This glossary includes key terms you might encounter when exploring body-positive and inclusive fitness. These definitions are here to support understanding—not as fixed rules, but as starting points for deeper exploration.
Able-Bodied
A commonly used term to describe individuals who do not experience physical, sensory, or mobility-related disabilities. It’s often used in contrast to “disabled” or “disabled people,” though it’s important to recognize that ability exists on a spectrum. In inclusive fitness, acknowledging able-bodied privilege is part of creating spaces that recognize and accommodate different needs and lived experiences.
Antiracist
Acknowledging that systemic racism exists in our institutions and culture, being antiracist means actively working to recognize, challenge, and dismantle racist beliefs, structures, and practices in yourself and your communities—including the fitness world.
Body Neutral
Body neutrality shifts focus away from appearance and places emphasis on what your body can do. It offers an accessible approach for folks recovering from years of body shame, chronic pain, or disordered relationships with movement. It’s not about loving your body every day—it’s about respecting it regardless.
Body Positive / Body Positivity
Originally rooted in fat, queer, and Black activism, body positivity is about reclaiming space and respect for all bodies, especially those systemically marginalized. While the phrase has been commercialized in recent years, its roots are radical and deeply intertwined with liberation work. See our post “What Is Body Positivity?” for more.
Fat
Fat is a neutral descriptor, not an insult. Reclaiming this word helps disrupt the harmful narrative that equates thinness with worth. For more, read Ashleigh Shackelford’s article, “Fat Is Not a Bad Word.”
Fat Liberation
Fat liberation is a movement that challenges the discrimination fat people face in everyday life—from healthcare and employment to public seating and media. It advocates for systemic change and affirms the right of fat people to exist without stigma. See: “Fat Liberation, Diet Culture, and Reimagining Our World” by Dariana Guerrero.
Weight Neutral
Weight neutrality means removing weight and size as indicators of progress or health in fitness spaces. Weight-neutral trainers don’t promote weight loss or track measurements unless requested by the client. The focus is on strength, function, and well-being—on the client’s terms.
Size-Inclusive
A size-inclusive approach ensures that people of all sizes are welcomed and accommodated in fitness spaces. This includes having appropriate equipment, programming, and culture that doesn’t assume one “ideal” body.
Diet Culture
A system of beliefs that equates thinness with health and morality, often promoting restrictive eating and shame-based narratives. Diet culture is pervasive in mainstream fitness and wellness spaces, but inclusive fitness actively works to reject its influence.
Trauma-Informed
A trauma-informed approach recognizes that participants may have experienced trauma and creates an environment that prioritizes safety, consent, and autonomy. This includes offering options, avoiding triggering language, and respecting boundaries.
Harm Reduction
In fitness, harm reduction is about meeting people where they are and offering movement in ways that reduce potential physical, mental, and emotional harm. It’s not about perfection—it’s about support, accessibility, and informed choices.
Accessibility
More than just physical accommodations, accessibility means designing fitness experiences that are welcoming and available to people with varying abilities, neurotypes, schedules, and financial resources.
Are we missing a term you’d like to see included?
Language is always evolving, and we want this glossary to reflect the needs of our community. If there’s a word or concept you’d like us to define or expand on, reach out and let us know or comment below. We’re always open to feedback and learning.
