I go to a women's only gym and there are women off all races, sizes and shapes there and no one that I am aware of has issues. I haven't been fit for a long time and so just walking though the door was so daunting for me...but I went....I stuck my ipod on and just did my thing....after a while some ladies chatted hello and I even did a few group classes (I am totally uncoordinated). I havent been back for a while (IVF and pregancy stuff) but just started back this week and I walked in there 10kgs heavier than I left...and the staff just said welcome back!

I have been to another gym (both sexes) and that wasnt for me....it was all buff, skinny body builder types and I never felt comfortable there.....

Maybe go and see if you can get a weeks trial (they normally offer something like that) then you can check out that you feel comfortable and suss out if your ex-friend is still a memeber...

Goodluck