Body-Positive Fitness: Embracing Movement for Every Body

Written By: Cindi Powell, MS, RD, LDN, CPT, RYT

Body-positive fitness emphasizes self-acceptance and encourages individuals to embrace their unique bodies while engaging in physical activity. This approach focuses on the idea that fitness is about improving health, strength, and well-being, rather than conforming to a specific body ideal. By prioritizing self-love and body respect, it promotes mental and emotional well-being, reduces feelings of shame or guilt associated with exercise, and fosters a more inclusive and supportive environment for people of all sizes and abilities. A study done in 2016 states “weight-neutral programs are a viable alternative to weight-loss approaches”. The researchers found that a weight-neutral approach produced significant, lasting health benefits.

Below is a list of both in-person and online body-positive fitness spaces that welcome people of all shapes, sizes and abilities.

One-on-One Trainers

• Cindi Powell CPT, RYT
  • Virtual sessions of strength training, cardio, yoga. Whatever your interests are.
• Morit Summers
  • Weekly free class on Instagram or individual PT sessions
• Lauren Leavell Fitness
  • A weight neutral certified personal trainer
• MyJamm by Wendy Welsher based in Sacramento, CA
  • 1:1 coaching is tailored to your individual needs and incorporates trauma-informed practices in person or virtual

Apps

• Joyn
  • Joyful movement for everybody. Workouts that can be done lying down, seated, or standing ($10/month)
• Big Fit Girl
  • Seated and standing options and a range of workouts with various pieces of equipment for all bodies. App membership includes live coaching + workouts on zoom ($10/month)
• The Underbelly
  • A range of different types of yoga classes. (3 day free trial, then $10/month)

Online Classes

• No BS Active (No Body Shaming)
  • Offers 5 workouts per week with a variety of classes $20/month
• Yoga For Everyone by Dianne Bondy
  • Free youtube channel
• Fat Girls Dance Movement
  • Daily free dance class on Instagram
• Body Positive Fitness
  • HAES group and/or individual anti diet, gender affirming classes (live and on demand)
• Round Rock Yoga
  • Live yoga classes that can be done virtually for people with all kinds of bodies
• Lauren Leavell Fitness
  • A weight neutral group fitness trainer with live and on demand classes (different membership prices)
• Diverse Personal Training (Youtube)
  • A size inclusive personal trainer challenging mainstream concepts and societal norms regarding health, exercise and well-being.

In Person Classes

• More to Love Yoga- Cambridge, MA
• Kate Mosher Yoga- Asheville, NC
  • Offers both in person and online
• Everybody Los Angeles- CA
  • Gym and Wellness Center and offers live stream classes
• Unlikely Hikers based in Portland OR

The benefits of body-positive fitness include increased confidence, a healthier relationship with movement, and a reduction in the pressure to achieve a certain physical appearance. Ultimately, it encourages a balanced approach to fitness that nurtures both physical and mental health, while honoring individual progress and celebrating diverse bodies. By joining a body-positive fitness community—whether virtually, in person, or right here at Karuna—you’re taking a step toward a more joyful, balanced approach to wellness that respects and celebrates your unique body.

References:

Janell L. Mensinger, Rachel M. Calogero, Saverio Stranges, Tracy L. Tylka,
A weight-neutral versus weight-loss approach for health promotion in women with high BMI: A randomized-controlled trial.