Girl Gains Opens Chapter at Marist

Olivia Rouse, VP, and Jill Benoit, President of Marist chapter of Girl Gains

Luke Johnson '25

With care, encouragement, and  of course, strength, Girl Gains seeks to empower women’s identities as well as their bodies with a female weight lifting community.

Girl Gains is a college-originating womens’ weight lifting organization currently with one chapter in Canada and 84 chapters at colleges around the United States, now including Marist College. The organization was originally created at San Diego State University in 2020 with the goal of creating a thriving and comfortable space for women to weight lift and support one another whilst doing so. 

It is open to frequent gym-goers as well as curious newcomers looking to begin their fitness journey. The organization works to have a positive impact through resources listed on their website like Guest Speakers, Workshops, Workout Events, both in-person and virtual, and even how to start your own chapter.

President of the Marist chapter, Jill Benoit ‘26, and Vice President Olivia Rousse, founded the Marist chapter.

Benoit was inspired to begin the Marist chapter of Girl Gains to encourage and empower women, as well as to create a safe space for nonbinary and female-identifying individuals in the predominantly male-dominated gym environment.

Meetings consist not just of weight-lifting, but presentations and discussions relating to how to properly and safely weight lift, overcoming gym anxiety and some nutrition-related advice. Benoit acknowledged the differences that exist between peoples’ bodies and how the organization does not emphasize the idea that women’s bodies must appear any certain way. This inclusivity is deeply valued by the organization when the gym at times can feel like a judgmental place.

There is pressure and stress that comes with being a woman in the gym. “There’s a million eyes on you,” Benoit said.

However, Rousse added that a huge part of Girl Gains is a sentiment of independence. “We’re doing it for ourselves, not for the eyes,” Rousse said.

Benoit discovered Girl Gains from social media, something that speaks to the reach of the movement. Rousse attributes the size of the organization to the Women’s Empowerment Movement and the opportunity it provides for women to feel safe working out.

Rousse and Benoit spread the inspiration they felt starting the club with “hyping up” members as they’re exercising, and making it clear that Girl Gains is a judgment-free zone. They explain how working out is not just a physical experience, but a mental one, too.  Their encouragement of one another creates a solid support system and helps them maintain the mentality of uplifting women and sharing their gym knowledge.

As far as the future of Girl Gains at Marist, Benoit and Roussespeak on plans of growing their social media presence, protein shake events and motivation boards.