Q&A: NAIT’s Women-Only Full Body Strength events

NAIT is always coming up with new events to catch the students’ interests. Athletics and Recreation Coordinator, Sandy Babiuk, answers questions on a new event that highlights the importance of staying comfortable while exercising. 

This interview was edited for length and clarity.

Q: What made you think to create an event like the Women-Only Full Body Strength one?

A: It was created in response to the feedback we had from students who wanted a space where women could feel comfortable and supported while strength training. So, many shared that they were interested in lifting weights but found that traditional gym environments like the downstairs  Fitness Centre were a bit intimidating, and it can be, right? So this was like a safer space where they could just be themselves and work on strength training.

Q: How important do you think it is that NAIT has events that are women only centered?

A: Oh, it’s really important, I think women only spaces give participants a chance to focus on learning and progressing without judgement or pressure, and it’s also a great community builder. You get to know each other if you don’t know anybody on campus. It’s a great way to make connections, and that’s what we try to focus on for all of our programs. It’s a great way to make connections and just take care of your overall well-being.

Q: And you said that you made the event because of feedback you got? So NAIT had some kind of survey go out?

A: Yeah, we do surveys, or even just talking to you. Because we run lots of other programs, and just try to get a lot of feedback from students.

Q: What’s the typical attendance for these events? Because I know this isn’t the first one.

A: No, but we just started this term. And like anything new, it always takes a while for it to take off. So I wouldn’t say it’s the greatest, but those that do come, do so regularly. On a good day maybe 12 students, otherwise there might be around 4 or 5 on some days. It hasn’t taken off yet, but I’m hoping that with more promotion and as students get to know that there is this event happening that they can participate in, it gets more attendants.

Q: Would you mind taking me through the event routine?

A: It is a full body strength workout, so we start with a warmup, then I usually start with cardio, then we go into strength training with a focus on upper body strength. So it could be something with or without weights, and then we always usually end with a core workout, then cooldown and some stretches at the end. So that’s the generic layout, but if we get feedback from students where they say they don’t want to do cardio, then we’ll do some classes that focus on strength and core workouts, so every class is a little different.

Q: So what message would you give to encourage more women and femme identifying individuals to exercise more?

A: The most important thing in strength training is that it isn’t just about building muscle, it’s about building confidence. Movement should make you feel empowered, not pressured. So find your enjoyment, surround yourself with supportive people, which is what we’re trying to create here with this class, and know that every bit of progress counts. Because sometimes we’re really hard on ourselves if we’re not seeing the difference. And I always tell students not to compare themselves with others, there’s always modifications so if you can’t do something or lift very heavy, you do you. Every class I always say ‘this is your workout, you do what works for you.’

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