As someone who has spent years studying societal barriers and their impact on underrepresented groups, I’m deeply committed to fostering inclusivity in all spaces—including the fitness industry. That’s why, as part of LGBTQ+ History Month, I wanted to share my insights with the world of fitness to help gym owners, health clubs, and independent professionals create truly inclusive environments for all. Let’s look at how we can embrace LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the fitness environment together.
Val Craft, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Expert.
Hi, I’m Val. As an instructor at T2 Fitness, my journey began at Ruskin College in Oxford, a space steeped in the history of radical thought and social justice. My undergraduate dissertation focused on working with LGBTQ+ young people, earning recognition and a platform to share my findings at a Manchester Metropolitan University conference. Later, I pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s Studies, immersing myself in the legacies of activism that shaped the Women’s National Liberation Movement.
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The Underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ People in the Fitness Industry.
The fitness industry has long been heralded as a space of transformation, health, and community. Yet for many LGBTQ+ people—and other marginalized groups—this promise often remains unfulfilled. LGBTQ+ individuals are significantly underrepresented within the fitness community, and research highlights that they experience higher levels of low mental wellbeing and mental ill-health compared to their heterosexual and cis-gendered peers. It’s time to address the barriers that have perpetuated this inequity and work together to create fitness spaces that celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Impact of Societal Prejudice and Bias on Barriers to Access
Societal prejudice, unconscious bias, and implicit bias shape the way we interact with the world—often without us realising it. For LGBTQ+ individuals, these biases manifest as microaggressions, exclusionary practices, or outright discrimination, creating significant barriers to accessing fitness spaces.
Think about the traditional gym setting. It’s often dominated by heteronormative and gendered expectations: binary changing rooms, rigid ideas of what a “fit” body should look like, and marketing that exclusively appeals to cisgender, heterosexual audiences. For someone who identifies as LGBTQ+, these environments can feel unwelcoming or even unsafe. Similarly, unconscious bias can lead to assumptions about a person’s ability, goals, or identity, creating an environment where members feel invisible or misunderstood.
It’s important for fitness professionals to recognise these biases within themselves and their environments. Awareness is the first step to creating change.
The Role of Language, Culture, and Marketing in Access Barriers
Language is powerful. It can create belonging, or it can alienate. Phrases like “man up” or “you throw like a girl” not only perpetuate harmful stereotypes but can also alienate transgender and nonbinary individuals. Similarly, gendered language in fitness classes (e.g., “Ladies’ Night” or “Men’s Strength Training”) reinforces outdated norms that exclude those who don’t fit into binary categories.
Cultural norms within gyms also play a role. Fitness spaces often emphasise certain body types or aesthetics—think chiselled abs and lean physiques—that may not resonate with LGBTQ+ individuals or others who don’t conform to mainstream beauty standards. This narrow focus can perpetuate feelings of inadequacy or exclusion.
Marketing, too, has historically failed to represent the LGBTQ+ community. Representation matters. When people see themselves reflected in gym advertisements or social media campaigns, they’re more likely to feel that they belong. Yet, fitness marketing often overlooks LGBTQ+ individuals, perpetuating the notion that fitness is not for them.
Developing a Plan of Action: Reducing Barriers to Access
Change begins with intention. Here are actionable steps fitness professionals can take to create more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals and other underrepresented groups:
1. Foster a Culture of Inclusivity:
- Offer diversity and inclusion training for all staff, focusing on unconscious bias and cultural competence.
- Create a code of conduct that explicitly prohibits discrimination and promotes respect for all members.
2. Rethink Language:
- Use gender-neutral language in class descriptions, signage, and communication. For example, replace “Ladies’ Strength Training” with “Strength Training for Women and Non-Binary People.”
- Encourage instructors to use inclusive language during classes, avoiding assumptions about gender or relationships.
3. Redesign Physical Spaces:
- Offer gender-neutral changing rooms or private changing areas.
- Display inclusive signage, such as rainbow flags or stickers, to signal that your space is a safe and welcoming environment.
4. Revamp Marketing Strategies:
- Include LGBTQ+ individuals in promotional materials and social media campaigns.
- Highlight diverse body types, abilities, and backgrounds to show that fitness is for everyone.
5. Listen and Learn:
- Create opportunities for feedback, such as anonymous surveys or member forums.
- Partner with LGBTQ+ organisations to better understand the needs of the community and collaborate on initiatives.
6. Recognising the Value of Inclusive Sessions:
Inclusivity doesn’t mean eliminating tailored sessions; it means ensuring they are accessible to all who need them. Women-only sessions, for example, can provide a valuable and empowering space, but they should be clearly marketed as inclusive of all women—including trans women—as well as non-binary individuals who feel comfortable in such an environment. Being explicit in marketing and communication ensures that these spaces are truly welcoming while still respecting the unique needs of different demographics.
Find Inspiration
The Weekending Fitness Club is a London gym offering strength and conditioning training for the LGBTQ+ community. Their mission is to provide a supportive, healthy space to the train, connect, and build meaningful friendships.
Based in London, Workout with Pride are committed to their mission of creating a space for all people to feel encouraged and supported while learning how to lift and exercise correctly in a fun and inclusive environment.
While these gyms cater specifically to the LGBTQ community, there is a lot we can learn from their language, advertising, value and mission statement. What can you adopt to make your space more inclusive?
Broadening the Conversation: Barriers for Other Demographics
While this discussion focuses on LGBTQ+ inclusivity, it’s important to recognise that many groups face barriers to accessing fitness spaces. People with disabilities, older adults, those from low-income backgrounds, and racial and ethnic minorities often encounter systemic challenges that limit their participation.
The strategies outlined above can be adapted to address these barriers as well. For example, offering adaptive fitness equipment and classes can make gyms more accessible to people with disabilities, while providing affordable membership options can help break down financial barriers.
Be More Inclusive
As fitness professionals, we have the power to shape environments where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their goals. By addressing societal biases, rethinking language and marketing, and committing to meaningful change, we can create a fitness industry that truly embodies the values of health and community.
Let’s challenge ourselves to lead by example. Together, we can build a future where fitness spaces are not only inclusive but celebratory of the rich diversity of the communities we serve.
