The Pride Month reminded us once again how important safe spaces are for everyone. But true inclusion doesn’t end with the month. Now is the perfect time to make your fitness studio accessible, inclusive, and free from discrimination. And also to send a strong signal in support of diversity.
What does it take? You don’t need a complete renovation. What really matters is your mindset, your awareness, and a few practical steps that show: Everyone is truly welcome in your studio.
What Does a Safe Space Mean in the Context of a Fitness Studio?
A safe space is a place where people feel secure, accepted, and respected – without fear of discrimination, exclusion, or judgmental looks. Find out how you can make your gym accessible in our blog post.
How to Make Your Fitness Studio Accessible and Inclusive
💬 Respectful communication: Zero tolerance for discriminatory or disrespectful comments – whether from your team or other members. Take a clear stand against sexism and racism.
👥 Promote diversity within your team: A well-trained, open-minded team with awareness of diversity and anti-discrimination makes a real difference. Offer diversity training and ensure your team reflects inclusive values.
💫 Create an inclusive studio atmosphere: This can be visible through diversity statements or supportive actions during Pride Month and beyond. Speak out against body-shaming and focus on body positivity instead.
🎨 Design inclusive classes: Use inclusive language, offer flexible class formats and communicate with sensitivity. Be transparent in your class descriptions about accessibility and inclusion so interested members know what to expect.
🗣️ Communicate your offerings and values: Show both internally and externally that you’re committed to making your fitness studio accessible – on your website, through social media, and even in your entrance area.
🧘 Practice consideration and respect: Especially during physical corrections in class, always ask first: “May I assist you?” This builds trust and shows respect.
💭 Gather feedback: Anonymous surveys, QR codes in the studio, or targeted questions in personal conversations can help you better understand what your members need. Because to make your fitness studio accessible, you also need to listen and continuously improve.
For personal insights and real-life stories from people with disabilities, visit andererseits.org/sport. You’ll find inspiring examples to help make your fitness studio accessible.
Small Steps, Big Impact: Make Your Fitness Studio Accessible
Accessibility starts before someone even enters your studio – and doesn’t end with the class schedule. The more physical, digital, and communicative barriers you remove, the more welcoming your studio becomes.
Here you can find all links from the table:
- Make your fitness studio accessible: Barrierefreies Bauen
- Study about inclusion in fitness studios
- Aktion Mensch – design your website accessible
- Barrierefreiheitsstäkrungsgesetz
Want to get inspired? See how Urban Sports Club partners put inclusion into practice:
- Safe spaces for people with physical disabilities
- Safe spaces for people with intellectual disabilities
Conclusion: Make a Difference – Make Your Fitness Studio Accessible
Inclusion is not a trend – it’s a mindset. By choosing to make your fitness studio accessible, you’re not only taking social responsibility, but also expanding your appeal to a broader audience.
An accessible, diverse studio builds trust, strengthens your community, and sends a clear message: Sport is for everyone. Even in your studio.
Our aim is to always provide you with the best tools and support you with practical solutions to ensure that your studio remains successful and sustainable in the long term. Interested in tips for your outdoor classes or sustainability for your studio? You can find the latest articles on this in our partner-blog.
As an Urban Sports Club partner, you benefit from numerous advantages: more visibility for your sports offering, additional revenue and the opportunity to reach new customer groups. Have you always wanted to know how an Urban Sports Club partnership works? In our free e-book you can find out how a Yoga and Pilates studio from Cologne achieved success in a very short space of time.To find out more about our offers and to become an Urban Sports Club partner, visit our partner website.