File photo (taken pre-COVID) of Exercise Sciences students take part in a training session (Photo - Rob Olson Photogaphy via Lethbridge College)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge College offering students free Fitness Centre memberships to support mental health

Feb 5, 2021 | 9:08 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge College students are being offered free Fitness Centre memberships for the Winter 2021 semester.

The post-secondary institution said in alignment with the easing of provincial public health restrictions, the Fitness Centre will be reopened to students and employees for free pre-scheduled, one-on-one personal training, starting February 8.

In a survey conducted last Fall, students stated that increased mental health support was near the top of the issues they have been facing amid the pandemic. The college’s free access to the Fitness Centre is a way to address that, as the school says links between physical and mental health are “well established”.

“We understand the challenges faced by students in a flexible learning environment are different than what they have ever faced before,” said Dr. Samantha Lenci, Provost and Vice President – Academic.

“Long hours in front of a computer screen and feeling isolated from classmates and instructors can have an adverse effect on mental health. In addition to our increased health and wellness supports that are available remotely, the promotion of physical health is an important step we can take to help students.”

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Lethbridge College has also made its Wellness Services supports available remotely, so students are able to access them no matter where they are located. Students can meet virtually with staff or access virtual counseling provided by Morneau Shepell counseling services.

The Morneau Shepell Student Support Program offers 24/7 services for students both online and by phone.

“Our commitment is to support our students both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Nancy Russell, Dean of Student Affairs.

“We have heard their call for increased mental health resources, and we want them to know they are available. No matter what they are feeling, we are here to help and can provide them confidential support. I encourage any student to reach out if they need support.”

Students must sign up at lcfitness.ca to activate their free Fitness Centre membership and book one-on-none training sessions in advance.