Brock Recreation will begin offering women-only fitness centre access on Monday, Nov.1.<\/p>\n
The women-only program, which was spearheaded by Brock University Students\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI approached Brock Recreation about this program because women are marginalized through discriminatory patterns that have been sustained through social relations in male-dominated spaces,\u201d said Darbaj. \u201cAside from that, certain religions and cultures don\u2019t allow women to use fitness centres alongside males.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said women-only hours will allow many more women to access the Zone, adding that there\u2019s also a need to acknowledge gender inequality.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, the fact is that society is not equal and women\u2019s fitness is sexualized, whereas men\u2019s is not,\u201d she said. \u201cI am so excited to be able to comfortably exercise in a safe, fun and inclusive environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The area will be staffed with a female certified personal trainer, who will assist visitors with equipment and provide guidance and suggestions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re pleased to offer an environment that allows more Brock students to be active on campus,\u201d said Karen McAllister-Kenny, Director of Brock Recreation.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The women-only hours will be offered in the Zone Fitness Centre in the near future, once privacy blinds are installed.<\/p>\n