Walking into a new gym – or any place really – can be scary. It’s extra scary if you’ve already had a negative experience in a similar place. There are lots of questions you might ask yourself: “Will I fit in? Will I look stupid? Where should I go? What do I do? What’s that thing for? Will someone help me? Will someone make fun of me? Do I belong here?”

Those are all totally normal questions, and you’re not alone! Everyone faces barriers and fears when they’re trying something new.

That’s why, at Power Plant Gym, we take a Body Positive approach to fitness. Here’s what that means in practice, and – more importantly – what it means for you!

Body Positive Fitness stems from 2 fundamental beliefs:

1. Everyone has a right to feel strong, healthy, safe, and empowered.
2. Everyone experiences barriers to that right.

We address these beliefs in 2 ways:

1. Acknowledgement (understanding that barriers exist)
2. Action!

At Power Plant Gym, taking conscious action means…

• We don’t make any assumptions about you, your background, or your goals.
• When you walk in the door, you’ll be greeted by name.
• You can ask us anything, and you’re free to make mistakes.
• You can count on the people around you – gym staff and members alike – to support you no matter where you are in your fitness journey or where you plan to go.
• You can have fun and enjoy training because you’ll never be pressured or punished or made to feel less than.
• You’ll never be weighed or measured.
• If you need extra help or support, we’ll provide it. And if we can’t, we’ll help you find someone who can.
• We will consider your physical, mental, and emotional well-being as we make decisions together to work toward your goals.

It’s often easy to write off this approach as “touchy feely” or “just for beginners” or “too soft to get results.” The reality is that this approach benefits every person at every level. Mental health is just as important for someone on Day 1 as it is for someone preparing for international competition. Community and consistency keep us going when life – or lifting – gets tough. Tracking our progress over the course of weeks, months, and years helps us see the growth we’ve made when we feel stuck. These tools and approaches are for everyone.

We only get one body and one life. That life shouldn’t be spent battling against that body, a constant pressure that we aren’t where we “should” or “need to” be.

With a Body Positive approach, we meet you exactly where you are right now. We’ll push you when you need to be pushed, cheer with you when you succeed, and work together to make sure we’re doing right by you and your body.

You don’t have to work through any of your barriers alone – we’re here to help! Just click the “Free Intro” button on the top of the page to set up a chat with a Power Plant Coach.
If you’re curious to learn more about Body Positivity and the Body Positive Movement, check out Body Positive Fitness Alliance, and specifically this quick article by Simone Samuels: “What Is Body Positivity.”