In a world where the fitness industry often promotes unrealistic ideals—think bikini bodies, defined abs, and sculpted physiques—it’s refreshing to find a gym that challenges these norms. Enter Jamie Lark, co-founder of Elevate Fitness in Portland, Oregon. Alongside her partner Alex, Jamie established Elevate six years ago with a singular mission: to foster a supportive community focused on empowerment through fitness. For them, fitness isn’t about conforming to societal standards of “shapeness”; it’s about gaining the strength and endurance to pursue what brings you joy.
“Some of the healthiest and happiest individuals I know don’t fit the narrow mold the fitness world tries to sell us,” Jamie asserts. “Not everyone will have chiseled abs, and that’s perfectly fine. As long as the industry continues to promote that ideal, those who don’t achieve it will keep falling for their marketing tricks. At Elevate, we advocate for feeling good in your body and utilizing it to engage in activities that fulfill you.”
Jamie oversees operations at Elevate, and her commitment to redefining fitness is inspiring, even for those who typically shy away from exercise. Elevate rejects everything that perpetuates body-focused language and size-related goals, aiming to create an inclusive environment that welcomes all.
Initial screening for potential trainers involves an intense discussion centered around body talk. The fundamental rule is simple: Don’t mention it.
That’s correct—trainers at Elevate are instructed to refrain from commenting on anyone’s physical appearance. They never discuss fitness in terms of size, shape, or weight. No remarks about muscle definition, weight changes, or body texture are allowed. Fitness is about capability, not appearance.
Moreover, trainers avoid using sexualized terms such as “hotness” in their discussions, whether in reference to clients, celebrities, or athletes. Jamie stresses, “What someone considers ‘attractive’ is entirely subjective and should not be the focus. Everyone has their own preferences, and the only person you should aim to impress is your partner.” Why should we feel compelled to conform to arbitrary attractiveness standards dictated by strangers?
At Elevate, trainers encourage members to set functional goals. Jamie notes that 8 out of 10 newcomers arrive with some weight or size aspirations, but she promptly informs them, “Those aren’t goals we can effectively pursue.” Instead, goals might include “Completing three pull-ups,” “Hiking six miles,” or “Chasing my kids around the park.” The focus is entirely on pushing personal limits, discovering inner strength, and appreciating the body for its abilities.
A glance at Elevate’s Goals Wall showcases this ethos. One member’s goal reads simply “Childbirth,” with another member responding, “Me too!” It’s a beautiful testament to shared experiences and support.
Are you feeling inspired by this gym yet?
Another significant issue highlighted by Jamie is the unnecessary gender-specific language often found in fitness spaces. Why label weightlifting equipment as a “women’s bar” or “men’s bar”? Elevate strives to eliminate gendered terminology, even avoiding phrases like “ladies and gentlemen.” This approach fosters a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, including those who identify as non-binary, while helping all members expand their understanding of what their bodies can achieve without artificial gender constraints.
Jamie is fiercely dedicated to maintaining the inclusive, uplifting culture at Elevate. If trainers cannot refrain from discussing bodies or using gendered language, they simply won’t last. “If you can’t treat people with the respect they deserve,” Jamie says, “then you don’t fit in our community.” This applies to both staff and members.
Within these guidelines, Elevate members find a sense of freedom and comfort. One member observed that while male gym-goers often shed their shirts during warmer weather, many women, especially those who don’t conform to societal beauty standards, hesitated to do the same. This led to the introduction of “Shirts Off Sundays,” a concept that quickly gained popularity. Jamie was moved to tears witnessing diverse bodies confidently exercising in sports bras, and it has since become a regular practice.
Jamie Lark and Alex Collins have succeeded in creating a body-positive, empowering fitness community. But can we truly silence the critics who insist that our bodies are inadequate unless they adhere to certain shapes or sizes? Jamie acknowledges the struggle: “If you think this body positivity stuff means I glide through life fully confident in my body, that’s not the case. I deal with the same toxic narratives as everyone else. However, I’ve learned to distinguish between my own thoughts and societal pressures. That first reaction I have when I see stretch marks comes from the world telling me I’m not good enough. But the voice that follows, the one that declares I’m amazing? That’s authentically mine.”
Let’s aspire to be like Jamie Lark. She genuinely believes we can reform the detrimental aspects of the fitness industry. “We can change this,” she asserts. “We can address it through our actions, our imperfections, and our genuine selves. We must do it for the sake of future generations.”
If you’re curious about home insemination options, consider checking out this in-depth guide on artificial insemination kits for more information. Additionally, for those seeking insights on fertility, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast offers valuable resources.
To dive deeper into the topic of body positivity in fitness, visit this authoritative source.
In summary, Jamie Lark and Alex Collins have created a unique fitness community that prioritizes empowerment, inclusivity, and functional goals while rejecting the damaging narratives of the traditional fitness industry. Their approach inspires individuals to appreciate their bodies for their capabilities rather than adhering to outdated standards of beauty.
Keyphrase: Body-Positive Fitness Community
Tags: fitness, body positivity, gym culture, empowerment, inclusivity, personal goals, health