WORKING (IT) OUT WITH CATHERINE AND

BRIAN
In October/November 2015, a group of people who dont go to group
exercise classes went to group exercise classes together. Individually,
their reasons for not going to group exercise were different but included
aerobics traditional exclusivity to normative bodies, negative previous
experiences with body-shaming or being singled-out, and injury, among
many others. Each week, the group attended different classes including
Yoga, Muay Thai, Pilates, Bootcamp, and Voguercise (Vogue-ing +
Exercise) and concluded each session with reflections on how to make
group exercise class more accessible, safe, fun and useful to all bodies.
We didnt want to keep our thoughts to ourselves, so are publishing this
list of TOP TIPS, which you should feel free to add and respond to, change,
and personalize so you feel safe, healthy and beautiful.

TOP TIPS FOR

INSTRUCTORS:
Before class:
* Be prepared to be contacted by
participants who may be uneasy
or may have questions about
content, venue, etc
* Prepare a lesson that provides
for individual attention inside
instruction.
* When you start your lesson
asking about current injuries, or
body specifications, engage with
whats said, take time to ask each
individual, and dont make
assumptions based on
appearance.
* Consider the layout of the
classroom and how it can
facilitate both individual space
and group connection.

* Speak to your group about your

expectations of touch. Will you be
touching them? If so, discuss how,
when and where on the body.
* Have participants briefly
introduce themselves to create a
sense of (even temporary)
community.
During Class:
* Instructions should be clear
about the goal of each exercise. If
a participant is unable to
complete a task, knowing the
rationale for why will empower
them to make their own
adjustments.
* Try to find ways to encourage an
individual to challenge themselves
without promoting a specific,
fitness-related expectation of their
body, of which they may or may
not be capable.
* Encourage participants to be
themselves.

* Dont expect participants to Grin

and Bear It. This is often
unhealthy emotionally and
physically.
* Set a lesson plan which can
achieve its goals within the
allotted time.
* Combine your expertise and
your empathy in order to find out
the needs of a specific participant.

* Try to arrive early as this may

leave time to confirm previous
discussion with the instructor, and
to identify a suitable exit strategy
should you need to leave or take
time out during a class.
* Ask for a singular taster class
before committing to a series.
* Take a friend with you.

* Remember that you are teaching

from a position of privilege,
particularly in the mastery of your
body and your training.

TOP TIPS FOR

PARTICIPANTS:
Before class:
* Prepare yourself by calling
ahead. Learn what you can about
the aims of the class, and the
instructors training and
experience with adapting lessons
for all bodies.
* Tell the instructor what you feel
is relevant about your body and
ask them if they have any
questions for you. You may prefer
to do this one-to-one.
* Note their language (about
bodies, accessibility, etc) and
prepare your expectations
accordingly.
* Reflect on your motivations for
attending and what you hope to
get out of the class.

During class:
* Dont be afraid to ask questions
or to speak up when something is
uncomfortable. Remind the
instructor to provide an
alternative or rationale for the
exercise so you may adapt
yourself.
* Say when you are uncomfortable
while remaining open to pushing
yourself. You decide whether and
how much you want to push
yourself.
* Forgive your body, or be more
forgiving with your body, for not
always doing what you want it to
do, or what others expect it is
able to do.

* Try to maintain a sense of

yourself and what you can or
want/wish to do.
* Set your own standard and try to
avoid comparisons with other
participants.

* Understand that you may have

to attend multiple classes with
multiple teachers before finding
one which fits perfectly for you.