5 Ways Fitness Pros Can Create a More Inclusive Group Fitness Environment
There’s nothing like throwing on your mic and knowing you get to have the opportunity to lead a group. Everyone in the same room, working toward the same goal — fully tuned into this moment. It’s a special feeling, one we can’t take for granted as fitness instructors. Clients trust us to help them meet their goals, and it’s our responsibility to ensure we create the space that supports these goals.
You know that feeling. The one everyone has walking into a new group fitness class for the first time. Hoping no one judges if you do the moves incorrectly. Worrying someone else will judge you if you take a break. No sense of comfort or belonging.
Taking steps toward creating an inclusive space starts with you as an instructor. We set the tone and create inclusion by committing to creating a space of belonging. If you’re a fitness pro, here are five ways to start!
How to create a more inclusive group fitness environment
- Learn your clients’ names and correct pronunciation. Having worked in boutique fitness myself, I’ve had clients from all around the world. Names you’re unfamiliar with may be uncomfortable at first, but everyone deserves to be called their name.
- The same goes for pronouns. If you introduce yourself with your name and pronouns, your clients will likely follow suit.
- Don’t assume your clients are in class because they want to lose weight or change the way their body looks. Some people simply enjoy moving their bodies, and it’s our honor as fitness professionals to be included in that journey.
- Building on our last step, try not to reference body change or weight loss in your motivational cues. Swap “summer body comments” to “take in the moment — how incredible is it to be honoring ourselves by moving our bodies.”
- Always provide modifications! I encourage a quick client check-in with each individual to discuss injuries, disabilities, etc. (I know it’s not realistic in every group fitness environment.) On top of that, some clients feel uncomfortable bringing up their need for accommodation due to fear of judgment. Consider cueing multiple variations of the same movement, providing folks with alternatives and the ability to do the movement that meets their needs at that moment. For example, someone may decide they want to challenge themselves beyond the base movement. Explain how they can amplify. If someone needs to take it a notch down, provide a cue that makes the movement more accessible.
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