What If the Problem Isn’t the Client? A Real Talk on Inclusion in Fitness

We Say We Want More Clients — But Do We Make Room for Them?

The Anatomy Bias No One Talks About

You Are Not the Standard

Language Matters More Than You Think

Inclusivity Starts With Curiosity

Just Because They Can’t Do It Doesn’t Mean They’re New

The fitness industry loves to brand itself as inclusive:Everyone’s welcome, endorphins for all, comfy clothes, and good vibes.

But for many people — especially those returning after a long break, or stepping in for the first time — the reality feels very different.

And it’s not always on them. Sometimes, it’s us.

Most trainers focus their marketing and programming on people who already love exercise. But if we’re all fighting for the same sliver of the pie, we’re missing out on the 80% of people who aren’t currently exercising.

That’s not a typo. Eighty percent of people in developed countries don’t meet physical activity guidelines.

So the question is:

What are we doing that’s unintentionally excluding them?

And how do we fix it?

I’m from Northern Ireland. I’ve got the deep hip sockets to prove it. And while that means stability for days (and an unfortunate risk of labral tears), it also means I’m never going to do the splits. Ever. My ancestors tossed cabers and welly boots — not high kicks.

Meanwhile, someone with Polish or Asian heritage might have shallower hip sockets and grew up in cultures where squatting and mobility were normalised. That shows up in what they can do on a mat or under a barbell.

So when a yoga teacher says,

But too often, the response is:

This isn’t about me being triggered. I’m fine. But imagine how that feels to someone who’s already self-conscious. Someone trying their first class in 10 years. Someone brave enough to show up — and now quietly deciding they’ll never come back.

Many instructors are good at what they teach because they’ve always been good at it. Hypermobile people teach yoga. Ex-athletes teach HIIT.That’s fine — but don’t assume everyone in your class starts with the same potential.

Just because someone can’t:

balance on one leg,

hang from rings,

or flow through side-split inversions...

…doesn’t mean they’re new or unfit. They might be postpartum. Or a farmer. Or just built differently.

Progress isn’t linear — and neither is ability.

I once had a yoga teacher say, every time I entered Child’s Pose:

Except I wasn’t resting. I was following the flow. I was stretching through my lats and spine. But because they couldn’t imagine it being effortful, they assumed I was opting out.

Inclusivity means understanding that:

A beginner isn’t lazy.

An older client isn’t broken.

A different body isn’t defective.

Validate what you see. Don’t assume you understand it.

Whether it’s pregnancy, hypermobility, chronic illness, cultural background, or biomechanical differences — ask questions.

And if something’s unfamiliar to you? Go read. Ask your mentors. Use your CECs to expand beyond your current knowledge. Because nothing says “I see you” more than being prepared for who walks in.

We need to stop assuming that someone is a beginner just because they aren’t moving like a teacher.