Carbon Performance says co-ed gyms can be welcoming for women

Carbon Performance is pushing back on the idea that women need women-only gyms to feel comfortable, saying its mixed-gender locations combine serious strength training with support, recovery amenities and flexible spaces. The company points to a new Charlotte location with a dedicated women’s area, while arguing the bigger fix is better gym design, staffing and culture across the industry.

Why it matters: - The fitness industry is still debating whether women need separate spaces to feel comfortable in gyms. - Carbon Performance is arguing that mixed-gender gyms can serve women better when layout, staffing, cleanliness and atmosphere are built around the member experience. - The company’s pitch matters because it is trying to show that a serious training culture and a non-intimidating environment can coexist.

What happened: - A company that operates a women-only gym concept released a 2026 white paper saying the traditional gym does not adequately serve women. - The paper renewed the “gymtimidation” debate about how gyms should change to make women feel more comfortable. - Carbon Performance responded by saying its co-ed gyms are designed for women, beginners, serious lifters and elite athletes. - The company operates locations in Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta; and Charlotte, North Carolina. - Carbon Salt Lake City is scheduled to open in late 2026.

The details: - The white paper points to gym layout and design, overcrowding, staff presence, cleanliness and overall atmosphere as factors that affect women’s comfort and confidence. - The paper says many women prefer and thrive in mixed-gender gyms, but also argues that women-only spaces may be one solution. - Carbon Performance says its model combines elite strength equipment with a high-end atmosphere that includes recovery lounges, infrared saunas, cold plunges and mind-body group fitness formats. - The company says all employees are educated about health and fitness and are available to help members navigate the gym floor, equipment and services. - Carbon says it addresses overcrowding by designing spaces strategically and capping memberships at levels appropriate for each facility. - Victoria Laffey, founder and owner of Carbon Performance, said the goal from the first Carbon location was to create a space where people with different goals and experience levels feel welcome and supported. - Brent Laffey, founder and owner of Carbon Performance, said gym equipment should challenge people, but the gym experience should not. - The Charlotte location offers more than 175 strength machines, more than 40 cardio machines, personal training, nutrition coaching, group fitness and advanced recovery amenities. - Charlotte also includes a dedicated all-women’s strength and cardio area for members who prefer separate space. - Carbon says market research showed many women in Charlotte prefer a women-only space, which is why that option was added there. - The company says that women-only areas are not the primary solution for every market. - In other markets, Carbon tailors the mix of services to local demand, including cold plunges and saunas in Atlanta, a broad class lineup at Carbon Franklin and HYROX training in Nashville. - Carbon Franklin offers Element 6, C45 HIIT, Les Mills BODYPUMP, Cycling and Mat Pilates. - Carbon says HYROX training is in high demand with women in Nashville and is available at both Tennessee locations. - Carbon says each location includes strength and performance equipment, expert personal training, nutrition coaching, group fitness, recovery and wellness amenities, on-site nutrition offerings and market-specific services.

Between the lines: - Carbon is drawing a distinction between giving women a separate space and fixing the broader problems that make many gyms feel unwelcoming. - The company’s message is that women-only areas can be useful in some markets, but they should be one option inside a broader, flexible gym model. - That stance lets Carbon support the women-only gym debate without abandoning the mixed-gender, performance-focused brand identity that attracts advanced trainees.

What's next: - Carbon says it will keep opening and tailoring locations to match local demand while preserving the same strength and performance standards. - Carbon Salt Lake City is expected to open in late 2026. - The larger industry conversation is likely to continue around whether women need separate gyms or better-designed shared spaces.

The bottom line: - Carbon Performance is betting that women do not have to choose between a serious training gym and a comfortable one; a well-run co-ed gym can offer both.