Gryphons Empowered Through Movement

G.E.M.

What is G.E.M.?

Gryphons Empowered through Movement (G.E.M.) is a peer-to-peer wellness initiative designed to support students experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression through the power of physical activity. A collaboration between Student Wellness and the Athletics Centre, G.E.M. bridges the gap between mental and physical health by creating a supportive low-barrier pathway into movement and recreation.

Participants are paired with a knowledgeable buddy. Buddies meet to explore different ways to incorporate movement into daily life, including activities such as walking, yoga, fitness classes and weight training at a pace and frequency that feels comfortable.

Benefits of Physical Activity on Mental Wellness

Reduces Stress
Boosts Mood
Improves Sleep
Improve Self Esteem
Boosts Brain Function

Find G.E.M. Events on Campus

Join our group 'Gryphon Athletics' on GryphLife to stay up to date with all the G.E.M. and Athletics events happening throughout the school year.

Interested in Joining G.E.M.?

Complete the form below and we will be in contact!

G.E.M. Registration Form

*Required Field

Hear what our students have to say about G.E.M.:

I liked that I felt that I was getting fit with a friend who was knowledgeable rather than a personal trainer trying to make me lose weight.

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It has been great. My buddy was very informative and fun and easy to talk to. I feel much more comfortable and confident in the gym now.

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I liked how it motivated me to be more physically healthy, confident, and helped me connect with more people on campus.

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Resources on Campus

Student Wellness

The Department of Student Wellness is comprised of 7 different units, all of which provide health and wellbeing support and services to students and the campus community. Units include Counselling, Student Health Services, Health & Performance Centre (HPC), Student Support Network (SSN), Wellness Education & Promotion Centre, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) and Sexual and Gender Based Violence Support & Education.

Student Wellness

Central Student Association

The Central Student Association provides a wide range of services and initiatives to enhance the undergraduate experience on campus. Student services include Bike Centre, Student Foodbank, SafeWalk, Student Help & Advocacy Centre and more.

Central Student Association

Become a G.E.M. Buddy

Interested in Volunteering for G.E.M.?

G.E.M. Buddies are volunteer peer supports who help fellow students discover the benefits of movement and recreation. We're looking for volunteers who:

Are familiar with the U of G Athletics Centre
Hold current First Aid and CPR certification
Want to make a difference for others!

Volunteers are not clinicians, personal trainers, dietitians - they are peers supporters who make a difference for others.

If you are looking to support other students as a G.E.M. Buddy, connect with us by emailing gem@uoguelph.ca

Hear what our volunteers have to say about G.E.M.:

I got to see first hand the improved confidence my buddy developed through the program. Not only did they feel better emotionally, they reported feeling better physically as well (less tired). They kept telling me they wish they had started sooner!

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We tried the NRG Zone studio and did a leg day, she said that was the first time she hasn't been stressed in the gym! The studio was great and quiet.

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We discussed his (participant) future goals in terms of physical activity and how confident he felt coming back to school in September and attending the gym on his own. He expressed that he feels very confident and is hoping to continue working out during the summer as well!

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