David Lloyd Gyms Face Discrimination Claims Over Women-Only Spa Sessions
Members allege 'medieval policy' at exclusive chain after men are banned from spa during peak hours due to religious comfort concerns of some women.
Gymgoers at the exclusive David Lloyd health club chain have accused the company of discrimination after it implemented women-only spa sessions during peak evening hours at some of its branches. The policy, which began in early October at the David Lloyd Purley branch in Croydon, Greater London, bans men from the spa between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Members, some of whom pay up to £200 a month, claim they were not consulted about the change and that their complaints have been dismissed.
Staff at the Purley branch confirmed via email that the women-only sessions would continue. Members have described the policy as "medieval" and believe it creates unnecessary division between sexes. They were reportedly told that the sessions were introduced because some female members felt uncomfortable for religious reasons. Members also noted the lack of a comparable men-only session, with one staff response indicating that men generally do not feel uncomfortable around women.
This lack of access means members are losing out on spa usage immediately after work on Thursdays without a reduction in membership fees. A voluntary survey conducted among members at the Purley branch found that 75 percent of the initial 82 respondents favored reinstating mixed-gender access to the spa. Of the 16 women surveyed, 10 supported mixed-gender sessions.
One woman, in her 20s, expressed strong opposition to the single-sex sessions, stating that men and women coexist in all aspects of life. She suggested that a spa attendant could address any inappropriate behavior, rather than segregating the space. She also criticized the policy for disregarding men's needs and wishes, calling it patronizing and insulting to suggest women require special treatment, and decried the demonization of men.
David Lloyd, which operates 151 gyms across the country, has defended the move, stating it aligns with the Equality Act 2010. A company spokesman said the decision was made in response to feedback from members who desired a period of relaxation in an exclusive space. The spokesman added that the spa retreat remains accessible outside these designated times and that the company would continue to listen to member feedback.
The gym chain was founded in 1982 by former tennis player David Lloyd and is currently owned by private equity firm TDR Capital. The women-only sessions have so far been rolled out in 15 of David Lloyd's clubs nationwide.
