The University of Guelph’s sensory-friendly fitness studio offers a model for campus rec teams aiming to expand access, belonging and student comfort.
Creating spaces where every student feels comfortable moving their body is a defining priority in campus recreation — and the University of Guelph’s NRG Zone is one example of what that future can look like.
First opened in January 2024, the small-scale fitness studio was designed in direct response to students who felt overwhelmed, unseen or unsafe in traditional gym environments. With sensory-friendly lighting, no music, privacy blinds and identity-specific hours, the space has quickly become a haven for students who previously didn’t feel they had a place in campus fitness.
And as demand for calmer, more inclusive environments grows across higher education, the NRG Zone offers a blueprint for how campus rec departments can rethink access, belonging and the workout experience itself.
Intentional Design for Comfort and Calm
The NRG Zone is intentionally different from the busy main fitness center. Capped at 20 people at a time and operated by welcoming fitness staff, the room provides a quiet and comfortable space for a calm workout. The studio is also used as a space for programs like Learn to Lift — a class aimed at helping build confidence and physical literacy skills.
“Our main fitness center is very large, with high ceilings that make it quite loud and a high volume of people and equipment,” said Sarah Mau, the associate director of Programming and Facilities at the University of Guelph. “Students told us it could be difficult to fully participate, so the NRG Zone was created to increase our inclusion opportunities.”
Since opening, the impact has been significant. Ninety percent of NRG Zone participants bought a membership specifically to access the studio, according to a recent survey. Student testimonials highlight just how transformative the space has been, with Mau describing one instance where a student said the identity-specific hours are the only way the gym feels approachable.
The importance of spaces like these goes far beyond another place to put equipment. Mau said many students find working out to be intimidating, feeling lost or awkward instead of confident. These students — and even some who have never worked out in the fitness center before — are finding a place where they feel comfortable.
“We want everyone on campus to feel welcome and safe in our space. If you can be in a community where you already feel safe and like you belong, other feelings of anxiety or discomfort can be much smaller and easier to overcome,” said Mau.
Lessons and Advice
For other campus recreation departments considering similar initiatives, the NRG Zone offers several clear lessons.
Mau recommends starting by listening to the community you serve. Students will tell you what they need if you create the channels for them to do so. Evaluate your environment through the lens of accessibility — including sensory accessibility, which is often overlooked. Choose equipment that supports beginners as well as those working to advance their skills. And when developing identity-specific programming, collaborate directly with the groups you hope to serve to ensure the intent matches the impact.
The rapid success of the NRG Zone demonstrates that small, intentional spaces can create meaningful change. As more campuses explore sensory-friendly designs, quieter fitness studios and identity-centered workout times, the philosophy behind the NRG Zone can serve as a guide. Students are signaling that they want fitness environments where they feel safe, supported and welcome from the moment they walk in. Campuses willing to listen — and to build spaces that meet those needs — can transform not just participation rates, but students’ relationships with wellness itself.
