Nearly 70% of teenage girls say the fear of being judged keeps them from exercising, according to national research on women in sports and physical activity. Experts say social pressure, body image concerns, and gender expectations continue to limit girls’ participation in fitness.
PE teacher Ms. Karla Keller is working to change that.
For many years, Ms. Keller has developed a different approach, one centered on single gender instruction. What began in the 1990s as a women’s weightlifting course has changed into Judge Memorials Women’s Wellness and Fitness class, a program designed to build confidence, encourage participation, and create a supportive environment for teenage girls.
“There are times when women are self conscious about performing in front of men. I felt that young women would feel better about developing that fitness base if they were doing that in a single-gender class,” Ms. Keller said.
Research supports this approach. Studies show that body image concerns among teenage girls have increased in recent years, particularly during puberty, when physical changes and social pressures increase. Many girls report feeling uncomfortable exercising in environments where appearance and performance are judged.
“It was harder to be myself, really, because with all of the boys there, they mostly took charge,” Judge Memorial student Lily Wikstrom said. “But in my women’s wellness, we’re all equally important.”
That sense of belonging is a key factor in helping increase participation, researchers say. Students led by scholars such as Emma Cowley have found that girls are more likely to engage in physical activity when they feel supported by peers and less concerned about being judged.
Additional research from pediatric exercise specialist John Cariniey shows that girls are significantly less likely than boys to enjoy traditional physical education classes. Low enjoyment during adolescence is linked to lower levels of physical activity later in life, showing concerns about long-term health outcomes.
Single-gender fitness programs may help address these problems. Girls have different physical and developmental needs than boys, including variations in strength development, hormonal cycles, and injury risk. Programs designed specifically for girls show more focus on overall health, functional strength, and personal progress rather than competition, making fitness seem more accessible.
National data also shows a persistent gap in activity levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, boys are more likely than girls to meet daily physical activity recommendations. Health experts warn that continued disparities could contribute to long-term physical and mental health challenges.
To fight this, Ms. Keller said her goal is not only to teach fitness but to help students build lifelong habits.
Programs like the Women’s Wellness and Fitness class show how targeted approaches can help reduce barriers, increase participation, and reshape how young women experience physical activity. By creating an environment focused on confidence and inclusion, Keller hopes that girls will create a more positive relationship with exercise that lasts beyond high school.
“My philosophy is to give our students an opportunity to experience being active in our communities,” Ms. Keller said. “If I can just get them out and get them moving, then I feel like I have succeeded.”
