Article content

An online petition is calling on a women-only gym in Montreal’s Rosemont borough to reverse its decision to begin allowing men to become members.

Éconofitness Extra au Féminin’s website confirms that starting Dec. 20, the gym on Masson St. will open its doors to men, too.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Don't allow men at our women-only gym in Rosemont, petition demands Back to video

The woman behind the petition, Marie-Hélène Gauthier, says the decision was made unilaterally, without consulting members — all of them women who had previously signed on for a women-only environment in which to train.

The gym “allows women in the neighbourhood to have a place where they can feel comfortable to train in peace, surrounded by other women,” Gauthier’s petition states.

“Public spaces where women from all walks of life can meet and feel at ease in their bodies are so rare,” she writes.

Having female trainers as coaches is also an inspiration for members, her petition points out.