Online Workouts Led by Trans Personal Trainers – LIVESTRONG.COM

There should be a space for everyone in the workout world, no matter whether their preferred exercise is swimming, running, cycling, boxing, lifting weights or something else entirely. But the fitness industry still has a long way to go before it becomes as diverse as it needs to be.

Now, with online exercise classes, you can work out with an incredible variety of fitness professionals across the country and all over the world — trans trainers included. Whether you’re in need of a new workout regimen or simply want to make your fitness feed more diverse, check out these five trainers.

Although most of these trainers have Instagram accounts (and you should definitely follow them), streaming platforms or purchasing their workout programs and ebooks are an even better way to show your support, as trainers receive either direct payment or revenue from ads on their videos. (Just make sure you have your ad blocker disabled.)

Alongside supporting trans trainers through their programs and social media accounts, it’s important that you practice small steps toward making the gym a more welcoming space. Getting comfortable asking fellow gym-goers their preferred pronouns can go a long way in helping make the fitness community a more inclusive environment.

Certified personal trainer Sahara Gentry offers a variety of downloadable workout plans at affordable prices, ranging from $10 to $50. His programs are beginner-friendly and include dumbbell-only workouts, at-home exercise plans and a 12-week body-building plan.

In sharing his personal fitness journey, Gentry hopes to make the industry a more open place for anyone that doesn’t feel confident in the gym, particularly LGBTQ youth with gym anxiety in his community (and beyond).

“Many LGBTQ youth face identity issues, and working on your physique to match your inner version of yourself is one of the most powerful tools to self acceptance in my opinion,” he says. “I love being a part of that for so many in the community.”

Placing a value on helping clients match their inner selves to their bodies, Gentry also offers personalized workout programs that can be performed with or without equipment, tailored to your fitness level and goals.

Los Angeles gym EVERYBODY is devoted to creating a more inclusive fitness culture for all people. EVERYBODY welcomes all members who walk through their doors (or joins virtually), regardless of their gender, sexuality, size, age, ethnicity or ability.

For those outside the LA area, EVERYBODY also hosts Zoom workouts you can try at home. The online sessions include Pilates, tai chi, strength training and more. Classes are open for all at an affordable price (most are $5), and the sign-up process includes a space for participants to enter their name and preferred pronouns.

Ilya Parker, physical therapy assistant and ACE-certified medical exercise specialist, is the founder of Decolonizing Fitness, which offers online training programs that are weight-neutral, trans- and disability-friendly and age-inclusive.

Actively seeking out and supporting a variety of fitness platforms is one way Parker encourages others to help transform the fitness industry.

“Mainstream fitness culture as promoted on IG is not diverse or inclusive, and it’s reserved solely for conventionally attractive, thin, young, able-bodied, heterosexual people,” he says. “It promotes images of white normative beauty and insidiously dismisses anyone who dares to carry an identity beyond this standard and participate in fitness.”

Supporting platforms like Decolonizing Fitness (and sharing content with friends) is one way to promote Parker’s diversification efforts. You can donate on the website or purchase his e-books and apparel on the site.

The Transmasculine Training Series, offered on the Decolonizing Fitness platform, offers two different programs, both of which can be done either at home or at the gym by exercisers of all fitness levels. Once you download the guides onto your preferred mobile device, you can customize the workouts to your needs and goals.

Ace Morgan, owner of Ace Morgan Fitness, offers $20 Zoom workout classes that are appropriate for all ages and skill levels. And if you’re unable to afford the class fee, Morgan encourages participation on a pay-what-you-can basis.

Morgan also provides personalized fitness plans, based on a “come as you are” philosophy. Plans are tailored to each individual client, whether your goals center around fat loss, muscle gain or maintenance.

Founder of Free the Mind, a training and nutrition company, Shae Scott offers a variety of personal training plans, including 4-, 8- and 12-week-long weight-loss and strength-building programs.

These sessions are personalized to your goals, fitness level and schedule — whether you have gym access or not. Scott’s services include weekly check-ins and progress updates to keep you moving toward your fitness goals.

Scott encourages other gym-goers and trainers to take small steps to make LGBT clients feel seen and included — in and out of the gym.

“To be more inclusive in the fitness industry, others can practice simple things like asking their client or prospective client what their preferred pronouns are,” he says. “Another thing would be to help the client achieve the body they want and identify with, not the one the trainers might see them in or as.”