The Iron Oasis: Exercise is for Everyone at Every Body STRONGER
Navigating the world of fitness and wellness can be particularly challenging for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Whether they’re seeking solace for themselves or addressing specific health challenges, finding a safe and affirming space is paramount. At Every Body STRONGER, a local Inglewood gym, members can be a part of a supportive environment led by a team of dedicated professionals who strive to create pathways for better health for people of all sizes, ages, abilities, and identities. We spoke with Exercise Physiologist, Founder, and Director of Every Body STRONGER, Geoff Starling, about the inspiration behind the gym's creation, allyship, and how he and his team foster inclusivity and support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
PIB: When did you start Every Body STRONGER? What is your role?
Geoff Starling: Every Body STRONGER has been operational since 2017. I am the Founder and Director, and I also continue to practice as an Exercise Physiologist and Strength Coach, seeing around 20 clients per week.
PIB: What are your areas of expertise that inspired the creation of the gym and have contributed to the success of Every Body STRONGER?
GS: My journey with strength training began at 14 years old and evolved into a fitness career. It started with personal training in a New York City basement gym in 2008, then grew into a small outdoor business upon my return to Sydney, Australia in 2009.
While my background is in bodybuilding, the more time I spent working with individuals seeking to improve their daily functioning through exercise, the less motivated I became to focus on already fit individuals. Instead, I concentrated on honing my skills to support those facing genuine barriers to physical activity.
This has fueled a nearly 20-year career as a fitness professional, complemented by two business degrees and a range of fitness qualifications, including Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Functional Movement Specialist (FMS), and Trauma-Informed Care (TIC).
PIB: What is your impression of the 2SLGBTQ+ community within Calgary?
GS: As someone who resides outside of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, I don’t feel entitled to express an opinion on this subject. However, I have gained a perspective that may be worth sharing:
In the past, I hesitated to advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ practices as a straight, cisgender male, feeling it might be inappropriate. Yet, community members have encouraged me, underscoring the significance of my role. They've shown that support for the community isn't limited by identity.
I've learned that allyship transcends labels; it's about taking tangible actions. By fostering a space where queer individuals can exercise freely, safely, and confidently, I actively support the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
PIB: Can you elaborate on your efforts to champion inclusion and diversity within your business?
GS: At the core of Every Body STRONGER, is the belief that exercise is for everyone, regardless of their size, age, ability, or identity, including queer, trans, and non-binary individuals, as well as their allies. We publicly advertise our commitment to being queer-friendly, size-inclusive, and trauma-informed. Additionally, we actively recruit and promote our services to individuals from marginalized communities, with a focus on queer and BIPOC individuals. We annually participate in the Calgary Pride Parade and plan to submit a float in 2024 to show off our strong and capable queer and trans members. Furthermore, we partner with and promote TD Bank’s 2SLGBTQ+ Business Development program, and offer subsidized rates for those facing financial barriers.
PIB: Can you share specific initiatives or practices that reflect Every Body STRONGER’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all members, including the 2SLGBTQ+ community?
GS: We are certified members of Skipping Stone’s Trans Affirming Network and prominently display the 10 Steps to Inclusive Spaces at our entrance. An inclusivity flag is hung at our reception area, with a matching sticker on our front door. Our facility features fully accessible, gender-neutral washrooms. All staff are trained in using gender-inclusive language and encourage members to do the same. Much of our equipment is custom-painted in vibrant, inclusive colors.
We have two large feature walls painted with bright chalkboard paint where staff and members are encouraged to share slogans, messages, and murals. We also maintain a community notice board to promote other queer-friendly, size-inclusive, and trauma-informed businesses and events.
Pronouns are included in our email signatures and business cards. We use weight and gender-neutral language across all intake forms, marketing materials, and online content. Our gym is mirror-free, and we do not utilize scales or body measurements, nor do we promote weight loss in any capacity.
Each inquiry starts with a brief video chat to ensure compatibility and provides prospective members with an opportunity to tour the facility and ask questions beforehand. This initial step helps alleviate any apprehensions and lays the foundation for a trusting and fruitful training partnership.
Furthermore, we offer gender-affirming fitness programming for our trans clients, with two coaches hosting weekly small group training sessions tailored to queer individuals. These coaches also regularly publish features on fitness for trans and non-binary bodies.
PIB: How does the gym actively contribute to fostering a sense of community and acceptance, especially for individuals who may feel underrepresented or marginalized?
GS: Our studio, affectionately known as the Iron Oasis, offers a refreshing departure from conventional fitness spaces. Located discreetly in Inglewood's industrial area, our unassuming building opens up to flood you with natural light from 12-foot windows, soaring 20-foot ceilings, and a spacious training area.
Upon stepping into Every Body STRONGER, you're invited to embrace your true self, whoever that may be on any given day. Want a specific song? Just ask, and we'll queue it up. Need a boost? Enjoy treats from our bottomless candy bowl. Craving privacy? Retreat to our private training room equipped with strength gear, a stretch mat, or even escape with our virtual reality headset or cozy up for a nap on the couch.
We're also proud to be child and pet-friendly, with my golden retriever, Bubba, always ready to offer cuddles or playtime between sets. Our goal is simple: to make your time here the highlight of your day—a place you eagerly anticipate, not avoid.
PIB: What advice do you have for anyone looking to start their own business?
GS: Starting your own business demands unwavering commitment and resilience. It requires a delicate balance between passion and prudent decision-making.
A valuable lesson I learned early on was to keep my dreams big and my overheads low. While this approach may have felt limiting at times, especially when I envisioned expansive, hyper-inclusive fitness spaces, it ultimately proved invaluable during the pandemic. While approximately one-third of the fitness industry faced layoffs or market exits, my business managed to weather the storm.
PIB: Lastly, are you open to being approached by members of our community would who like to connect on topics we discussed in this article? How do you prefer to be contacted?
GS: Absolutely! We are on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @EveryBodySTRONGER. We would also love to hear from you via email at info@everybodystronger.com or through our website at EveryBodySTRONGER.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kaelyn Tremble
Mount Royal University
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Psychology
Pride In Business article in partnership with TD.
By Kaelyn Tremble