LET’S GET PHYSICAL: GYM CULTURE AT HAMILTON

By Emma DiGiacomo ‘25

Hamilton boasts a strong fitness culture, with over one-third of students participating in collegiate athletics. Even beyond these sports teams, there is a culture of staying active on campus. Specifically, in the Blood Fitness Center, lifting and exercise classes have come to define many students’ daily lives. However, from the perspective of female newcomers, Hamilton’s gym culture often feels male-dominated. Fitness clubs such as Pretty Tough and the Lifting Club are working to change that narrative. Take Paige O’Hara for example. As a sophomore starting her fitness journey a year ago, Paige immediately noticed a lack of women in the weight room, describing the gym as dominated by male athletes. She noted how this environment was intimidating as a newcomer but eventually banded together with fellow lifting “regulars,” creating her own fitness community. This support system served as inspiration for the Lifting Club, which Paige is now the president of. The Lifting Club is open to all students regardless of experience or gender, with a specific focus on beginner workouts and nutrition basics. Learning the difference between powerlifting, bikini bodybuilding, and more are all informational sessions the club teaches.

Finding a lifting routine was something Paige initially struggled with, so guiding members to create their own personalized workouts is an essential part of the club. Paige hopes that the Lifting Club creates an encouraging environment for women in the gym which continually motivates her as she works towards her own personal goals. Similarly, the Pretty Tough Club strives to host fun and inclusive fitness activities. While the club is specifically geared towards female-identifying and non-binary individuals, all Hamilton students are welcome to join. All skill levels are welcome, as the club hosts a wide variety of events such as yoga, Zumba, and personalized workouts for each student.

Natalie Peng, an E-Board member and Hamilton swimmer, initially joined Pretty Tough to find a fitness community out of season. Natalie describes the low-pressure, “move at your own pace” environment as her favorite aspect of the club. Additionally, collaborations between other Hamilton organizations merge fitness interests with different social scenes. For example, Pretty Tough recently hosted a glow-in-the-dark skating event with CAB, as well as a Just Dance with the Student Dance Alliance.

Even without regard to gender, the Lifting Club, Pretty Tough, and a variety of other fitness clubs create a welcoming gym environment, separate from college athletics. Daily exercise classes are held in the Blood Fitness Center ranging from HIIT workouts, to jump rope courses, and so much more. The rock climbing wall is also a huge part of on-campus fitness, with an entire subculture emerging from those who regularly climb. Beyond gym facilities, countless seasonal club sports participate in intercollegiate competitions as well. From hockey, soccer, water polo, and more, there are many ways for Hamilton students to achieve their fitness goals in a healthy, inclusive environment.