A young women works out on a rowing machine with big windows in the background.
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Students

5 reasons to hit the gym on campus

We caught up with Ryleigh Leece, a fourth-year kinesiology student to find out why students should make the most of their gym access.

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1 minute
By

Meelya Algazaa

Your student experience doesn’t only have to be about the classroom. Did you know all UM students can use our sport and recreation facilities after they activate their access? 

We caught up with Ryleigh Leece, a fourth-year kinesiology student, Customer Service Desk Representative in the Active Living Center and a strength and conditioning coach for the Junior Bisons to talk to her about why students should make the most of the gym and recreation spaces on campus.

A young woman lifts a kettle bell over her right shoulder in the gym.
Ryleigh Leece is a Customer Service Desk Representative in the Active Living Center and a strength and conditioning coach for the Junior Bisons.

Top 5 reasons to active your access

  1. Access to great equipment.
  2. Support from helpful staff and professionals.
  3. 20% off adult programs.
  4. Three recreation gymnasiums.
  5. Access to intramurals sports, rec clubs and free group fitness classes.

New to the gym? Ask questions!

Ryleigh says, “fear is a big factor when it comes to using the gym, but the team here is so welcoming and so informative that you can come and ask as many questions as you possibly can.” 

Starting something new can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Recreation Services team is here to help. 

Make time to stay active, meet new people and take advantage of the recreation perks available to you as a student. 

How to activate your access

All UM students must complete their waivers online. Please see the steps below. 

  1. Log in to Aurora
  2. Go to 'VIEW ALL CARDS'
  3. Search for Recreation Services
  4. On the Recreation Services card, click 'Complete My Student Gym Waiver'

As long as you are registered for classes in the current term and complete the gym waiver online for the academic year, your Sport and Rec Fee grants you full access to all available membership facilities and student perks.

For UM students under 18 years of age who complete the Aurora waiver online, an email will automatically be sent to their parent or guardian requesting consent and a signature on the student’s behalf.

UM students will receive an email confirming access within five business days of submitting the waiver.

Boilerplate: Community

Creating space for everyone to thrive is more than a goal—it’s who we are. Fostering a vibrant community is among the commitments you’ll find in MomentUM: Leading change together, the University of Manitoba’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.