Describe a rule you don’t like and would like to change

One rule I really don’t like—and would love to see changed—is the freezing policy at my local GoodLife Fitness gym. I’ve been working out regularly there, and they charge you bi-weekly. If you can’t make it for any reason, you’re only allowed to “freeze” your membership for a minimum of four weeks at a time.

A few months ago, I got my period and experienced really bad cramps. My training plan was completely interrupted. After taking painkillers, I ended up lying in bed for several days, feeling too weak to exercise. During that time, I thought, “Women spend about one week every month in this condition. It’s actually unhealthy to push ourselves through intense workouts when we’re on our period.” I know everyone’s body is different, but for me, menstruation makes me feel much more fatigued and even prone to catching colds.

So I asked myself: why can’t the gym be more flexible? What if female members could automatically pause their membership for one week each month—without paying for that week? That way, we wouldn’t lose out or feel guilty for taking care of our bodies.

In fact, I’ve heard that some women-friendly facilities in China already offer special packages: women pay a slightly lower fee or enjoy a one-week break each cycle. Even at my gym’s Eglinton–Dunfield location, there’s a women-only area for fitness classes. That’s a step in the right direction, but the membership rules themselves still lack empathy.

I really hope that in future, gyms here in Toronto—and everywhere—can adopt more humane policies. After all, taking care of our health sometimes means knowing when to rest. A monthly, one-week freeze option for menstruating members would be a small change with a big impact.