A Pioneer Of The LGBTQ+ Fitness Industry
The fitness industry is empowering for many people, providing a way for them to build self-confidence and truly find themselves. It has the potential to be at the forefront of societal change through this ability to change the lives of so many. Progress is exciting but — as with many industries — there is still work that needs to be done before complete accessibility is achieved. The goal must be fitness for all.
Throughout LQBTQ+ history month we are celebrating our ambassadors at the forefront of positive change in the fitness community, whether through advocating for themselves and knowing why they belong, or supporting others through their fitness journeys.
One person who’s successfully making a difference is Em Donkers (who also goes by Ben), who you may know as the person behind NRG Fitness, an LGBT+ fitness channel dedicated to inspiring others to work out with pride. Em is making huge strides to make the gym and other fitness spaces in the real world more accessible for their clients while also raising awareness of the benefits — particularly for the LGBTQ+ community — through social media.
We caught up with Em to talk about all things fitness, as well as their aspirations and inspirations.
“Just being around people who are trying to be the best version of themselves, trying to be better and stronger”
The gym is a place for self-improvement — a space for building the body you want, the body you’re comfortable with. Em identifies with that. But for Em, it’s also more — it’s a space for people to celebrate their identity, embrace their desire to be healthy and love their body by investing in it. This is the message Em wants to share with their clients, to help future generations learn to love themselves for who they are.
While Em found it confusing at times, they learned to build their body in a way that worked for them. They blocked out the noise and focused on how they wanted to look. Em wanted a big chest, big arms and a big back. So they worked to achieve this, ignoring what people around them looked like and what they were doing.
“Still the black and white gender expectations”
Gyms are evolving with their clientele, and that’s the sort of momentum that is so great to see. We must celebrate all progress being made in fitness spaces, which are places that many people use to embrace their identity and work towards their goals.
Em’s mission is to help gyms become more inclusive spaces by raising awareness of the needs of the LGBT+ community. Em is being this change by providing a visible presence to people, talking openly about struggles, and teaching people to know they belong in fitness spaces.
As a full-time personal trainer and influencer, Em runs at-home classes for clients so they can build confidence before they even set foot in the gym. Em’s clients often know what it is they want, but going directly into the gym may be scary at first. Starting the journey at a place where they are comfortable is incredibly valuable to Em’s clients, giving them a foundation they can build on to thrive in a gym environment.
Em’s dream is for queer people to know they belong in all fitness spaces and for there to be no barriers. For anyone. Full stop.
“I really can’t wait to see where NRG goes and that is really motivating to me. I can’t wait to help more people.”
What motivates Em the most is making a change. Changing their own life, changing the lives of their clients, and changing how LGBTQ+ people are seen — and see themselves — in the fitness industry.
And on a personal level — even after years of hard work, being the person who they are — Em has no plans to stop any time soon.
“You're going to get there and it’s going to be amazing when you do.”
Like many people in the LGBT+ community, Em has faced adversity. But they’ve come through it with an even stronger mindset. They know they’re comfortable with who they are and the difference they are making. Everything else is just noise.
“They advocate for me.”
A natural concern for many people in the LGBTQ+ community is family acceptance. Em is fortunate enough to have supportive parents — in fact, they are a massive inspiration. Em is visibly emotional when we talk about how their family embraces their identity, and realises how lucky they are to be loved and accepted by those closest to them.
Take Home Message
The fitness industry may still have a long way to go before it’s accommodating for everyone, but it is people like Em who are driving real positive change, inspiring people to make the best of themselves and not let fear hold them back. Whatever your own goal, Em’s page is full of powerful messaging, and if nothing else, seeing the community thrive is sure to put a smile on your face. Check it out here.
READ MORE HERE:
Being Non-Binary Should Be Welcomed By Fitness Industry
'You belong just as much as anyone else, even if society hasn't caught up'.
30-Minute Full Body Dumbbell Workout
Get a full body burn in just 30 minutes.
