In an exclusive interview, Douglas Brown, dean of the faculty of kinesiology and recreation management, shared exciting insights about the gym’s offerings and changes.

According to the U of M 30,917 students were registered for the 2026 winter term.  Each registered student pays $105.73 as sport and recreational fees. This means that the gym generated about $3,268,854.41 from the service.

According to Brown, “between 62 and 67 per cent of all [U of M] students [activate] their card so that they can access the facilities.” He remarked, “That’s a lot of students.”

He included that the gym activated a total of 19, 329 UM gym access (Students Banner Import), and the total number of visits by students who are assessed for sports and recreational fee in the Fall 2025 term had swiped their cards 61,609 times.

The gym’s diverse programs cater to different interests, ensuring there is something for everyone. “One thing that we do really well is that we recognize that students and members alike all have different interests, and we need to try and provide a wide range of activities that are appealing to that diversity.” Peak hours are weekdays, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m., making it easy to fit in a workout around students’ and members’ schedule. The gym is committed to accessibility, with ongoing efforts to improve facilities and accommodate special needs. “Accessibility means more than just making sure the door opens and closes,” emphasized Brown. “Accessibility means [asking] ‘Do people feel safe in this space? Do they feel comfortable in this space? Do the spaces accommodate special needs?”

Brown also cleared the air about the ongoing pool renovation. “I don’t have an exact date. My hope is [that at] some point in the summer it will be open,” said Brown. The gym also partners with community groups, offering subsidized programs for underserved populations, such as CanU and the Winnipeg Newcomer Sport Academy. These partnerships demonstrate the gym’s dedication to promoting wellness and inclusivity. The gym also rents its facilities to community groups, increasing access to specialized facilities.

The gym values student input and encourages everyone to have a say. “We mostly employ students, and we count on a lot of the students […] to give us the point of view of students,” said Brown. By getting involved, students can help shape the gym’s future and make it an even better space for everyone.

The gym is committed to providing top-notch facilities and equipment for its students and community members. According to Brown, the gym upgrades its equipment every year, with a focus on cardio machines and lifting equipment that tend to get more use. “We have a plan and a fund that allows us to, on a cyclical basis, move pieces in and out,” said Brown. This ensures that the gym always has the latest equipment and minimizes downtime due to equipment failure. The gym also budgets for repair and maintenance, with a focus on replacing equipment before it becomes a liability.

The gym promotes wellness and encourages member engagement through a diverse range of programs and activities. Programs include intramural sports, Bison sports, dance classes, yoga classes and relaxation sessions. The gym also offers low-impact fitness classes and adapts its programs based on student feedback and surveys. “The [recreation] staff are really great at adapting and trying new things,” Brown noted. This approach ensures that the gym’s programs meet the evolving needs of its members.

The gym prioritizes accessibility and safety, with measures in place to ensure that facilities are accessible to all. While the gym is not open 24 hours, Brown explained that this is due to safety concerns and the reliance on student staff. “We are always conscious of students’ and members’ safety, and we don’t want people coming and going when there [are] very few people around,” Brown stated. In addition, he mentioned that the gym caters to different fitness levels or abilities by having certified gym staff and personal trainers who help gym members learn about the equipment and help spot people.

By prioritizing facilities, programs and accessibility, the U of M gym is committed to promoting wellness and supporting the university community. Whether you are a student, staff or community member, the gym is considered a good place to get fit, make friends and stay active.