Gym-timidation

As an engineer I am always trying to problem solve. So, this week when I found the idea of attending my first fitness class in Denver utterly horrifying, I decided to share my experience. Hopefully it will provide some comfort to people with the same fears! 

Background 

Just like most people (full-figured or not) I go through fitness phases – some successful, some not so much. I am a very confident full-figured biracial woman and I intend to stay that way!  There’s no magic number on the scale or dream pant size. I just want to be healthier – lowering my risk of heart disease and diabetes; feel less short of breath; rid myself of dessert guilt; and, be even more confident!  So last week when I decided to get serious about taking care of myself, and this beautiful body I am lucky to inhabit, the same old fears started popping back up. It’s hard to get to the gym. It’s even harder when you know you’re going to be the only plus sized person in the room. How can some of these workouts be modified for my body? Everyone else knows the moves, are they judging me? Will I be too embarrassed to take a break if I need it?  Is everyone staring?

Boutique studios are popping up in cities all over the country and Denver seems to be the mecca. Colorado has the lowest adult obesity rate in the nation and culture is almost synonymous with nature. The fitness junkies here are more intimidating than any I have met on the east coast. Everyone hikes, bikes, skis and snowboards. When they’re not drinking beer, Denverites are outside. As an environmentalist, that lifestyle is appealing to me but in my current state there are no 14-ers in my future lol. I’m from the east coast, Dirty Jersey to be exact, about 30 minutes from Atlantic City. Six months ago, with the unwavering support of my amazing boyfriend, we picked up and moved across the country, so I could begin my dream job. We are having a great time exploring our new city/state and I think that would only grow if I felt confident enough in my body to tackle some of the amazing hiking/biking trails Colorado has to offer. 

The Lightbulb 

So back to the point of this blog (sorry for the tangent). I think there’s a need for city-wide inclusive fitness guides, especially in Colorado. Where can I, as a biracial plus sized woman, feel welcome and be open and honest with my trainers? That’s where I got the idea for this blog! It’s also a great way to keep me accountable. What if the same fitness guides existed specific to minority groups or people with disabilities?

ClassPass

Before beginning my fitness journey, I did a ton of research. I was looking for studios that employed plus sized or people of color as instructors and/or had students of all body types and skin tones. Sadly, I didn’t find many options with desktop research. I followed a bunch of places on Instagram to get a feel for their community. I settled on a yoga studio nearby. Unfortunately, they had been vandalized the night before and the class I was hoping to attend was cancelled (which I found out after my arrival Saturday morning). I was determined to make it to class that day so it was back to the drawing board. ClassPass kept popping up.

ClassPass is in 25 cities nationwide. It gives you access to different studios/classes in your neighborhood and workout videos on their platform all in one membership. They boast themselves as the most flexible fitness membership ever. Think one membership for cycling, strength training, yoga, barre, Pilates – you name it. I love a choose your own adventure, so I was sold. Plus, if I walked into a studio and didn’t find it to be inclusive, I could walk right back out. I signed up for the free 2-week trial (yes, FREE) that allows you to attend up to 5 classes in 2 weeks using their credit system (23 credits). Still in my workout clothes from the failed yoga attempt, it’s nearing 10:15 AM and I really just want to workout (a first). My boyfriend left to play some pick-up basketball and I was feeling fatter than ever panning through the map of studios from my air-conditioned apartment. I texted my BFF group chat to get some opinions. My yoga teacher fit friend who applauds body positivity and creates an inclusive environment in her own classes, suggested spin. She’s all about women supporting women so while she may not have the same personal experiences as me, I knew her suggestion would be thoughtful. So why not? It’s free!  I signed up for ClassPass and redeemed my credits for a Functional Indoor Cycling class at Endorphin at noon.

For this blog, I’m going to write about my personal experiences trying out different fitness studios around Denver; noting how diverse, welcoming and inclusive they seemed to me. If you’ve been too scared to check out a studio on your own and would like me to be your guinea pig, shoot me a message!