Fitness
4 Fitness Studios Committed to Creating LGBTQIA+ Spaces
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Earlier this month, I purchased an intro offer at The Yoga Standard. I was browsing the schedule and, to my surprise, there was a PRIDE themed class that was donating all proceeds to The Trevor Project. As a queer person, knowing my yoga studio was hosting a class that centered LGBTQIA+ folks felt reassuring, and my loyalty to the business grew stronger.
Though the class didn’t differ greatly from its normal routine, sitting next to a man who adorned his eyes with glitter that morning just made me feel...better. The instructor fostered a space for reflections around identity and pride. I laughed, I cried, I sweat, and I left the class feeling fabulous.
While Pride Month is a great time for studios to show their support for the community, consistent support throughout the year is much more powerful. Being LGBTQIA+ inclusive is more than hanging up a rainbow flag or temporarily changing a business logo to rainbow colors. Here are some MINDBODY studios creating LGBTQIA+ inclusive spaces all year round:
Everybody (Los Angeles)
This gym is “creating a radically inclusive culture for all bodies to move, strengthen, and heal.” My favorite part? They offer sliding scale monthly memberships based on income, which helps remove barriers for folks who are marginalized and/or low-income. Their list of teachers is full of gorgeous, queer, and diverse faces. Aside from their standard program classes, they also offer $5 community classes—some of which are bilingual (Spanish/English). And, they have gender-neutral locker rooms, which is a staple for LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces. Everybody Los Angeles is living and breathing inclusivity.
The Queer Gym (Oakland)
This self-proclaimed “gym + safe space + house party” fosters a supportive community without the homophobia, transphobia, and body shaming. In addition to being unapologetically queer, this gym has no mirrors, which reduces barriers for folks with body dysmorphia or gender dysphoria. They take “gym buddies” to a whole new level by offering a monthly social calendar for members. With classes like “Oakland Booty” and “Tops ‘n Bottoms,” The Queer Gym promises lots of sweat, an encouraging environment, and a dang good time.
Mark Fisher Fitness (NYC)
At Mark Fisher Fitness, “making health and hotness fun and inclusive” is their mission. As a member of their Enchanted Ninja Clubhouse of Glory and Dreams (yes, you read that right), they promise fast results with a money-back guarantee. It’s not just rainbows and unicorns at MFF—their bright and vibrant space is filled with friendly trainers who are fiercely committed to your results and growth.
Workout! with Erica Nix (Myo Movement - Austin)
Erica Nix is a body positive ambassador on a mission to make working out fun again. Her wild workouts are queer-centric and outrageous. Aside from her weekly class at Myo Movement in Austin, she also puts on events and pop-ups around Austin throughout the year.
Wanna sweat it out? Explore more inclusive and empowering studios through the MINDBODY app, or search on MINDBODY.io to booking everything from HIIT to hot yoga.
