Inclusive Gyms are on the rise and here's why

NORTHRIDGE, CA - More inclusive gyms are being built nationwide as many individuals from marginalized communities realize traditional gyms aren't meant for people like them.

Gym stock photo

During the start and heights of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people found themselves tuning into their health more than they normally would. This also meant the start of taking care of their physical health, some began to take daily isolated walks while others hiked and kept the 6ft distance and some even created their own at home gyms.

Once the stay-at-home bans began to lift, there were some aspects from the pre-covid life that people started to recognize were no longer fitting to them. Gyms not being inclusive to all types of people was one of them.

Most mainstream gyms nationwide were built for those exclusively fitting the stereotypical fitness ideals: non-disabled, white, heterosexual Americans. Very little do we see gyms going out of their way to offer more than what fits the fitness ideals.

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Fitness industries are often fueled by weight loss goals and shame culture that has become a part of American social norms. Many forget to realize people come in all shapes, sizes, sexualities, and backgrounds.

Women, trans or non-binary, people of color and those with disabilities rarely find gyms that are inclusive to them. This can then affect how those in marginalized communities go about using gyms to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Dominant standards have ruled gyms for quite some time, but with many continuing to prioritize their health and wanting a more welcoming space, there are several fitness organizations both franchise and newly owned are beginning to open spaces inclusive to all.

Amputee Senator Tammy Duckworth, tweeted with excitement how well known gym, Planet Fitness, is making an initiative to add gym equipment for those with disabilities.

Photo creds: Twitter : Senator Tammy Duckworth tweets about how Planet Fitness is moving forward to being inclusive to those with disabilities.

Instead of promoting the idea of one needing to go to the gym and change their body, it has now become the acceptance of the capability to move ones’ body in the way that they can.

Audio

Leslie Valle talks upon how people are affected by non-inclusive gyms.

By, Leslie Valle

Contributions from Healthline & CNN

Audio By, Leslie Valle

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