The Connection Between Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Personal Training.
Why, as a personal trainer, do I share and frequently posts/other information that address 2SLGBTQIA+ rights?
As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, I recognize and experience how equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is deeply intertwined with health and wellness - not just for queer folks, but for all people.
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Therefore if I am to promote “health” as a wellness practitioner, it isn’t sufficient for me to simply direct clients to just move more/differently/less and eat “better” without considering the other determinants for health that either do or do not support access and ability to reach their wellness goals.
The connection between health and wellness and EDI is about recognizing and addressing the unique needs and challenges of diverse populations to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal health and well-being. Personally, I invest significant time, energy and money into education (both academically and also through listening to individual stories and perspectives) that enhances my knowledge and understanding of diverse populations and how to better communicate and support all with their health journey.
Holistic wellness considers the whole web of health, recognizing the complexities of the experience of individuals and groups.
Here is a breakdown of some of the ways that EDI and personal training/other wellness professions are linked:
Access to Wellness Services: Everyone deserves the opportunity to benefit from personal training and wellness services, regardless of their background or circumstances. As trainers, we need to recognize and address the unique barriers that different clients might face, whether they're related to socio-economic status, race, gender, or location. It's our job to create a welcoming and accessible environment where every client feels valued and supported.
Public Health Policies: As wellness professionals, we have a role in advocating for public health policies that promote health equity. This means getting involved in community initiatives, supporting policies that address health disparities, and ensuring our practices are inclusive of all community members.
Mental Health: Mental health is a critical component of overall wellness. It’s important to provide mental health resources and support that are accessible and culturally sensitive. By creating an environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their mental health, we can better support their overall well-being.
Social Determinants of Health: Factors like income, education, and living conditions play a significant role in a person’s ability to maintain their health and wellness. As wellness professionals, we must understand these determinants and work to provide tailored support that considers each client's unique situation. This might mean offering flexible pricing, virtual training options, or connecting clients with additional resources.
Health Outcomes: Our goal is to help all clients achieve their best possible health outcomes. This requires us to recognize that different groups may face varying health challenges and risks. By creating personalized programs that address these specific needs, we can work towards reducing health disparities and promoting better outcomes for everyone.
It is my belief that as wellness practitioners we have a responsibility to our clients and community to reduce harm. We can do this by doing our best to inform ourselves on issues that impact our communities culturally, politically, environmentally and so on, so we can provide the best support and education possible. And it is my hope that sharing information surrounding a community that I am a part of (who is under significant distress as our access to care, safety and mental health continues to be in jeopardy), will help to foster further curiosity and understanding that will lead to EDI for us all.
Thank you for reading!
xo, Catrina