The fitness world can feel intimidating for anyone.
The message: You dont want to look like me, Dr. Ellis-Ordway says.
It shows up in stores, where finding proper exercise clothing in larger sizes is nearly impossibleand expensive.
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This is especially true for women and other marginalized genders.
We spoke to eight larger-bodied exercisers to find out what helped them find their niche in the fitness arena.
Heres what they said.
Research fitness spaces for diverse representation.
Ive also had people assume Im not good, fast, or technical because Im fat.
I cant stress enough how important it is toresearch fitness spacesbefore you show up for a workout.
I look for representation.
If theyre showing bigger bodies on their social media, is it part of a weight loss challenge?
Maybe the space appears safe for women, but not necessarily Black queer women.
Maybe the gym looks awesome but a thin blue line flag is hanging from the rafters.
I need to know that every part of me will be taken care of in my fitness environment.
Amanda Gilliam
2.
Find a trainer who mirrors your philosophy on weight and bodies.
Initially, the gym was very intimidating.
I found myself making excuses not to go.
He helped familiarize me with the equipment and served as a buddy.
Eventually, I realized people around me didnt really care what I was doing.
Plus, they were friendlier than Id given them credit for.
It turned out, a lot of folks were happy to have a conversation.
Chaya Milchtein
3.
Dont wait for the perfect situation to begin working out.
But remember that the perfect time to workout out is right now, even if the circumstances arent perfect.
You dont need to be in head-to-toe Lululemon.
Throw on a T-shirt and some shorts andgo for a walk.
If walking in public gives you anxiety, walk circles around your house.
Dont feel comfortable at the gym either?
Grab a couple water bottles or canned veggies and find a beginner workout video to do at home.
Allison Cassatta
4.
Create your own community.
For example, I was recently considering joining a local team.
The message was subtle but clear: Im not welcome.
You need a bike and clothing.
Marley Blonsky
5.
Remember, the unwelcoming spaces are the problemnot you.
Ive been fat for most of my life and have dealt with bullying from elementary school through adulthood.
It got to the point where I eventually stopped going to the gym.
But the exclusion has also been subtle.
The first time I walked into a yoga studio, I was asked if I was waiting for someone.
The message was that I wasnt the throw in of person who attended classes there.
It helps to remember those spaces are the problem, not me.
People who are secure and happy with themselves dont go out of their way to exclude others.
Realizing this changed the way I interact with the world.
If that isnt enough for the teacher, that isnt on me.
This has allowed me to deepen my practice and find peace with where my mind and body are at.
Shannon Kaneshige
6.
Conquer a big (non-weight loss) goal.
For most of my life, my exercise goals revolved around weight loss.
Running and kayaking were just a couple of the things I was putting off until I lost weight.
I know many people wont even come to the gym until they lose weight.
Its hard to feel welcome in a space when you dont see anyone who looks like you.
And on the rare occasion that you do?
You may end up hearing them being talked about behind their back.
Although it wasnt directed at me, I felt so uncomfortable.
I didnt feel comfortable speaking up because I was afraid of making him angry.
After completingbreast cancertreatment, I found a group of plus-size women who were hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.
At that point, I had zerohikingexperience.
I wanted to do this, not to lose weight, but for myself.
Completing that summit showed me that I can do anything.
Bisa Myles
7.
Trust in your capabilities and what youve already accomplished.
I never thought Id have a career in fitness.
I love higher intensity classes, but I never saw people with bodies like mineleadthose types of classes.
People are often shocked at my experience and abilities.
One thing thats been hugely helpful is showing up in fitness spaces with a deep belief in myself.
When I walk into a room, people pick up on that.
Kanoa Greene
8.
Be the change you want to see.
Up to that point, every trainer I encountered was focused on weight loss.
Shed always wanted to become a runner but thought it was out of reach.
That ultimately led me to create my coaching business.
The women I work with have accomplished amazing things (many of them are ultra runners!)
all while running in the types of bodies that are rarely featured in the mainstream running media.
Jill Angie
Responses have been edited for length and clarity
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