On March 8, YMCA Calgary is opening our doors at Saddletowne YMCA exclusively for women and girls as part of our International Womens’ Day celebrations. The event is in response to the unique needs of our Saddletowne community members looking for women-only spaces, creating an opportunity for women and girls to swim, work out and play while respecting their cultural and religious needs.
Date: Saturday, March 8
Time: 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Saddletowne YMCA, Calgary
Members may bring a guest for free. Drop-in fees for non-members will be reduced to $12.35.
Why This Event Matters
This event is about more than just celebration, it’s about awareness and action. Women and girls face unique challenges when it comes to accessing recreation and sport, including societal expectations, cultural and religious considerations, and confidence barriers. At YMCA Calgary, we are committed to creating welcoming spaces where people of all backgrounds can find health, happiness, and belonging.
On International Women’s Day, we want to provide an opportunity for women and girls to engage in physical activity in a way that respects their values and lived experiences. Many women refrain from public sport and activities because of their religion or cultures. Additionally, research shows that by age 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys. By offering a women-only space, we aim to remove barriers, build confidence, and encourage lifelong participation in fitness and recreation.
This special event is open to women of all ages and fitness levels, offering a supportive environment to try new activities and increase female representation in recreational spaces. Together, we can foster greater gender equity in sports and celebrate the strength of our community.
Women and girls are invited to join us on March 8 at Saddletowne YMCA and enjoy full access to the facility in a welcoming and empowering space!
Weight Floor: Cardio, weights, and circuit machines with female personal trainers
Aquatic Facilities: Lane pool, training pool, open swim, and hot tub
Sports & Gym: Basketball, badminton, and an Introduction to Basketball lesson led by a female coach
Group Fitness: Classes led by female instructors, including Full Body Strength with Shaye at 2:30 p.m. and Yoga with Wendy at 3:30 p.m.
All areas of the YMCA facility will be staffed exclusively by women, and cultural and religious needs will be accommodated to ensure an inclusive experience.
Gentlemen, you can help us make this a Memorable Day
Male members and visitors can help us make this a memorable celebration by planning their workouts at Saddletowne YMCA up until 1:30pm. Our other YMCA Calgary branches will remain open to all guests during the event, so if your schedule only permits for a visit between 2:00 - 6:30 p.m., then we invite you to join us at another branch.
Important Event Access Information:
To create a truly safe and inclusive space, the facility will transition to female-only access starting at 2 p.m., and all male guests over the age of 8 will be asked to begin vacating the facility at 1:30 p.m. Male children aged 3-7 can enjoy activities in our pre-school room from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. under supervision. We appreciate the community’s support in making this event a success.
By offering women and girls the chance to engage in fitness without barriers, YMCA Calgary is fostering well-being and empowerment. Let’s celebrate women’s achievements and work towards an equitable future in sports and recreation!
This event is open exclusively to women and girls of all ages and fitness levels. YMCA members can bring a female guest for free, while non-members can join for a reduced drop-in fee of $12.35. Male children ages 3-7 may be dropped off at our preschool centre for supervision and care during the event hours.
Participants will have full access to the weight floor, aquatic facilities, sports and gym activities, and group fitness classes, all led by female staff and instructors. Activities include an introduction to basketball, a full-body strength class, and a yoga session.
The event is designed to respect the cultural and religious needs of women in the community by providing a private, women-only space with all-female staff, including administration and housekeeping. The facility will transition to female-only access at 2 p.m. to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
Male members can support this event by planning their workouts at Saddletowne YMCA before 1:30 p.m. on March 8. Our other YMCA Calgary branches will remain open to all guests, so if you’d like to work out between 2:00 - 6:30 p.m., we encourage you to visit another location.