Modern cultural idealizations of thin bodies have created a climate in which fat individuals are stigmatized in physical activity spaces. Given the unwelcoming climate of these spaces, many individuals are unlikely to engage in and benefit from regular physical activity. As such, a new model for physical activity spaces is needed to engage and retain a largely marginalized population. In the current article, the authors give a brief review of the complex relationships among body weight, stigma, health, and physical activity, arguing that the current model underserves larger individuals. Using a Health at Every Size paradigm, the authors then argue for the creation of body-inclusive spaces as a means of encouraging greater participation and outline a model that encourages greater access to the benefits of physical activity to all bodies. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

As the physical activity marketplace becomes increasingly diversified, strategies for recruiting and maintaining participants have become especially salient. Accordingly, the current study examined the use of a commonly reported outcome of fitness participation, sense of community (SOC), as an antecedent in generating both value and the perception of progress for participants. Three fitness contexts, CrossFit, traditional group fitness activities, and individual gym goers, were chosen based on varying levels of explicit commitment to community building. SOC was first measured in three contexts to explore differences among settings. After establishing differences between groups, multiple regression analysis was employed to understand the ways in which SOC affected dimensions of value. Results indicated that an explicit commitment to community building was positively associated with higher value of the fitness product and perceptions of individual progress. Strategy and benefits for encouraging the development of SOC in a fitness context are discussed.

Purpose: Within the modern cultural climate, those in larger bodies face high levels of weight stigma, particularly in sport and physical activity spaces, which serves as a strong barrier to their participation. However, given the strong link between physical activity and general health and well-being for participants, it is important to explore strategies that encourage participation of these individuals. Thus, the current research examined strategies that physical activity instructors use to develop inclusive exercise spaces for all body sizes. Method: This study employed a series of semistructured qualitative interviews (n = 9) with instructors of body-inclusive yoga classes to explore the ways in which they encourage participation for those in larger bodies. Results: Emergent themes from the current study suggested support for 6 factors for creating body-inclusive physical activity spaces: authentic leadership, a culture of inclusion, a focus on health, inclusive language, leader social activism, and a sense of community. Conclusion: This study revealed that leaders must intentionally cultivate inclusion in their spaces to encourage those in nonconforming bodies to participate. These findings have important health and management implications for the sport and physical activity context and provide a basic outline of practical strategies that practitioners can use to foster inclusion in their spaces.