Brains and Brawn - The Importance of Inclusive Gym Culture

Brains and Brawn will host an educational presentation open to all University of Minnesota students on September 8th, 2025, from 4–6 PM in the President’s Room at Coffman Memorial Union. The purpose of this event is to educate students on the importance of supportive gym communities and to address the psychological, social, and physical impacts of gym culture. The main part of this program will short presentations led by an ACE-certified personal trainer and club gym goers who will present research-based insights on how community support contributes to long-term fitness success, the ways in which toxic gym culture and stereotypes can be harmful, and the strong connection between community, mental health, and physical wellness. The presentations will also explore how inclusive and welcoming fitness spaces can help break down barriers that prevent students from pursuing a healthier lifestyle.

This educational initiative is designed to reduce anxiety and stigma surrounding public gym spaces and to demonstrate how a positive and respectful environment can improve students’ overall well-being. While Brains and Brawn will begin regular club meetings later in the semester and offer attendees the chance to partake in an existing supportive gym community, this event’s main goal is not to recruit new members, but rather to inspire students to join or build their own communities centered around the gym.

To ensure a welcoming atmosphere, food from Chipotle will be catered, as it offers a variety of dietary options, along with Fairlife protein shakes for attendees. This presentation marks the first club event of the academic year and is meant to equip students with the right tools to take charge of their physical health right in the beginning of the semester.

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