Psychosocial transformation in women new to fitness: a phenomenological study on body image, self-confidence, and identity construction.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the increase in gym memberships in recent years, women's participation in physical activity continues to lag behind men's. Studies that holistically address the experiences of women newly starting fitness are limited in the literature. Aiming to fill this gap, this research seeks to explore in depth the gym experiences of women who have recently started fitness, and the psychosocial transformations they undergo in their body perceptions, self-confidence, and self-narratives throughout this process.

METHOD: The study was designed within the framework of a phenomenological approach, one of the qualitative research designs. The study group consisted of 16 women who were members of women-only fitness centers in Malatya, Türkiye, and had been exercising regularly for at least two months. Participants' ages ranged from 23 to 48, with 75% (n = 12) having been engaged in fitness for one year or less. Data were collected in written form using a semi-structured interview form; no audio recordings were made due to participants' privacy concerns. The obtained data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis method.

RESULTS: The analysis revealed four main themes: (1) Driving Forces for Initiation, (2) Paradigm Shift in Body and Self-Perception, (3) The Dual Face of the Social Environment, and (4) Transformation Materialized in Daily Life and Identity Construction. The findings indicate that the process of starting fitness holds meaning beyond mere physical activity for the participants; this journey, initiated by medical diagnoses, bodily dissatisfaction, or emotional needs, was associated with profound psychological transformations such as increased self-confidence, reconciliation with the body, and feelings of strength and competence. While the women-only gym served as a safe haven and space for solidarity for the participants, questions from the outside environment such as "why do you exercise?" reveal the persistent influence of social norms.

CONCLUSION: Ultimately, participants perceived their fitness experiences as contributing to a stronger female identity through autonomy, boundary-setting, and psychological resilience. This research reveals the multidimensional nature of these transformative experiences and emphasizes that physical activity programs should be designed considering these psychosocial dimensions.