[ve] been some outfits where I've seen people wearing where it's probably a little too far on the other side," he said. He also pointed to social media trends promoting adult content in gym settings as problematic.
"If we're making people feel uncomfortable… by our action [and] it's very obvious that we're making half the gym feel uncomfortable. I think that's where we're crossing a line too far," Jensen added.