Brock Recreation will begin offering women-only fitness centre access on Monday, Nov.1.

The women-only program, which was spearheaded by Brock University Students’ Union Vice-President, Student Service, Faten Darbaj, will provide a safe, comfortable and inclusive atmosphere for anyone at Brock University who identifies as a woman. This includes all cis and trans individuals who identify as women.

“I approached Brock Recreation about this program because women are marginalized through discriminatory patterns that have been sustained through social relations in male-dominated spaces,” said Darbaj. “Aside from that, certain religions and cultures don’t allow women to use fitness centres alongside males.”

She said women-only hours will allow many more women to access the Zone, adding that there’s also a need to acknowledge gender inequality.

“Unfortunately, the fact is that society is not equal and women’s fitness is sexualized, whereas men’s is not,” she said. “I am so excited to be able to comfortably exercise in a safe, fun and inclusive environment.”

To ensure privacy for those working out, the hallway to the rowing centre will have a sign indicating when women-only time is occurring and any windows that people may be able to see in through from outside will be covered.

The Rowing Centre, located at the north side of the lower level of the Walker Sports Complex, is a state-of-the-art facility that has cardio and strength training equipment, including rowing ergometers, exercise bikes, assault bikes, squat racks, TRX and dumbbells.

The area will be staffed with a female certified personal trainer, who will assist visitors with equipment and provide guidance and suggestions.

“We’re pleased to offer an environment that allows more Brock students to be active on campus,” said Karen McAllister-Kenny, Director of Brock Recreation.

Women-only hours in the Rowing Centre will include Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m., Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m.

The women-only hours will be offered in the Zone Fitness Centre in the near future, once privacy blinds are installed.

Participants can pre-book a space for women-only times in the same way they register for the pool, Zone or courts. Registration opens Friday, Oct. 29 at noon at brocku.ca/recreation/women-only-hours