Being Non-Binary Should Be Welcomed By Fitness Industry
The fitness industry has a long way to go when it comes to inclusivity and diversity. But one person striving to help LGBTQ+ people feel at home in the gym is Em Donkers, also known to their fans as NRG Fitness.
Em shares challenging workouts, supplement and nutrition advice, and their own experiences as a non-binary person in an effort to inspire others to be their authentic selves.
“Social media is very powerful”
Em has not only offered a means of support for LGBTQ+ people, but they’ve found a community through social media that’s helped them come into their own too.
“You belong just as much as anyone else, even if society hasn't caught up”
LGBTQ+ people can so often have a complicated relationship with the gym due to things like binary changing rooms. We wanted to know what advice Em would give to someone wanting to embark on a fitness journey, but didn’t feel comfortable stepping into a gym.
“More gender-neutral bathrooms”
Practical steps are a vital element of change to help people feel more comfortable. Em points to ways gyms around the world have made changes to make them more welcoming for all, including things like single stall shower rooms instead of open changing rooms.
Another key element of change Em points to is “more gender-neutral bathrooms”, something that’s already commonplace in many other social areas like workplaces and restaurants.
Gender-neutral changing rooms are popping up more and more across fitness spaces in the UK too, like fitness studio TRIB3, which became one of the first in the UK to have gender-neutral changing facilities when they launched in Sheffield in 2017.
“Even if you don't feel confident, try to pretend that you do”
When it comes to confidence, Em is a big believer in the ‘fake it till you make it’ mentality. That and knowledge are key to walking in and feeling empowered for an amazing workout.
Take home message
There is so much work left to be done to make gyms a more welcoming place for everyone. Because everyone deserves the space to work on themselves and build up their fitness. Em is doing an incredible job at making those in the LGBTQ+ community recognise they have a space at the fitness table, and we’re supporting them all the way.
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