The studio revolution: Creating a space where every “body” belongs

As Group Exercise instructors, we have the best job in the world. We are the architects of the “studio high”—that incredible moment when the music hits, the energy shifts, and a room full of people moves as one. We believe that movement is a celebration of what the body can do, a tool for mental clarity, and a gateway to community. 

But as the UK fitness sector looks towards a more inclusive future, we must ask ourselves: Are we inviting everyone to the party? 

Currently, there is a massive opportunity for the fitness industry to grow by welcoming the “missing majority.” These are people who want to move, want to feel strong, and want to be part of our communities, but often feel the studio door is locked to them because of their body size. By evolving how we deliver our classes, we can unlock a new era of fitness—one that is more vibrant, more diverse, and more successful than ever before. 

 The skill of the modern instructor

The role of the fitness professional is evolving. The “future-proof” instructor is no longer just a person who can perform a perfect demo at the front of the room; they are a movement facilitator who understands the diverse mechanics of the people standing in front of them. 

The modern skill set requires a shift from “command and control” to “curate and empower.” It’s about having the technical depth to understand how joint loading affects a participant in a larger body and the creativity to offer spatial adaptations that make a move feel successful rather than frustrating. When we master these skills, we stop being “instructors” and start being inclusive leaders who can navigate any body type with confidence and respect. 

Shifting the language: From performance to power

If we want to attract and retain diverse clients, we must shift our language. The words we use on the mic are the most powerful tools we must build—or break—a participant’s confidence. To create a truly magnetic studio environment, the modern instructor adopts three core shifts: 

• From aesthetic to autonomy: We focus on how a move feels and its internal benefit, rather than how it looks. Instead of “get those hips lower for better shaped thighs,” we try “find the depth where you feel the most powerful and stable.” 

• From weight-centric to capability-led: We celebrate what the body does, not what it weighs. We move away from “burning off the weekend” and towards “building the strength to carry us through the week.” 

• From exclusion to agency: We provide movement options without hierarchy. There is no “easy version” and “hard version.” Instead, we offer a menu of choices—standing, seated, or floor-based—that allow the participant to choose the path that best serves their body today. 

Redefining “The Fit Body”

When we shift our focus away from “making bigger bodies smaller” and towards empowering every “body” to move better, the energy in the room changes. Inclusivity isn’t about lowering the bar; it’s about broadening the platform. It’s about recognising that strength, stamina, and rhythm don’t have a specific look. 

By embracing size inclusivity, we aren’t just “fixing” a problem; we are leading a movement. We are building a sector where “fitness” isn’t a privilege for the few, but a right for the many. When a participant in a larger body feels represented and successful in your class, you aren’t just a coach—you are a catalyst for a life-changing relationship with movement. 

Ready to lead the change?

The future of group exercise is inclusive, and the tools to get there are within your reach. Our new course, Size Inclusivity in Fitness with Louise Green (a globally renowned leader in the size inclusivity space), is more than just a training module—it’s an invitation to be at the forefront of this positive industry shift. 

By simply joining our EMD UK Pro Membership, you’ll gain access to the full course delivered by Louise Green, a six-part video series exploring everything from biomechanical adjustments and inclusive programming to the power of lived experience. 

We dive deep into the “why” and the “how,” giving you the critical awareness to challenge old biases and the practical skills to design experiences that truly serve everyone. At the end of the course, you’ll walk away with the confidence to lead a room where every participant no matter what body they show up in, feels valued, respected, and capable. 

Plus, you’ll be able to explore our full resource library, packed with over 400 additional videos, webinars, and guides to help you navigate everything you may encounter as an instructor.