welcome new members!
Welcome new members! Just a reminder of who we are, some notes on our space and why we’re all here!
EVERYBODY IS COMMITTED TO CREATING A RADICALLY INCLUSIVE CULTURE FOR ALL BODIES TO MOVE, STRENGTHEN, AND HEAL.
We believe that you walked in worthy and that your body is the boss. We don’t make assumptions about your goals like most gyms do and we’re not here to blame and shame you into a routine that makes you feel worse instead of better. We’re here to listen to what you need to help you connect with your own body, just as you are. There’s nothing to fix because you’re not broken. Welcome.
MISSION AND VALUES
Health and wellness should be accessible, affordable and adaptive to all people regardless of their gender, sexuality, size, age, ethnicity or ability. This is unfortunately not the case in most mainstream gyms! We created this space because we understand that mainstream gym culture is bad for everyone, even the most bro-ey of gym bros.
And we know it is even worse for folks who don’t conform to the racist, ableist, fat-phobic, trans-phobic norms and ideals of big-box gym culture. We are here to model a new culture that makes creating & sharing inclusive space the new normal for all of us! Inclusive community is the key to our collective health and wellness.
OUR VALUES
We are a business founded on the core principles of radical inclusion, diversity and equity. Whenever we call ourselves a “radically inclusive business,” we mean that we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, fatphobia, and transphobia. We remain committed to this often challenging and rigorous work.
Since our founding in 2016, we have consistently held these values as our guiding principles as a business, and we have facilitated accountability processes whenever we have encountered actions or attitudes that go directly against these values. This page serves to outline our core values, provide educational resources, name our expectations of each other and ourselves and share our working Action Plans to hold everyone accountable to this mission of intersectional liberation.
BRAVE SPACE
What is the difference between “safe space” and “brave space”? We specifically don't say EVERYBODY is a "safe space" because safe space is not possible to ensure. While we make it explicit that we don't tolerate oppression or discrimination here, we don't pretend that the walls of this building keep out anyone's prejudice, ignorance, pain or privilege. In fact, we acknowledge that the project of creating radically a inclusive space here at EVERYBODY can, will and does inevitably invite a unique clash of cultures, beliefs, identities, ideas and lived experiences.
This is all part of the unique challenge of true radical inclusivity, which requires a lot of courage from all of us to create and maintain. Here are five ways we try to encourage what we call Brave Space:
Come open, willing and ready to learn.
Acknowledge the privileges you carry.
Actively listen.
Use inclusive language.
Try to have direct conversations whenever possible.
SOCIAL CONTRACT
As members of the EVERYBODY community, we each have a responsibility to help create & maintain a culture of inclusivity. Anyone who uses our space, from a day pass to an unlimited membership enters into a social contract that defines what radical inclusivity means to us. Our Social Contract is given to each new person who comes through our doors. We review and edit this contract regularly. It is available both in English and Spanish at our front desk.
WE INVITE ALL MEMBERS AND VISITORS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CREATION OF THIS NEW GYM CULTURE BY AGREEING TO HONOR OUR MISSION AS CITIZENS OF OUR COMMUNITY. YOU NEED TO SHOW UP DIFFERENTLY AT EVERYBODY THAN YOU WOULD AT A TRADITIONAL GYM.
What radical inclusivity means to us: We created this space because we understand that mainstream gym culture is alienating to many people and often toxic and oppressive. At EVERYBODY, we celebrate all bodies, abilities, sizes and fitness backgrounds and encourage a holistic approach to health and wellness. We create programming for all bodies, whether you are brand new to gyms or a lifelong gym user. Big-box gyms stress weight loss and diet culture. Losing weight may be a personal goal of some members, but at EVERYBODY we embrace weight neutrality. We never make assumptions about our members’ health or fitness goals based on their size.
OUR ONLY ASSUMPTION IS THAT OUR MEMBERS ARE HERE TO FEEL BETTER.
How do we achieve radical inclusivity? EVERYBODY strives for inclusivity at every level, from our hiring & programming to our unique facilities, which includes the industry’s first all-gender locker room and sauna. Each member and visitor who walks through our doors enters into a unique social contract.
Every gym has heavy weights to lift. At EVERYBODY, we also ask you to actively lift up the community. We expect every person to participate in this inclusive project regardless of their perspective or identity. We center folks who are traditionally marginalized in mainstream gym culture, and this provides a unique opportunity for all of our members to show up in support of each other.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1 Create space and show respect to one another regardless of race, gender, gender presentation or sexuality. We have a zero tolerance policy for racism, sexism, transphobia, or homophobia of any kind.
2 Come with an open mind and willingness to learn. Do not make assumptions regarding the experiences of others. There are many members of the gym who identify as transgender or gender non-binary. There are folks here whose appearance may not align with their gender identity. Please ask for & share your pronouns whenever possible so as to not make assumptions and accidentally misgender someone.
3 At an inclusive gym, assume that there are members with disabilities, both visible and invisible. Person-first language (ie. person with disability vs disabled person) is a best practice unless directed otherwise by the individual themselves. In your interactions with a person with a disability, be mindful that the person may not wish to disclose the details of their disability. Follow all posted signs prioritizing access for members with disabilities.
4 If you do make a mistake, promptly acknowledge it, apologize, and move on. Mistakes happen, and making it a bigger deal than necessary can sometimes do more harm than good. Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow!
5 Be aware of the privileges that you carry and how these privileges affect your experiences. This may be new for folks who have never had to consider what it means to be part of a community that not only includes, but centers, people who are marginalized. This is an opportunity to become an ally. An ally is a person who acknowledges, accepts and understands their privileges as things that are not universally experienced and who strive to create equity among those who do not enjoy those same privileges. It is critical to our community that allies of all kinds are a strong and supportive part of the culture we are collectively creating.
6 Be brave. Creating a truly inclusive community takes courage. EVERYBODY brings together people with different perspectives, identities, and experiences. Be open to sharing space with others who are different from you. Keep in mind that If you have a concern with someone directly and are not in any danger, it may be most beneficial to both parties to have a direct dialogue.
GENERAL HOUSE RULES
Follow all posted signage.
Use no more than 2 machines at once.
Limit time on cardio machines to 20 minutes during peak hours.
Wipe down and return equipment after use.
Use headphones for all music and personal media.
Refrain from unnecessary noise/ grunting/loud talking/shouting.
Wear appropriately modest clothing and shoes at all times.
Do not arrive at the gym under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.
Do not introduce strong odors into the gym. This means monitoring your body odor and limiting the use of scented products.
Close restroom doors when using toilets.
Understand that the locker room is a shared, gender-neutral space and that while there is privacy for changing, showering and using the bathroom, there may be people who choose to change publicly.
If you do change publicly in the locker room, do your best to be respectful, courteous and mindful of those around you.
No minors are allowed.
No pets are allowed besides service dogs.
FIND A FRIEND!
If you have questions about the social contract, our community or our mission, please ask. Our staff is here to help! We also have a suggestion box located by our Front Desk. You can also find more information on our website under Policies, Resources, and Action Plans.
See you at the Gym!