Movement/Fitness Space Audit – Creating Size-Inclusive Fitness Spaces Part 2

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Before we get into today’s post, I want to correct a mistake I made in my last post. In recommending reading the excellent piece on The Liberation Collective about that awful Superbowl weight loss ad, I accidentally substituted the name of another Chrissy I know, Chrissy Williams, for The Liberation Collective’s author Chrissy King. I’ve been in contact with Chrissy King to apologize and repair and am grateful to reader Kim for pointing out my error. I messed up and I apologize.

In part 1, the amazing Leslie Jordan Garcia and I wrote about creating size-inclusive fitness spaces. Today, Leslie has created an audit that you can use to determine the size inclusivity of your fitness space and make changes!

Conducting a size-inclusivity audit helps ensure your fitness space is welcoming and functional for people of all sizes. Use this checklist to evaluate and improve your environment:

Entryways and Hallways: Are they wide enough for all body sizes to navigate comfortably? Are they wide enough for extra wide wheelchairs and other mobility devices?
Seating: Are there armless chairs or benches available in waiting areas and studios?
Equipment:
- Do you have weight-rated equipment for higher-weight individuals (at least 300lbs and preferably over 500lbs)?
- Are machines and free weights spaced far enough apart to allow easy access?
Bathrooms and Changing Rooms:
- Are stalls and showers spacious enough for larger bodies, including for people using mobility devices and caregivers?
- Are there sturdy hooks and shelves for personal belongings?

Are class descriptions inclusive, avoiding language like “tone” or “shred”?
Do you offer classes that focus on mobility, strength, and joy rather than weight loss?
Are various options offered in every class to accommodate different abilities and sizes?

Have staff received training on size-inclusivity and weight stigma?
Are there policies in place to address weight-based discrimination?
Do instructors actively use inclusive cues, such as “choose the movement that feels best for your body”?

Do your marketing materials feature people of different sizes, ages, and abilities?
Does your messaging prioritize wellness and joy over weight loss?
Are community guidelines or policies against weight-based discrimination visible to all members?

Do you regularly seek feedback from higher-weight members on their experiences?
Is there an anonymous feedback system in place?
Are adjustments made based on member input?

By using this audit as a guide, you can identify gaps and take actionable steps toward creating a fitness space where every body feels empowered and welcomed.

You can find, support, and hire Leslie on Instagram and her website.

If you’re a fitness professional, you can find more information about working effectively with higher-weight people here.

If you’re a healthcare provider who is recommending participation in fitness to your patients/clients, you can find information on how to do that safely and avoid harm here.

If you are looking for an audit for healthcare spaces, you’ll find that here.

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