The Acadia Athletics Complex is proud to offer four time slots in our Fitness Centre reserved exclusively for members of our community who identify as women, non-binary, or anywhere on the transgender spectrum.

The purpose of the Women, Transgender, and Non-Binary gym time program is to create safer, accessible, and equitable spaces for members of our community who may experience barriers in using the gym.

The four time slots at our Fitness Centre that are part of this program are as follows:

Tuesday and Thursday - 7:30-8:30 am
Saturday - 11:30-1:30pm
Sunday - 3:00-5:00 pm

Why is this program important?

This program was inspired by Acadia students, who identified the importance of fostering safer spaces in our Fitness Centre so that everyone of all diverse genders can feel safe working out and focusing on their health and wellbeing.

We know from research, various studies, and feedback from our own community that there are numerous barriers faced by women and gender diverse people in accessing safe workout spaces free from harassment and discrimination. We know that many women, both cisgender and transgender, sometimes feel uncomfortable in the traditionally male-dominated space of the gym because of unwanted attention, feelings of objectification, and a sense of not belonging.

The same is true about gender diverse people, including non-binary people and transgender people across the gender spectrum. There are no statistics available about the Nova Scotian context, but a recent study in Ontario has shown that approximately 2/3 of trans people have actively avoided public environments including gyms, public washrooms, and other spaces due to fear of harassment, fear of being perceived as trans, or fear of being outed as trans.

The Athletics Complex is thrilled to offer the Women, Transgender, and Non-Binary inclusive gym time program, which will mean that many members of our Acadia community will now have safer and more equitable access to the mental and physical health benefits of our gym.

Who can access the Women, Transgender, and Non-Binary Gym Times?

Anyone who has a Fitness Centre membership (including Acadia students, employees, as well as community members) can access these times as long as they identify as a woman, non-binary, or anywhere in the transgender spectrum.

If you are not part of these identity groups, we kindly ask that you respect the Women, Transgender, and Non-Binary gym time slots and instead choose to work out during the many other times that are available to you.

Do I need to sign up to access the Women, Transgender, and Non-Binary Gym Times?

No! If you fit within these identity categories and have a gym membership, all you need to do is show up during one of the time slots and start your workout.

What is the AMI program?

AMI stands for Affirmative Movement Initiative and is a group of knowledgeable and passionate Kinesiology students at Acadia who have experience working in exercise science, training, coaching, and other fitness-related initiatives.

AMI members are all students who identify as women, non-binary, or transgender. Members of AMI will be attending some of the Women, Transgender, and Non-Binary gym times each week to support and supervise exercise for those who want help and guidance. AMI will help interested attendees learn how to use equipment, provide sample workout programs, or offer a smile and some motivation between sets.

We’re excited to launch the AMI initiative in the fall of 2022. We will update this page with more information, including time slots when AMI members will be present, once we have this confirmed. Come back soon to learn more!

 

If you have any questions or want to know more about the Women, Transgender, and Non-Binary Gym Times, please feel free to contact any of the individuals listed below:

Allison Smith Sexualized Violence Response and Education Coordinator SVREC@acadiau.ca

Polly Leonard Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer equity@acadiau.ca

Michaela Haley Athletics Complex Fitness Coordinator fitness@acadiau.ca 902-585-1610