Introducing CMMN GRND: Vancouver's first trauma-trained, gender/ body neutral fitness space

As businesses have started to re-open in B.C, a new kind of fitness experience is being brought to you by CMMN GRND with owner, 28-year-old, Dylan Archambault leading the way.

Having absorbed the rise of environments that support people’s autonomy to choose how they self-identify, a mindful-sphere centred on a holistic approach is at the core of Archambault’s (he/him) ethos: ‘‘Come as you are, no matter who you are.’’ 

Vancouver is known for its health and fitness culture, with an abundance of fresh juiceries, gyms and athletic retail stores scattered throughout the city. But with so much emphasis on body image, Archambault saw an opportunity to start shifting the industry to be more inclusive by flipping the narrative of ‘mind, body and soul’. 

‘‘When we shift the focus to how your body feels or what it can achieve, we free up a lot more space in the mind for more important things. Body neutrality simply means that fitness and movement do not have to relate to body appearance. We’re bringing in different modalities of movements so you can have a more rounded experience.’’

Rather than creating a safe space, as people’s perception of safety differs, Archambault constructed a ‘brave space’ for Vancouver. While staff use pronouns, the clients can identify themselves however they please. Gender-neutral European sizing is used for the spin shoes, and only natural scents fill the washrooms, which feature closed stalls for toilets, showers and changing rooms.

‘‘We don’t care as long as you flush and wash your hands,’’ says Archambault. 

Although the CMMN GRND team are dedicated to prioritizing their principles in every which way, they’re acutely aware that as humxns, they won’t get it 100% right, 100% of the time.

‘‘We certainly do not have all the answers. In fact, we’re going to be flat out wrong with some of the things we do and choices we make. But we’re ready to fuck up, learn from our own community and do better,’’ Archambault says. 

The studio is one of few equipped with a trauma-informed training program, The Yoga Outreach Core Training. The compulsory initiative for staff enables qualified yoga teachers to construct classes that focus on those who could be dealing with a multitude of issues, including mental well-being, health problems, addiction habits, violent abuse and post- traumatic stress disorder. Archambault is currently working towards bringing trauma-informed practices into all of their classes, for a standardized approach.

Along with assorted forms of yoga, other fitness offerings consist of: REIGN MVMNT (a 50 minute full body work-out that is half dance cardio and half weight/ resistance training), spin, and the WYLD Method (movement methods that work with expansion and contraction, while refining the origins in patterns of mobility and body control) led by India Dania. The classes are designed to put emphasis on moving in a multitude of ways to connect comprehensively with the mind, inducing the ability for body positive practises.

To adjoin all pieces of his vision, Archambault hired 31-year-old Jessie Nelson (them/ they), the owner of Kith + common as a Consultant- turned General Manager at CMMNGRND.

‘‘I think one of the important take-aways of educating myself was realizing that as a gay, white cis-man, I am at the top of the ladder in my community. It means I have a responsibility to show up for the rest of my vast and inter-sectional community, because I have the privilege and access to do so,” says Archambault.

Because both are able-bodied white folx, the pair acknowledges they have a lot of privilege. 

“So my goal is, as a GM, to keep that in mind and to build a strong enough foundation of what we need to create an inclusive environment,” says Nelson. “We want to allow the space for radical self-expression and discovery. We want to celebrate all of the bodies that walk through our doors. We want to bring fitness and movement back to what it should be, which is a deeply humxn experience.’’

Considering that it’s been a tough few months enduring the effects of Covid-19, the opening of CMMN GRND  is something of a much-needed cure, bringing a sense of rejuvenation to the community once again. And to support the community further, the first class is free upon sign-up. 

Up to a 50 per cent capacity is permitted, and limited classes are on schedule to allow for disinfecting between sessions. 

In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, on Saturday 27th June they will be hosting two classes that are free and open to all Indigenous folx:

12pm and 1:30pm with Shayla Stonechild of the Muscowpetung First Nation. Reserve your spot by emailing: info@cmmngrnd.ca. 

Photo credit: Kezia Nathe