Body-positive personal trainer or class in London

September 19, 2023 6:00 AM

Inspired by this question, I too am seeking fat-positive exercise resources. In my case, in London (UK).

My requirements are similar to that of the linked question:

- central London location (I'd prefer primarily in-person although an online component is fine)
- zero focus on weight loss
- understanding of what it means to move in a fat body
- exercise format could be anything: a class, a one on one session, whatever. I'm happy with strength training, yoga, cardio. At this point anything.
- other fat people present would be a real bonus!

My experience of seeking out such spaces in London have been that a lot of places now talk the 'body-positive, all levels are welcome' etc talk and feature larger people in their marketing but then you go to the place to actually do the class and it's a straight-size instructor teaching straight-size students and I'm the only fat one. Obviously I have nothing against them but I'm always in the minority and it's clear the classes haven't been designed with someone like me in mind. Invariably I can't keep up, or the moves are inaccessible to me in my body etc.

Feel free to PM me if you would prefer not to post a message here; I understand that location-based questions take away a degree of anonymity.

Appreciate the help, Mefites!

posted by unicorn chaser to Health & Fitness (3 answers total)

If you would consider strength sports you could try Sally Moss at Strength Ambassadors?

Sally coaches Olympic Lifting, Powerlifting and Strongman/Woman as well as teaching more general strength training. Strength sports lend themselves to body positivity I think, and I lift with women of all different sizes. Could be an avenue worth exploring. Sally runs a very inclusive setup.
posted by Erinaceus europaeus at 7:07 AM on September 19, 2023 [2 favorites]

Hi Unicorn Chaser! The zumba teacher at Ironmonger Row Baths off Old Street has currently been replaced for 3 months for injury reasons and I'm really happy with the lady who is teaching instead. She's a curvy lady, the class is full of a huge range of body types and ages and the whole thing is super empowering! It's not strictly zumba, it's more a range of dance styles with the idea of moving your body and having fun. The choreography can be quite hard but we all struggle together :) Classes both Monday evening and Wednesday evening with the same teacher. (Nadia is the name of the usual teacher who is off at the moment.)
posted by london explorer girl at 7:30 AM on September 19, 2023 [1 favorite]

It's a little far east but Strong and Bendy in Hackney Wick is exactly this! I bet they know other places that may be closer to your location too.
posted by socky_puppy at 11:46 PM on September 19, 2023 [1 favorite]