Fitness centre experiencing growth, says manager

By Mariza Dunham Gaspar

Workout: Mandy Burgess, a first-year nursing student, knows the importance of leading a physically active lifestyle. Photo by Mariza Dunham Gaspar.Loyalist College’s fitness centre is seeing a significant increase in total memberships and a steady increase in female users this year.
The fitness centre currently has approximately 1,559 members enrolled, up from 1,210 members enrolled in the 2008-2009 school year.
With the increase of enrolment came an increase in female registrants. And although the gym is primarily male dominated, the gap is slowly closing. Last year, the ratio was approximately seven women for every ten men. This year the ratio is approximately 8.5 women for every 10 men.
Of the 1,559 members enrolled at the fitness centre this year, 727 or 47 per cent of them were female. This accounts for a six per cent increase in the female enrolment at the facility compared to last year’s 492 or 41 per cent enrolment.
“It’s a wonderful thing. Our numbers are higher, so it shows more students are leading a physically active lifestyle,” states Cory Mestre, Loyalist campus recreation and fitness facilities co-ordinator.
Mestre explains that the overall increase in gym members could be attributed to the increase in student enrolment this year at the college. The other reason may simply be because of the increase in awareness of the importance of physical activity.
According to the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute and Statistics Canada’s Community Health Survey from 2007-2008, the fitness level of adults in Ontario has increased by over four per cent from 2005 to 2008 to about 47 per cent, on par with the national average.
Tori Petit, a first-year health and fitness student suggests that the increase in women participants may be because of the influence of the media, but also by the recent encouragement by health organizations and government to increase physical activity in Canada. More people feel the need to integrate exercise into their everyday lives. Petit also relates the higher percentage of female gym users to the increase in safe and welcoming atmosphere, not only at the school but many fitness facilities as well.
“Gyms are becoming more women friendly. Like Goodlife has Goodlife Fitness for Women, and the YWCA, which is the women’s version of the YMCA. And Curves…places for women to work out with other women so they don’t need to feel so intimidated by men.”
Mestre says he is happy about the increase in female participants, but continues to promote the use of the gym as a gender-neutral facility.
“I think that there’s still a perceived barrier for lots of women. To use the facility they think they have to be in shape. There are some body image issues. So I try to make the place as welcoming as possible,” Mestre continues.
“As well, many of the rules that we have here aren’t necessarily the same as other gyms. It is also always supervised.”
To increase the female enrolment in the future, there are plans for a potential “buddy system”. Female students who feel apprehensive about attending the gym alone, or just need an extra push would be signed up with a partner. They can create and meet goals together.
A “Ladies Night” during school orientation is also a possibility, targeted to educate female members about equipment safety and to kick-start the usage of the facility.
Mestre still encourages male students and alumni to use the gym as well.
“Plenty of guys have the same barrier. I want everyone, and no matter what their abilities are, to have a safe and welcoming haven.”
Brenan Conway, a first-year business student and TV media grad, now works at the fitness centre. He explains that everyone is welcome in the gym.
“Don’t be intimidated by the gym. People come in here with a preconceived notion that it’s just for buff guys. But it’s a place for completing any goals you may have. It’s a fun and safe place.”
Petit recommends that women leave stereotypes behind and try using heavy weights along with treadmills and bikes.
“Males are always the dominant ones in coming and lifting the heavier weights. Whereas now, females are starting to realize that it’s just not a male-dominated world anymore. Woman can come work out too. Girls need to be in the gym as much as men do.”
Physical activity and gym participation can lead to many physical and mental benefits.
“It helps your cardiovascular stamina, strength, muscle endurance, power output, lowers blood pressure, and it evens out the levels of hormones in your body. It also increases your flexibility and makes everyday tasks easier to do, “ says Mestre.
“Working out is also an action of releasing stress from our body, so it makes you feel good when you do it. It’s a healthy high. Also, social bonds are created. So it’s a win-win situation all the way around.”
Conway agrees with the idea that the gym provides social benefits.
“It really gets you out there, meeting new people.”
If students are not members of the facility, Mestre stresses the importance of involvement in campus recreational activities. Every year he makes a point to speak to the first-year students about the different active living services available at the college.
Wrestling and martial arts are just two of many groups suggested by Mestre that are available on campus.
The gym is left open and is a place for people to spend some extra time when it suits them best. Basketballs, rackets, Frisbees, and an assortment of other sport equipment can be signed out.
“There are plenty of ways of doing activity outside of the fitness centre. People may play sports, run, swim, garden, take a brisk walk with dogs from the SPCA. There are many ways to get your physical activity,” says Mestre.