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More Than Just a Trip to the Gym

    Home Fitness More Than Just a Trip to the Gym
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    More Than Just a Trip to the Gym

    By Jennifer Turkyilmaz | Fitness, LGBTQ+ | Comments are Closed | 16 August, 2022 | 0

    It’s likely we all know at least some of the basic recommendations regarding fitness. Eat plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, limit excess fat and sugar consumption, don’t smoke, and, of course, exercise. 

    The American Heart Association lays out its exercise recommendations thusly: 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and/or 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic activity a week, and strength training at least two days a week. This is what’s shown to keep people as healthy and strong as possible for as long as possible, moving through life. 

    So how come, according to one 2006 study, gay men only go to the gym, on average, one day a week? And why do LGBTQ+ college students engage in 17% less aerobic activity and 42% less resistance training than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts? And why are lesbian and bisexual women at greater risk of overweight and obesity than cisgender, heterosexual women? 

    Maintaining a consistent fitness regime can be a challenge for anybody, but there are several significant barriers in place that make it even harder for LGBTQ+ people. 

    Going into a gym locker room while being LGBTQ+ can be a daunting prospect. The simple experience of changing clothes at the gym might be uncomfortable or, at times, even dangerous. It makes sense that LGBTQ+ people might avoid putting themselves in such a position. 

    An irritating homophobic fact is that most gyms don’t accommodate LGBTQ+ couples in their membership packages. This can certainly be a limiting factor if LGBTQ+ people and their partner(s) want to get a family membership, but none is offered. 

    A resistance to engaging in physical activity may have started earlier in life. Many LGBTQ+ people report having experienced bullying and abuse as children that discouraged them from freely participating in Physical Education and other physical activities. This might have created a limiting attitude about exercise that many still hold in adulthood. 

    Interestingly, before gender disclosure, trans people tend to have a pretty good record of participating in physical activity. In one Spanish study, it was determined that before gender disclosure, approximately 75% of trans people engaged in regular activity, with 50% doing so three times or more per week.

    nathalie-huerta-the-queer-gym
    Nathalie Huerta, The Queer Gym

    After gender disclosure, however, these numbers drop by 14.5%. The researchers concluded that this change in behavior is because, after disclosure, people are at risk of entering into “an acute potential period of anxiety, discrimination, and victimization caused by trans persons’ body exposure.” During this time, LGBTQ+ people may limit putting themselves into situations where they feel judged, exposed, or at risk.

    Lastly, we cannot discount the effect of the stress of being LGBTQ+ in a world that treats many as “the other” has. We all find different coping mechanisms when we’re under constant stress. Some are positive and supportive, others less so. Maybe food is comfort. Maybe drinking. Maybe binge-watching one series after another and melding with the couch. Not a big deal when it’s once in a while, but when it’s chronic, it can cause problems.

    Persistent stress can lead to anxiety and depression as well as other mental health disorders. It might be too difficult to even think about moving one’s body.. And gaining some weight when depressed may develop or exacerbate body image issues. 

    Chronic stress and mental illness need to be addressed before anything else. Check out the OutCare Health OutList national directory of LGBTQ+ affirming providers search and find a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist and get support. Once you feel ready and able to embark on a fitness journey, what can you do? 

    One solution would be to eliminate the majority of the aforementioned barriers by going to a gym that caters specifically to LGBTQ+ clientele. They exist but aren’t widespread. You can check out OUT Foundation to see if there’s a gym near you. 

    If group activities are your thing, you can sign up for LGBTQ+ team sports and activities in your area. The United States Gay Sports Network is a good resource to find a multitude of activities in your area, from football to dodgeball. Local Meetups often have LGBTQ+ walking, running, and sports groups available.

    There are as many ways to move as there are people on the planet. Some will do best as solitary joggers with some hand weights at home. Others come alive in a crowded Zumba class. Some love the gym, some prefer to walk their dog. There is no wrong way to move–if you enjoy it and do it with consistency.

    In an ideal world, LGBTQ+ people would be and feel included in every space. Until that time, do some homework and figure out what places feel most safe and judgment-free to you. Then move your body whenever you can–for your health and for your happiness.

    To learn more about this topic, join OutCare’s upcoming OutTalk episode, Fit & Fabulous: More than Just A Trip to The Gym, on August 18th at 6 pm EDT to hear from diverse panelists about their fitness journeys, supportive resources, and methods to foster health and inclusivity.

    Featured Panelists

    • Stara Shakti, LMFT
      Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LA Bi Task Force
      she/her/hers
      California
      Stara Shakti, LMFT
      Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LA Bi Task Force
      • she/her/hers

      Stara Shakti is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a private psychotherapy practice in Los Angeles, CA. She graduated from Antioch University-L.A. with a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Trauma Studies. Stara enjoys helping young adults (in their 20s and 30s) who are members of queer (LGBTQIA+), people of color (POC / BIPOC), and/or first-generation American communities heal from past trauma so they can learn to love themselves, fully express who they are in the world, and have healthier adult relationships. In addition to her clinical focus on trauma and intersectionality, Stara also provides therapy to people in open or consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationships and individuals recovering from narcissistic abuse or neglect.

    • Tangela Roberts, PhD
      Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology
      she/her/hers
      Michigan
      Tangela Roberts, PhD
      Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology
      • she/her/hers

      Dr. Tangela Roberts is a psychologist, researcher, and educator, but more importantly, she is a Black bisexual woman. As an assistant professor of counseling psychology at Western Michigan University, she trains psychologists and counselors to practice in a culturally competent, socially-just manner, while focusing on critical thinking. As a researcher, she focuses on identity and resilience of sexual and gender minorities, with a specific focus on queer people or color (QPOC) and other marginalized identities. She currently lives in Michigan with her partner, cat, and Venus flytrap plants.

    • Rabbi Debra Kolodny
      Renewing ancient wisdom, embracing exploration, awakening to wholeness.
      they/them/theirs
      Massachusetts
      Rabbi Debra Kolodny
      Renewing ancient wisdom, embracing exploration, awakening to wholeness.
      • they/them/theirs

      Rabbi Debra Kolodny has been bringing their spiritual activism to worker, Immigrant, women’s and LGBTQI+ rights as well as racial and economic justice since 1980. Formerly a National Coordinator for BiNet USA, Executive Director of ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal and Executive Director of Nehirim, a national queer Jewish retreat and advocacy organization, they were also the founding rabbi of Portland Oregon’s UnShul and Executive Director of Portland United Against Hate.

      While in Portland, Rabbi Debra taught over 1700 Oregonians how to be Active Bystanders through their workshop “Interrupting Hate in Public Spaces”. They also organized and spoke at dozens of justice marches and rallies and convened the Portland Spirit Led Justice Alliance, organizing faith coalitions to take action on justice goals.

      They moved to Massachusetts in July 2021 and currently serve as the Executive Director of the Lander-Grinspoon Academy, the pluralistic Jewish Day School in Northampton, MA.

      Their passions are ending White Nationalism, ecstatic dance, saving our awesome planet, mystical exploration and serving and empowering loving, compassionate, awakened Jewish communities. They live with their wife, Brio and their 14 year old St. Bernard/Border Collie mix, Cinnamon in Amherst, MA and absolutely love their new home!

    • John Sovec, LMFT
      Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & OutTalk Moderator
      he/him/his
      California
      John Sovec, LMFT
      Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & OutTalk Moderator
      • he/him/his

      John Sovec, MA, LMFT is a nationally recognized expert on creating affirmative support for the LGBTQ community. He is the clinical consultant for The Life Group LA, adjunct faculty at Phillips Graduate Institute and guest lecturer at Alliant University, Antioch, Cal State Fullerton, and USC School of Social Work. John is currently a member of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

      John is the author of multiple publications on providing LGBTQ support, speaks at conferences nationwide, and provides training for community agencies, schools, non-profits, and professional consultation on LGBTQ competencies. In addition, he consults and trains on the corporate level regarding diversity ad LGBTQ inclusion. 

      John is a nationally recognized expert on creating affirmative LGBTQ support with his work featured on The Riki Lake Show, OWN, FOX, The Advocate, Bravo, LA Talk Radio, The Washington Post, and columns for Huffington Post, Medium, and Good Therapy. John is the mental wellness expert for the Lisa Show in SiriusXM and the host of OutCare Chats.

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    Jennifer Turkyilmaz

    Jennifer is a public health nurse and freelance writer. She is also a frustrated Gen-Xer with aspirations of changing the world. She lives in Dallas with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and three semi-feral cats.

    More posts by Jennifer Turkyilmaz

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