Looking for engaging, hands‑on fun for your 6–12‑year‑old on upcoming in‑service days? We’ve got you covered! Our enthusiastic camp leaders will guide young innovators as they explore, create, and discover through four themed day camps filled with skill‑building activities, special guests, recreation, and plenty of creativity. Only 18 spots per day— secure your child’s spot here.  

Upcoming In-Service Day Camp Dates: 

• Aerospace Aviators, November 27th, 2026: Let’s soar into a day of imagination, learning and hands‑on discovery, where campers create their own call‑sign pilot badges, build paper airplanes and test them in a friendly flight contest. In the afternoon, they head to RRC Polytech’s Stevenson Campus for a behind-the-scenes hangar tour — a chance to see where aviation truly takes flight. 

• Robotics Ready, February 5th, 2027: Get ready for a full day of robotics and innovation! Campers will enjoy interactive tech challenges, a special high-tech visitor and tour, LEGO robotics, an immersive futuristic experience, and a mini robotic arm build to take their creativity to the next level. The perfect day for young innovators ready to let their imagination switch on. 
    

• Veterinary Visionaries, March 19th, 2027: Back by popular demand, Veterinary Visionaries offers an animal health‑focused day where campers visit a pop‑up Cat Café and make their own cat toys for their furry friends to enjoy. They’ll explore real Vet Tech spaces with our instructors and create mini animal habitats — a perfect mix of creativity, care, and hands‑on discovery for young animal lovers. 
    

• Sustainability Stewards, April 16th, 2027: Sustainability Stewards is a hands‑on day for young environmentalists to explore how small actions make a big impact. The School of Indigenous Education will guide campers through a land‑based activity, our Sustainability team will share eco‑focused craft, CPAWS joins us as a special guest, and we’ll wrap up with a visit to the greenhouse for some planting… and growing. 
   
   

In-Service Day Camps are $41/day 

Important Information: 

What to bring 

• Bag lunch & snacks (nut-free) 

• Re-fillable water bottle 

• Indoor close-toed shoes 

Drop-off and Pick-up (South Gym- Notre Dame Campus) 

• Location: South Parking Lot (S1), Notre Dame Campus 

• Free parking is available during drop-off and pick-up times: 

Camp programming runs from 9:00 AM- 3:30 PM 

Drop-off: between 8:00-9:00 AM 

Pick-up: between 3:30-4:30 PM 

How to Register 

1. Visit: RRC Campus Well-Being: Youth Programs 

2. Sign in to your account.  

3. Ensure your child is listed under your profile:  

• Click your profile icon in the top right corner. 

• Select Profile. 

• Click + Add Family Member and enter your child’s information. 

4. Select the In-Service Day program you would like to register for.  

5. Click Register and select the child you are registering.  

6. Complete and sign the waiver.  

7. Fill out the required registration information.  

8. Proceed to checkout and complete payment.  

9. Registration complete! 

10.  A copy of your completed registration will be sent to your email. 

Want to be the first to know about our upcoming programming?  

Sign up for Newsletter here. 

Looking for ways to stay active, meet people, or make better use of the Fitness Centre this fall? At RRC Polytech, there are a variety of programs and services available for students and staff.  

Whether you want to compete, take a class, learn how to use the gym, or simply get moving, there’s something for everyone.  

Get involved in Intramurals 

Looking for a fun way to play sports and meet people on campus? 

Our Intramural Program offers recreational opportunities for current students and staff to get active, compete, and have fun in a relaxed environment. Friends and family are welcome! (A drop-in fee will apply). 

Our current schedule is as follows: 

No matter your experience level, intramurals are a great way to get involved without the pressure of competitive sport.  

Make sure to sign the gym waiver before your first visit and register before each session. You can register HERE or you can ask for help at the North Gym front desk.  

All current students and staff will need an active membership before registering. Most students automatically have a membership, but some may need to pay a $26 fee for the term. 

Try a Fitness Class 

Want to get active but aren’t sure where to start? 

Our fitness classes provide a fun and approachable way to exercise with others. Classes cover a variety of areas, including strength, conditioning, mobility, and core training. 

Our current fitness class schedule in the North Gym side court is as follows:  

Mondays Muscle and Mobility with Nicole: 12:10-12:50pm  

Tuesdays and Thursdays Strength and Conditioning with MG: 12:10-12:50 

Wednesdays Core Strength and Stability with Henry: 12:10-12:40 

Classes are designed to accommodate different fitness levels, so you can work at a pace that feels right for you.  

Register for classes HERE  

New to the Fitness Centre? Try an Orientation 

Not sure how to use the equipment or where to start? Book a Fitness Centre Orientation with the Sport and Fitness Supervisor.  

The Orientation is a 15-20 minute session designed to help you feel more comfortable using either of our Fitness Centres. During the session, we’ll walk through the space, demonstrate how to use equipment, and answer questions about proper setup and technique – just come prepared to work out! Sign up HERE

Note: A Fitness Centre Orientation is not a personal training session. It’s simply a quick introduction to the facility and equipment so you can feel more confident working out on your own. 

Explore What’s Available 

Both Fitness Centre locations offer a variety of equipment and space to support your workouts.

NDC Fitness Centre, North and South Gyms 

• Loft Fitness Centre – weightroom, cardio machines, spaces for stretching and a variety of workouts 

• North Gym – full, main court and side courts available for all sports, welcome for drop-in play when courts are available 

• South Gym – full, main court and walking track 

• Changerooms, lockers, showers, and washrooms 

EDC Fitness Centre 

• Fitness Centre – fully equipped with free weights, strength machines, cable machines, cardio machines, and more for a proper workout 

• Changerooms, lockers, showers, and washrooms 

Whether you’re looking for cardio, strength training, or something in between, take some time to explore what’s available at both locations! 

Find Your Way to Get Active 

There are plenty of ways to get involved with Sport and Fitness this fall:  

• Intramural

• Fitness classes

• Fitness Centre Orientation

• Or check out any other of our great programs provided by Campus Well-Being through our Member Portal HERE

Ready to Get Started? 

Whether you’re wanting to work on yourself or meet new people, all current students and staff are welcome to join in any of our programs!  

All you need is:  

• An active membership. You can sign the waiver through our Member Portal HERE just be sure to sign in with your school credentials! 

• Proper gym attire – indoor workout shoes and clothes required! 

• A lock to store all your items in any of our free daily lockers. No lock? No problem! You can rent a lock for the day for $2, just ask for one at the North Gym front desk. 

Don’t forget to register for programs, so you can save your spot and get active! 

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Whether you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, sleep difficulties, or simply want to build healthier coping strategies, MindBeacon could be an option for you.

MindBeacon offers a flexible and accessible way to get support by providing digital mental health services, including therapist guided Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, allowing you to access support from wherever you feel most comfortable. One of the benefits of MindBeacon is that it fits into a student’s busy schedule. Through a secure online platform, you can work through personalized activities, connect with a registered mental health professional, and learn practical strategies to manage life’s challenges at your own pace. MindBeacon uses evidence based CBT approaches to help participants develop skills that support long term wellbeing.

Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not a weakness. If you’ve been thinking about prioritizing your metnal health, MindBeacon can be a great place to start. Small steps today can make a meaningful difference in how you feel tomorrow. The program is available to all RRC Polytech students for free. It is completely confidential and no one will you have accessed it.

To learn more about accessing MindBeacon, contact the Campus Mental Health Specialist, Kelly Giddings.

Campus Event Calendars

Event Details and Registration Links

Bookmark Making, Puzzles and Colouring Stations (NDC/EDC)

Take a break from reading, PowerPoints, and hybrid classes with puzzles and colouring pages provided for your relaxation. Create an inspirational bookmark with the provided supplies.

Drop-in to the Notre Dame Campus and Exchange District Campus libraries anytime.

Coffee House – Open Mic/Music Jam (NDC/EDC)

Join us for a fun and welcoming Open Mic event. Enjoy free pizza and share your talents in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Whether you sing, play an instrument, dance, read poetry, perform comedy, tell stories, or showcase any other talent, we’d love to see you on stage.

• Want to perform? Register Here
• Audience Members: Drop by – no registration required.
• EDC (Nov 4, P107) and NDC (Nov 6, The Cave) from 11 to 1pm.

Come along to connect with others, celebrate creativity, and support positive mental health through community and self-expression. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re performing or simply coming to watch, enjoy some pizza, and spend time with others.

Feast and Friends (NDC/EDC)

Join us at Feast and Friends! Enjoy a delicious sandwich, warm Three Sisters soup while connecting with fellow students in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

• REGISTRATION required for NDC (Nov 4, Prairie Lights) and EDC (Nov 5, E236) from 4 to 6pm.

Take part in fun icebreakers, engaging conversations, and relaxed activities designed to help you make new friends and feel more connected to your campus community.

FortWhyte Alive Wellness Walk (Offsite)

Step off campus and step into autumn’s beauty. Join fellow students and staff for a guided walk through FortWhyte Alive’s trails. As we stroll through forests, wetlands and prairie edges, we’ll pause to listen, look and breathe.

• REGISTER for your spot on Saturday, Nov 7, 2026. You will receive an email a couple days before the walk with more details.

Make Your Own Thrive Kits (NDC/EDC/SWC)

Build a personalized toolkit to support your mental health and well-being. During this hands-on drop in session, participants will explore simple, practical strategies for managing stress, boosting resilience, and practicing self-care.

• Drop by – no registration required.
• NDC (Nov 2, Buffalo Cafe) and EDC (Nov 2, P107) and SWC (Nov 3, Student Lounge) from 11:30 to 1pm

Plants and Pots (NDC/EDC/SWC/Regionals)

Take a break and spend some time with plants! Plants & Pots is a hands-on activity where you’ll choose a small succulent, pot it yourself, and add a plant marker with a sticker of your choice. Everything you need will be provided, and your new plant is yours to take home or keep at your workspace.

• Drop by – no registration required: EDC (Nov 3, Atrium), SWC (Nov 4, Student Lounge) and NDC (Nov 5, Library Hallway) from 11:30 to 1pm.
• Check your local Regional Campus for dates and times.

Step away from your usual routine and try something a little different. Working with plants and getting creative can be a nice way to slow down and recharge. Stop by between classes or meetings, make your plant, chat with others, and enjoy a short break in your day.

Speed Friending (NDC/EDC)

Looking to meet new people and make meaningful connections on campus?

This fun and interactive lunchtime event is designed to help students expand their social circles, build new friendships, and feel more connected to the College community. Through a series of short, engaging conversations, you’ll have the chance to meet fellow students in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

• Drop by – no registration required. EDC (Nov 3, P107) and NDC (Nov 4, Lockers) from 12 to 1pm.

Plus, enjoy complimentary popcorn while you connect, laugh, and discover new friendships. Whether you’re new to campus or looking to meet more people, Speed Friending is the perfect way to make the most of your Thrive Week experience.

Steeped in Wellness (NDC/EDC)

Would you love to be a bit more in tune with the plants that grow near you, that are also great to make tea for tummy aches, anxiety or a cold or flu? 

We will talk a little bit about picking, drying, storing and blending teas for when you need them and where you need them, right at home! We will make a few tea bags to try at home, as well as sample some hot tea in the workshop.

• REGISTRATION required for EDC (Nov 5, E155, Manitou Building) and NDC (Nov 6, Prairie Lights), 8-8:45am.

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Facilitated by Sara McIvor-Prouty. Red River Metis, RRC Polytech Staff Member, medicinal plant harvester, grower and Artist, who is in love with creating and everything wildcrafting. She pays homage to the natural world that surrounds her and helps others to embrace it. She has a deep appreciation of nature and our place of responsibility in the world. She loves teaching that food is medicine and all plants have purpose.

Leading up to World Mental Health day on October 10th, Mental Illness Awareness week is an opportunity for our community to learn about the reality of living with a mental illness, fight social stigma, and normalize conversations about mental health.

This year’s campaign for World Mental Health Day calls for meaningful engagement with people with lived experience and recognize that their experience is a vital form of knowledge; and that this knowledge is critical in shaping policies, services and decisions that affect their lives. Just as we learn from research and professional expertise, there is immense value in listening to and learning from individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges. Their stories provide insight, foster empathy, challenge stigma, and remind us that recovery and resilience look different for everyone.

How can you engage?

During the week of October 5-9, 2026, in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, join Campus Well Being & ArtBeat Studio in celebrating the strength, talent, and diverse experiences of our community through the power of art. The exhibit will showcase artwork created by individuals who have experienced mental health and addiction challenges, highlighting personal stories of resilience, hope, and self-expression. Through their artwork, ArtBeat artists share personal experiences, emotions, and perspectives that may be difficult to express in words alone.

Connect through conversation and art during the drop-in Rock Painting session at EDC on Wednesday October 7th from 11:15 am to 12:45 pm. Click here for details.

Drop in to the Canadian Human Rights Museum on Sunday October 4, 2026 for conversation and art that explore mental health as a human right. Through artistic expression and community connection, these programs invite participants to consider mental health through a human rights lens and reflect on what it means to create communities where everyone can support one another with dignity, compassion and care.

Get involved with Campus Well Being’s Advisory Group. The purpose of the Advisory Group is to provide critical input to shape the Healthy Minds Healthy College strategy, ensuring a wide variety of perspectives are considered. Contact Kelly Giddings for more information.

College life is a lot like a paint night. Everyone starts with a blank canvas, a few basic tools, and no perfect plan. As the evening unfolds, colours mix differently than expected, brushstrokes don’t always go where intended, and the finished painting often looks very different from the original idea. That’s all part of the experience.

College is much the same. Your journey will include surprises, challenges, and opportunities you never expected. Rather than striving for perfection, embrace the experience, adapt to change, and create something that is uniquely yours.

Mistakes and Change

At a paint night, mistakes are expected. A brushstroke might go in the wrong direction or a colour may not turn out as planned. Instead of starting over, you simply paint over it, add another layer, or find a creative way to make it part of the picture.

College works the same way. You might earn a lower grade than expected, struggle in a course, or face an unexpected setback. These moments don’t define your future; they help shape it. Like adding layers to a painting, you can learn new skills, make different choices, and keep moving forward. Every challenge becomes another opportunity to grow.

Stop Comparing

During a paint night, it’s easy to glance around the room and compare your painting with everyone else’s. You might wonder why theirs looks better or why yours doesn’t match the example at the front of the room.

College can feel the same. It’s easy to compare grades, friendships, careers, or accomplishments with those of your classmates. But comparison often takes away from your own experience.

Painting becomes much more enjoyable when you stop comparing your work and simply allow yourself to create, experiment, and have fun. College is no different. When you focus on your own progress instead of someone else’s, you create space to learn, grow, and appreciate your journey. Your canvas can look different from everyone else’s, that’s okay!

Your Masterpiece

Over time, a blank canvas transforms into a finished painting filled with layers, adjustments, colours, and unexpected details. Every brushstroke contributes to the final picture.

Your college experience unfolds in much the same way. Every class, friendship, challenge, success, mistake, and new experience adds another layer to who you are becoming.

May we all create a painting that reflects our own journey. As you move through college, celebrate your progress, embrace the unexpected, and remember that you are creating something meaningful. Your unique masterpiece (your life) will look different, and that’s exactly what makes it beautiful.

Upcoming Paint Night

Register for our upcoming Paint Night Class this October 2026. Grab your ghouls, witches, and friends (or come solo!) for a spooktacular evening of painting, creativity, and Halloween fun.

Instructor Kisa MacIsaac will guide you step-by-step as you create a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece featuring a glowing orange night sky, a bright full moon, and eerie autumn silhouettes. Then, make it your own by adding your favourite Halloween touches, whether that’s bats, pumpkins, ghosts, witches, black cats, or anything else your imagination conjures up. No painting experience needed!

Seats disappear faster than Halloween candy, so register early! All materials provided.

NDC – Tues, Oct 27, 2026 in Prairie Lights near fountain by Tim Hortons
EDC – Thurs, Oct 29, 2026 in the Dining Hall, Roblin Building

Resources to Explore:

• Art Therapy and Mental Health Benefits
• A World in Colour: The Benefits of Art on Mental Well-Being

Portions of this content were researched and summarized with the help of AI to enhance clarity and accuracy.

September marks the start of a new academic year and a fresh start for many college students. Whether you’re beginning your first term, returning to campus, or living on your own for the first time, you’re likely juggling tuition, textbooks, groceries, transportation, and everyday expenses. With so many new costs, it’s easy to wonder where your money has gone before the month is over. A budget can help you take control of your money and make every dollar count.

Why Create a Budget

A budget is simply a plan for your money. It shows how much money is coming in, where it’s going, and helps you make informed spending decisions. With a budget, you can cover your essentials, enjoy campus life, and reduce financial stress.

Taking time to create a basic budget now can help prevent bigger money worries later in the school year. Whether your income comes from student loans, a job, savings, family support, or a combination of sources, having a plan can help you stay in control of your finances.

Before creating your budget, think about what you want to achieve with your money. Do you want to cover monthly expenses? Graduate with less debt? A budget gives your money a purpose and helps guide your spending decisions.

Know Your Money

The first step in budgeting is to understand where your money comes from and where it goes. Use a notebook, spreadsheet, or budgeting worksheet to track your income and expenses.

Free tools to help you get started include:

• Google Sheets – Create a custom budget that syncs across your devices.
• Microsoft Excel Online – Free web version with budget templates.
• Credit Counselling Society Budget Worksheets and Tools – Printable and digital budgeting resources.

Calculate how much money comes in each month, including income from work, student loans, scholarships, savings, or family support. Then list your monthly expenses, such as:

• Fixed costs: rent, phone bill, bus pass
• Variable costs: groceries, entertainment, dining out, coffee
• School expenses: tuition, textbooks, supplies

Reviewing your bank and credit card statements regularly can help you spot spending patterns. Many students are surprised by how quickly small purchases add up.

Build a Budget That Works

Compare your monthly income to your expenses. If you’re spending more than you have available, look for realistic ways to reduce costs or increase income. If you have money left over, set some aside for savings, emergencies, textbooks, or future goals.

Build a budget that covers your essential needs first, includes some savings when possible, and leaves room for the activities you enjoy. Your budget should support your goals without feeling overly restrictive.

Review and Adjust

A budget is something you create and check regularly. As your income, schedule, and expenses change throughout the school year, review and adjust your budget regularly. Set aside time each month to review your spending and update your budget. The more often you check in, the easier budgeting becomes and the more confident you’ll feel managing your finances.

May we all ask for support and help when needed, even when it comes to learning how to manage our money. Creating a budget takes a little effort upfront, but it can reduce financial stress and help you make informed decisions throughout the school year.

Webinar – Managing Your Money in College

Join us Wednesday, Oct 21, 2026 at 11am for a student-focused webinar to learn strategies for budgeting, managing expenses, understanding borrowing options, and making informed credit decisions.

• Register today to watch live or receive the recording.

The workshop is presented by Anna Gordon from the Credit Counselling Society, a Canadian non-profit providing free financial education and confidential credit and debt counselling.

Anna Gordon, CCDP, brings more than two decades of experience in education, career development, and community engagement. She loves making complex topics easier to understand and creating welcoming learning experiences that give people practical tools they can use in everyday life.

At Credit Counselling Society, Anna supports financial wellness education and engagement initiatives that help Canadians feel more confident making informed financial decisions. She is passionate about helping people navigate change, build confidence, and take positive steps toward their goals.

Outside of work, Anna enjoys fitness challenges, trail walks, writing, and encouraging others to embrace active living and find greater satisfaction in life and work.

Resources to Explore:

• Credit Counselling Society
  • Credit Card Tips
  • Money Management Skills
• MindWell
• Financial Goal Calculator – Canada.ca
• Start My Budget – Canada.ca
• RRC Polytech – Funding Your Education

Portions of this content were researched and summarized with the help of AI to enhance clarity and accuracy.

Our mental health influences how we think, feel, and respond to the world around us. When stress, worry, or racing thoughts take over, it can become harder to focus, stay present, and find a sense of balance.

This October, in recognition of World Mental Health Day, MindWell’s programming is focused on Mental Health, offering practical tools to help you quiet mental noise, improve focus, and support your overall well-being.

Here’s what’s coming in October:

• When the Mind Won’t Slow Down
• Strengthening Mental Clarity

Join these sessions to build practical mindfulness and grounding techniques you can apply in everyday life. Staff and students can set up their free MindWell account here.

When the Mind Won’t Slow Down

Racing thoughts, overstimulation, and mental exhaustion can disconnect us from the present moment. This class provides practical mindfulness tools to quiet internal noise, improve focus, and create mental space during stressful situations. You will learn grounding techniques that support clarity, calmness, and emotional balance.

Friday, October 9 at 11 am CST.

Register Here.

Mindful Mindset: Strengthening Mental Clarity

Using a blend of evidence-based research, experiential mindfulness, and personal reflections, Dr. Ellen Choi will walk you through habits and perspectives that shape our mental wellness.

Wednesday, October 28 at 11 am CST. Register Here.

Yoga is a powerful and accessible way for college students and staff to care for their mental, emotional, and physical well-being, especially during busy days.

At RRC Polytech, yoga is offered as a welcoming pause in the middle of the day: a chance to step away from screens, deadlines, and stress, and reconnect with your body and breath. Our lunch-hour yoga classes are open to all levels of experience, whether you’re brand new to yoga or returning to a familiar practice. Mats and blocks are provided, so all you need to bring is yourself and a willingness to try something new.

Research shows that yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and mood, support physical strength and mobility, while encouraging emotional balance. These benefits are especially meaningful in a college environment, where mental load and long hours can take a toll.

Our current offerings reflect this holistic approach to well-being. Both instructors create inclusive, supportive classes that emphasize mindful movement, breath awareness, and accessibility.

• Monday Hatha Yoga with Nicole Haverda, in-person only at the Exchange District Campus downtown.
• Wednesday Gentle Flow Yoga with Jaimie Bristow, in-person, live streamed and recorded at the Notre Dame Campus.

Whether you’re looking to manage stress, move your body gently, improve focus, or simply take a mindful break at lunch, our college yoga classes offer a supportive space to prioritize your well-being, on and off the mat.

Monday Hatha Yoga with Nicole Haverda

Meet Nicole Haverda, your Monday Hatha Yoga instructor at EDC downtown. Nicole Haverda is a yoga instructor and wellness practitioner passionate about creating welcoming, empowering spaces where people can connect with themselves and others. Nicole brings experience in Hatha, restorative, yin, vinyasa, slow flow, and yin-yang yoga, adapting each practice to support a range of abilities and experience levels.

With a focus on mindfulness and nervous system regulation, Nicole weaves breathwork, meditation, and mindful movement into her classes. Her approach encourages participants to slow down, build body awareness, and develop practical tools for balance and self-regulation.

Known as HAVS NRGY, Nicole’s Hatha classes offer an opportunity to build strength, flexibility, and awareness while cultivating a grounded connection between mind and body.

Wednesday Gentle Flow Yoga with Jaimie Bristow

Take a midweek pause with Wednesday Gentle Flow Yoga, designed to support your mental and physical well-being. Led by Jaimie Bristow, this class blends slow, mindful movement with conscious breath to help ease tension, improve focus, and restore balance. Gentle Flow is accessible for all levels and perfect for students and staff looking for a calming, supportive practice.

Attend in person, join the live stream, or access the recorded class, whatever fits your schedule. This flexible, inclusive yoga experience offers a steady reset for your body and mind during the week.

Further Reading

• Harvard Health – Yoga for better mental health
• Healthline – Yoga for stress relief and anxiety management
• National Holistic Health Partners (NHPC) – Research on yoga benefits
• Johns Hopkins Medicine – 9 Benefits of Yoga
• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) – Yoga for Health: What the Science Says

Starting your fitness journey can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, build strength, reduce stress, or simply stay active between classes, RRC Polytech Fitness Centres at both NDC and EDC are great places to begin. 

If you’ve never stepped foot in a gym before, this guide will help you feel more confident and prepared for your first visit. 

Why Join the Gym? 

Being physically active offers benefits far beyond fitness. Regular exercise can help: 

• Increase energy levels 

• Improve focus and concentration 

• Reduce stress and anxiety 

• Boost mood and confidence 

• Improve sleep quality 

• Support overall physical health 

For students balancing academics, work, and personal commitments, even a few gym visits each week can make a significant difference. 

Preparing for Your First Visit 

Once you’re ready to start your fitness journey, prepare a few things before your first visit: 

• Comfortable workout clothing 

• Clean indoor athletic shoes 

• A lock to lock and store your belongings in one of our daily use lockers  

• A water bottle 

• Your student or staff identification 

Upon entry, you are required to scan your student or staff ID to confirm you have a valid membership. 

As an active student, your gym membership is covered through the Wellness Fee. Depending on the program you’re enrolled in, this fee may already be included in your tuition or may need to be paid at the front desk.

Understanding the Gym Layout 

Walking into a gym for the first time can feel overwhelming. At RRC Polytech fitness centres key areas are divided so it is easier to navigate through: 

Try this beginner-friendly routine: 

Warm-Up (5 Minutes) 

• Walk on a treadmill or cycle on a stationary bike 

• Light dynamic stretching (Leg and arm swings, walking lunges, etc.) 

Strength Circuit (15-20 Minutes) 

Complete 2 sets of: 

• Leg Press: 10-12 reps 

• Chest Press: 10-12 reps 

• Lat Pulldown: 10-12 reps 

• Seated Row: 10-12 reps 

• Bodyweight Squats: 10-15 reps 

If using weight, make sure it’s challenging enough to the point where you can comfortably complete all the recommended reps – feeling like you can do 1-2 more reps by the end of the set. Rest as needed between exercises (~ 60-90 sec) 

Cardio (10 Minutes) 

Choose one: 

• Treadmill walk 

• Bike ride 

• Elliptical workout 

Cool Down (5 Minutes) 

• Slow walking 

• Gentle stretching 

The goal isn’t to have a perfect workout. The goal is simply to get comfortable in the space and establish a routine. 

We’re Here to Help

Starting something new can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. The RRC Polytech Fitness Centre is designed to be an inclusive and welcoming space for all fitness levels. 

Whether you’re stepping into a gym for the first time or returning after a long break, remember that every experienced gym user was once a beginner too. 

Your fitness journey starts with a single visit. We look forward to seeing you at the RRC Polytech Fitness Centre. 

Got questions about equipment or facility services? You can ask for help from one of our Gym Clerks or book a Fitness Centre Orientation through this link here