Trends on the Participation of Women in the Fitness Sector of Colima, Mexico

Abstract

Problem. Women represent a significant portion of the workforce in the fitness industry. Historically, however, they have played a secondary role in this field, with their skills and professionalismoften overlooked due to the influence of gender stereotypes that still persist both in the field and society. Objectives. This descriptive quantitative study aimed to identify the participation of women and emerging trends in the fitness sector in Colima, Mexico. Materials and Methods. For this purpose, an adaptated version of the ACSM's Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends Questionnaire was used, adapted to the local context of Colima. The online questionnaire included 56 potential fitness trends, incorporating some specific to the context, as well as sociodemographic questions and economic indicators. The study population consisted of fitness professionals across the 10 municipalities of of Colima. A randomly selected sample included 340 specialists and individuals who lead public and private fitness programs, of  122 are women, the population analyzed in this study. Results. Among the most relevant findings, we can mention that 45.9% of the women working in the fitness sector were between 22 and 34 years old, with at least four years of experience. Similarly, 24.6% held a related university degree, 7.4% had postgraduate degrees, while the rest held certifications, had training in other professional areas, or have been trained empirically. At the time of the study, 35.2% were not actively working in fitness; among those who did work, 27.9% earned between $5,000 and $10,000 MXN per month. The most common occupations were gym instructors (12.3%) and personal trainers (5.7%). Popular services offered included weight loss programs, personal training, functional training, and programs combining exercise with nutrition. Discussion. The data reveal a multifaceted reality regarding women's participation in the fitness industry in Colima. Compared to previous decades, there is greater diversity in the services they offer,; many of which now provide highly specialized services associated with various sciences applied to exercise. However, despite representing a significant part of the workforce, women continue to face limited access to leadership roles and professional recognition, largelydue to enduring gender stereotypes that continue to be reproduced