Campus recreation has long been a gateway for students to explore fitness, wellness and leadership opportunities. However, some groups have historically felt unwelcome in rec centers. To increase confidence among women in recreation spaces, many colleges are bridging the gap through women-focused programming and everyday leadership.
Programming to Support and Educate
One programming example that’s serving women is at Colorado State University (CSU) Pueblo. During its Women Only Training sessions, the second floor of the Student Recreation Center provided a safe space for women to come and workout or learn about the exercise equipment.
“We have athletes who come to use our facility and they already know what they’re doing,” said Lisa Martin, the associate director of Student Recreation at CSU Pueblo. “But some of the other people I’ll notice they lack the confidence to go up to a piece of equipment and introduce themselves to it.”
During these sessions, fitness instructors are stationed throughout the facility to provide guidance, from demonstrating machine usage to offering personalized workout tips. The approach focused on meeting women where they are and equipping them with the knowledge to make recreation a lasting part of their routine.
Breaking Down Participation Barriers
The challenges faced by women in recreation spaces extend beyond knowing how to use equipment. Salée Johnson-Edwards, the associate director of Recreation and Community Engagement at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, emphasized representation and leadership play a critical role in shaping welcoming environments.
“For a long time, sports have been a male-dominated field, from coaching and administration to key stakeholders and decision-makers,” explained Johnson-Edwards. “However, with the shift in societal norms and the significant rise of women in sports, the playing field is becoming increasingly equal. While women in sports face many challenges, I believe as more of us secure a seat at the table it will not only become easier for the next generation, but it will also become the norm.”
Johnson-Edwards’ work in recreation is deeply rooted in mentorship and advocacy. She believes fostering a culture of visible leadership, support and opportunity — something every leader should prioritize — is key to not just increasing participation but shaping the next generation of women leaders in recreation.
Beyond the Gym: The Lasting Impact of Women-Centric Programming
While these initiatives focus on fitness, both Martin and Johnson-Edwards recognize the impact extends far beyond physical activity. Women who feel comfortable in recreation spaces are more likely to build healthy habits, develop leadership skills and create lasting connections with their peers.
“Our programming must reflect environments where girls and women feel a sense of belonging, acceptance and safety,” said Johnson-Edwards. “Even at the grassroots level, where young girls are first introduced to sports and recreation, it’s crucial the programming offered is of high quality — never watered down or treated as an afterthought. Girls and women deserve top-tier coaching and support staff to guide them, state-of-the-art facilities to train and compete in, and ample resources to ensure they can perform at their highest level.”
Similarly, Martin emphasized the need for candor with the intention to empower when facilitating women-focused programming — not only with Women Only Training but with Group X classes and other initiatives. With so many societal pressures and assumptions of what being healthy is, having frank conversations and helping women set realistic goals is one of the key ways CSU Pueblo supports women patrons.
“One thing I notice when programming for women is how they perceive their self-image,” said Martin. “The biggest thing they needed was being okay with how their body looks and if they have poor self-image, they can take the steps to achieve a little at a time which will all add up to accomplishing their goal.”
The Future of Women in Recreaction
For schools looking to implement similar programs, both leaders stress the importance of intentionality and adaptability. It’s not just about setting aside time or space — it’s about actively working to remove barriers, foster inclusivity and build a culture where all students feel supported.
“Girls and women need these spaces, and I have personally experienced the value that sports can bring,” said Johnson-Edwards. “Sports have gifted me with vital interpersonal skills and life lessons that I continue to use in my professional life today. It’s crucial to prioritize this for one simple reason – if we don’t, then who will?”
