Move Your Mind
Description: A free, welcoming program that helps Laurentian students find enjoyable ways to become more active—with personalized guidance and optional peer support.
What is Move Your Mind?
Move Your Mind is a free, welcoming Campus Recreation program that helps Laurentian University students become more active in a way that fits their interests, comfort level and goals.
Whether you are new to physical activity, returning after time away or simply looking for motivation and company, we will help you take the next step—without pressure or judgment.
You do not need to be an athlete or already feel comfortable in a recreation setting. Movement can be as simple as walking the track, trying the weight room, playing squash, joining an intramural activity or discovering another activity you enjoy.
All Laurentian students are welcome, regardless of experience, ability, identity or current activity level.
Features and highlights
Support designed around you
Personalized guidance
Meet with the Move Your Mind coordinator to discuss your interests, goals, schedule and anything making it difficult to become active.
Optional peer support
Choose to be matched with a trained student Movement Buddy who can attend agreed-upon recreation activities with you.
Movement your way
Explore the track, weight room, squash, open recreation, intramurals and other activities until you find something you enjoy.
How Move Your Mind works
1. Tell us what you need
Complete the short participation form yourself or ask a Laurentian staff member to refer you with your permission.
2. Meet the coordinator
Have a private, informal conversation about your interests, goals, schedule and any barriers making participation difficult.
3. Choose an activity
Explore Laurentian’s recreation opportunities and identify an activity that feels enjoyable, realistic and comfortable.
4. Add peer support if you want it
Choose whether you would like to be matched with a trained student Movement Buddy.
5. Build confidence at your pace
Adjust your goals, try a different activity or leave the program at any time.
Ready to get moving?
Complete the short participation form and a member of the Move Your Mind team will contact you within two business days.
What could I try?
What could I try?
Depending on schedules, availability and eligibility, activities may include:
- Walking or jogging on the indoor track
- An introduction to the weight room
- Open recreation
- Squash
- Intramurals - Pickleball
- Yoga
- Outdoor walking
- Basketball
- Badminton
You do not have to use a gym to participate. The goal is to find movement you can enjoy and feel comfortable continuing.
Who can participate?
Move Your Mind is available to current Laurentian University students. No recreation or fitness experience is required. Students may sign themselves up or participate following a referral made with their knowledge and permission.
Is there a cost?
There is no fee to participate in Move Your Mind or meet with the coordinator. Some optional recreation activities may have registration, membership or equipment costs. Any cost will be explained before you choose an activity, and we will help identify free or lower-cost alternatives whenever possible.
Become a Move your mind buddy
Help another Laurentian student feel comfortable, supported and welcome while trying a recreation activity. You do not need to be an elite athlete or fitness expert—empathy, reliability and encouragement are what matter most.
Movement Buddies complete required training and generally provide six to twelve hours of peer support during the term. Matches depend on interests, availability and program capacity.
Frequently asked questions
Who can participate?
Move Your Mind is available to current Laurentian University undergraduate and graduate students. No previous recreation or fitness experience is required. Students of all abilities, identities, backgrounds and activity levels are welcome.
Do I need to be referred?
No. Students can sign themselves up for Move Your Mind. A Laurentian faculty or staff member may also refer a student, but only with the student’s knowledge and permission. Participation is always voluntary.
Do I need recreation or fitness experience?
Not at all. Move Your Mind is designed for students who may be new to physical activity, unfamiliar with Laurentian's facilities or unsure where to begin. The program starts with your current interests, comfort level and goals.
Is there a cost?
There is no fee to join Move Your Mind, meet with the program coordinator or be matched with a Movement Buddy. Some optional recreation activities may have registration, membership or equipment costs. Any costs will be explained before you choose an activity, and we will help you explore free or lower-cost alternatives whenever possible.
Is Move Your Mind counselling or therapy?
No. Move Your Mind is a recreation and well-being support program. It does not provide counselling, mental-health assessment, diagnosis, treatment or emergency support. Students looking for mental-health services should contact Laurentian’s Mental Health and Wellness Support Services.
Is Move Your Mind personal training?
No. A Movement Buddy can attend activities with you, help you become comfortable in the space and provide friendly encouragement, but they do not design or supervise individualized exercise programs. Students interested in personal training can connect with Laurentian Campus Recreation’s personal-training services.
What if I have an injury, disability or accommodation need?
You are welcome to tell the coordinator about any accommodations or participation needs you would like considered. You do not need to disclose a diagnosis or provide unnecessary medical information.
Move Your Mind staff and volunteers cannot provide medical clearance or clinical advice. When appropriate, you may be encouraged to consult a qualified healthcare professional or connect with Laurentian’s Accessibility Services before participating.
Can I request a particular type of Movement Buddy?
Yes. You may identify preferences that would help you feel safe and comfortable, including language, gender or shared activity interests. We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your request, but matches depend on volunteer availability and cannot be guaranteed.
What if my buddy match does not feel right?
Contact the Move Your Mind coordinator. You may request a different buddy, continue without a buddy, pause your participation or leave the program at any time. You do not need to provide a detailed explanation.
How is my information protected?
Information collected through Move Your Mind is used to contact you, understand your recreation interests, arrange appropriate program support and administer the program.
Movement Buddies only receive the information necessary to arrange and support your agreed-upon activities. They are required to respect participant privacy and follow Laurentian policies and program expectations.
Information may be disclosed when required by law or when there is an immediate concern for someone’s safety. Please contact the Move Your Mind coordinator if you have questions about how your information is collected, used or stored.
Move your Mind Coordinator
Jean Benoit
Student Recreation Centre
935 Ramsey Lake Road