For many people, the gym isn’t just a place to get some exercise, it’s a sanctuary and safe haven to go to when they want to forget their troubles and focus on bettering themselves physically and emotionally.
One of the best things about the gym is that it is almost exclusively a judgement-free zone (lunk alarms aside) and as a result, we’re seeing more people from all walks of life joining up and starting to better their lives.
Everybody deserves to be able to exercise in a safe, welcoming, friendly environment free of judgement and criticism, which is why the fitness industry as a whole, has worked so hard to become so inclusive over the last decade.
But why does inclusivity matter in the fitness industry? Let’s take a look in more detail, shall we?
Fitness Becomes Accessible to Everybody
One reason why we all need to ensure that we’re doing our part to be more inclusive in the fitness industry is simply down to the fact that it allows fitness to be accessible to everybody.
Regardless of your age, your gender, your sexuality, your shape, your size, or your personal circumstances, inclusivity means that everybody has access to fitness in some form or another.
As gyms, clubs, CrossFit boxes, and countless other businesses and organizations within the fitness industry take more steps to become more inclusive, we’re seeing the positive effects that exercise can have, not just on the body, but the mind too.
Fitness Improves Physical and Mental Health
We know that exercise and fitness can boost physical health, but did you know that it can also improve mental health as well?
Exercise helps to promote the production of endorphins and neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of happiness, joy, and confidence. By allowing everybody to exercise, we are essentially allowing everybody the potential to improve both their physical and their mental health.
Everybody Deserves the Right to Feel Welcome when Exercising
One reason why a number of people are wary of working out, taking up a new sport, or joining a gym, is fear of being ridiculed, mocked, or judged by others.
As more and more organizations within the fitness community are taking steps to be more inclusive, however, people no longer need worry about what a small minority of others may say or do.
Many gyms now operate a zero-tolerance policy to bullying and hateful behavior. If any members are found to be guilty of bullying, hateful behaviour, or anything else which negatively impacts the physical safety, or mental wellbeing of other members, not only will they be banned immediately, they might even face criminal charges.
It Provides a More Positive Environment
Finally, the last reason why inclusivity in the fitness industry is so important, is simply down to the fact that it provides more of a positive environment for others.
When people can exercise in welcoming, friendly, positive environments, this in turn makes them feel better and more positive, which can then rub off on others. Positivity, just like negativity, can be contagious, so the more positive people you’re around, the happier and more positive you’ll become.