Exploring LGBTQ+ gyms across America
Author: Kari Jackson
Working out in the gym is a great way to get out of the house and exercise. Joining a gym, however, can be intimidating due to the stigma behind it. Finding a gym where you feel comfortable and confident is key to a successful workout journey. There are many LGBTQ+ gyms located all around the US, and they center their gyms around being inclusive and welcoming for everyone, especially those within the queer community. Here, we will outline some popular LGBTQ+ gyms in the US.
Soulcana Fitness is a queer, woman-owned gym located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They focus their fitness center on being inclusive for all body types with classes that help with strength and conditioning. Another key aspect of their mission is to help their members learn how to lift properly and enjoy the gym. Members can sign up for group fitness classes, a beginner program, or sessions with a personal trainer. The beginner program is a six-week strength program built for all bodies. After the six weeks are up, members can then have access to the entirety of Soulcana’s classes. This is a great way to make sure that members are ready for weightlifting, and this decreases the risk of injury. Knowing how to lift properly is essential for building a healthy and strong body. Stories from members show that this gym is the ultimate fitness center for anyone looking for an inclusive environment. Story after story, members rave about the inclusivity and comfortable vibe the instructors and members bring to the table.
Q Fitness and Wellness is a queer gym located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and they cater to members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies. They offer small group fitness classes, on-site and virtual personal training, and nutrition and wellness consultations. Their mission is to help their members feel welcome and included. They harbor a space for physical growth and networking opportunities within the community. Their team is highly knowledgeable on many different fitness aspects, so they ensure their members get a well-rounded journey. Fitness is not just about working out, and they help their members by offering access to a registered dietitian. A nice option offered at this gym is the virtual workouts. The remote workouts are a 45-minute-long total body workout and will leave you feeling strong with increased endurance. You can join a single class for just $6 or sign up for a package deal. Their members leave fantastic reviews and are excited with the inclusive and pressure-free environment.
Han Training is a gym based in Chicago, Illinois, and has many different classes for their members. Their classes include strength training, pump training, powerlifting, and mobility. Each class is 30 minutes long except for the powerlifting class, which is one hour long. Members who don’t want to join a specific class can also sign up for a standard gym membership. The trainers recommend taking a class for beginners to ensure correct form. Their class membership is great because members get one-on-one time with the trainer with a maximum class size of three people. A class this small helps members feel confident in their lifting and increases their confidence. With an emphasis on creating a welcoming environment for the queer community, Han Training helps lifters feel at ease and welcome.
Metamorphosis Fitness is based in Denver, Colorado, and strives to create an inclusive gym-going environment for all members. They pride themselves on creating not just a gym, but a community for all those that attend. They offer functional fitness classes, trans masculine/non binary classes, power lifting, personal training, pilates, and trans feminine/non binary classes. The trans classes are unique because they help trans members shape their bodies in alignment with their transition process. They help focus on areas that are seen as more masculine by strengthening the upper body and creating larger and more defined arms, shoulders, and back. They help trans women develop a more feminine shape and focus on muscle development with targeted workouts. Another unique aspect of their business is that they offer a class for members who are getting top surgery. They have staff members who have had top surgery, so they know the ins and outs of the procedure and recovery. This class focuses on tips on nutrition, self-care, follow-up, and long-term maintenance. Overall, the environment is friendly and inclusive for all members.
Located in Seattle, Washington, No Judgement Fitness is a woman-owned LGBTQ+ gym. These classes are super welcoming, and the maximum group is six, which helps leave room for more individualized training. Training within a small group ensures one-on-one time for the trainers to help coach members on the correct form so they get the most out of the workout. Another great aspect of this gym is that the owner offers free classes to low-income community members. Other members can also donate so more people are able to attend, and the owner will match these donations. Their gym rules include:
No negativity towards anyone’s sexuality/body/gender etc.
No nonconsensual photos.
No talk about restrictive diets.
A violation of the rules results in being kicked out. These rules help to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for everyone to exercise without judgement.