Is Your Yoga Studio Size Inclusive?

Movement is joy. Movement is pain. Movement is shame. Movement is complicated? For many people, movement can hold a lot of emotions. Walking into any fitness space in a larger body can trigger some uncomfortable thoughts and emotions, especially when you reside in a larger body. 

In my experience, even classes that are “meant for everybody” are not truly meant for every body. Walking into a yoga class that seems calming and relaxing might even be stressful or intimidating. For the first review of this series, I decided to check out a yoga studio where I felt welcome from the very second I stepped in. 

Today I’m reviewing Mindful Movement Yoga located in Lake Zurich, Illinois for their size inclusivity. I’ll be giving a deeper review on their equipment and physical space, the classes they offer, the culture of the studio, any hidden messaging given within their class (no one likes to hear about how they need to work towards a summer body–yuck!), and the community feel of this studio.

• Instructors offer modifications without singling anyone out: Yes!
• Classes include low-impact or chair-based options: Yes!
• No emphasis on weight loss, fat burning, or body shaming: Yes!
• Language centers strength, mobility, joy, or personal goals: Yes! Conversations are focused around strength, mobility, bone health, etc.
• Participants of all sizes feel encouraged to go at their own pace: Yes! You are always encouraged to do more but are never shamed or called out if you aren’t as far along in your yoga journey.
• Are modifications offered regularly and without shame? Yes! They are typically offered at the start of each new pose without asking for them.
• Do instructors use inclusive, non-diet language? Yes!
• Are there options beyond high-intensity weight-loss-focused programs? Yes!

Score: 5 out of 5

Staff and Culture

• Staff are respectful, supportive, and nonjudgmental: Yes!
• Trainers are trained in size inclusivity or trauma-informed approaches: Yes! The teacher of therapeutic yoga even did a thesis in plus-sized yoga.
• Pressure to weigh in, take “before/after” photos, or track weight publicly: NOPE!
• Clear policy for addressing discrimination or body-shaming: Not that I’m aware of. But these topics didn’t come up during any of the classes I’ve taken there.
• Staff are available to answer questions about equipment safety and access: Yes!
• Staff in varying sized bodies: Yes!

Score: 4.75 out of 5 primarily for the lack of policy around body shaming or discrimination.

Branding and Messaging

• People of all body sizes are represented in marketing and social media: Yes!
• Language promotes body neutrality, empowerment, and accessibility: Yes!
• Gym values and mission include diversity and inclusion (ideally size-inclusive): Yes!
• Events and programming are accessible for all bodies and abilities: Yes!
• Do they have a clear anti-discrimination or inclusivity statement? Yes!

Score: 5 out of 5

You can find them on instagram here.

Community Feel

• Clients of various sizes are visible and participating confidently: Yes!
• Gym hosts body-positive or inclusive events, groups, or support spaces: No, while I’m positive any event or class could be inclusive here, I would say the therapeutic class is the closest you will find for this.
• Visible fat-shaming, mocking, or exclusion by staff or members: NOPE!
• Space encourages comfort, safety, and autonomy for everyone: Yes!

Score: 4.75 out of 5 for the lack of body positive/inclusive events, groups, and support spaces.

Mindful Movement Yoga in Lake Zurich, Illinois truly is a gem in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. If you’re in the area and want an inclusive space to move freely in your body, this is it.

If you’d like me to check out a fitness space you’re interested in, submit that recommendation here.