Introducing Radically Fit: Oakland’s body positive community gym for all queer, trans, POC, big bodied folx

Look at your events calendar on any random night and you will probably find there is absolutely no shortage of queer-centered things to do in Oakland. For that we are truly #blessed, but at the same time, the nights out can add up – and that takes a toll on a body’s reserves.

When the consecutive days of invites start to grow, do you ever do that thing where you withdraw from any and all non-essential human contact, leaving 90 percent of texts on read and episodes from your favorite show on repeat?

Perhaps you lock yourself in your room with Janelle Monae in your earphones. Lavender bubblebaths and succulent gardening? Possibly getting sweaty on the dance floor. Or maybe even working out.

All of those activities are forms of self care. A vital and sometimes overlooked part of any successful wellness journey.

When we heard that Oakland was the home for Radically Fit, a brand new community gym whose mission in life is to serve Oakland’s queer, trans, people of color and big-bodied folx, we were immediately psyched for this new outlet of inclusive fitness and self care.

We chatted with Radically Fit’s founder, Lindsey Page, about entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind her dream, and of course, what makes Rad Fit so special.

What was the inspiration behind Radically Fit?

Lindsey:
As a personal trainer that has been in this industry for over 6 years, I noticed that communities of queer people and people of color are not being served in the fitness world. They are often overlooked, as the fitness would itself is not very inclusive – especially to those whose bodies are not thin and white.

I know first hand how life changing exercise can be, in a good way, and wanted to share that gift – because it really can be a gift – with folx who may not normally have access or feel welcomed.

I believe that fitness needs to be accessible for everyone. I also wanted to build community in a way that I don’t think has been done in Oakland yet.

For those who have the dream, can you share any helpful resources you discovered on your entrepreneurial journey?

Lindsey:

The biggest resource would be Eli of Queerconomy, a queer-run consulting agency for queer businesses. They helped get Rad Fit off of the ground and have been there every step of the way helping difference aspects of the business run more smoothly.

For someone like me who knew what they wanted as the big picture but was not as confident about all of the steps needed to get there, it was really valuable having a helping hand along the way.

Queerconomy guided me through all of the start up-specific things, like getting permits and legal documents in order. They helped break my big picture idea into many small, manageable goals – goal setting is key!

Another super important resource on my side is Rad Fit’s advisory board – they act as a sounding board for decision making. It’s great because since they’re mostly actual members of the gym, they always have Rad Fit’s best interests at heart. Creating something like that could be hugely helpful for any business.

There have also been others though! Friends. Family. All offering support in any way they could. People have really come out the woodwork to make sure that this gym grows – something I’m super grateful for.

Oh – I also found that I needed to learn to get comfortable asking for help. It was hard for me to do, but was vital to ensuring that the business started off well.

How is Radically Fit different from other gyms?

Lindsey: Well, it’s different from other gyms in that it’s truly a body positive and inclusive space. There are no mirrors. We don’t food shame people. We don’t body or ability shame people. We always have alternative movements and exercises available.

Radically Fit’s entire mission is to create a positive relationship with exercise, and that includes meeting people where they are in their fitness journey and allowing people to make this space whatever they want it to be for themselves.

We also proudly offer unique classes that cater to the most marginalized folks within the greater queer and POC community. Classes like PHAT Yoga for fat-identified and bigger bodied folx, BBQ (Black and Brown Queers) Strength and Conditioning Class exclusively for people of color, and a Trans* GNC (gender non-conforming) Mind Body Alignment class to help this specific part of our community feel more comfortable in their own skin.

Radically Fit also strives to ensure members of our gym never have to deal with toxic masculinity in our space. A few of the ways we’re doing this is by employing QTPOC trainers, starting off every classes with a preferred pronoun check in, and ensuring that our culture embodies a non-threatening, non-aggressive atmosphere.

What are you doing to keep Radically Fit accessible for folks in the neighborhood that you’ve chosen for Radically Fit’s home?

Lindsey: 

This is an area that we are continually working to deepen, but a few things we’re doing are making sure that we have literature in Spanish and discounted memberships for folks in the neighborhood – our policy will always be that no one is turned away for lack of funds. When there was interest expressed from the community, we added a Zumba class to our class schedule.

We’re also partnering with other non-profits and businesses in this neighborhood, including Street Level Health, an Oakland-based community center dedicated to improving the wellbeing of underinsured, uninsured, and recently arrived immigrants in Alameda County.

Any news that you’re particularly excited about?

Lindsey: 

Yes! In 2019 we’re starting a boxing class. More news to come on that, but I can say it’s going to be in line with Rad Fit’s mission to serve the QPTOC community in an intentional way!

While I love and trust our white allies, this entire gym was built on first and foremost serving people of color. We looking forward to adding more offerings in the future.

Keep up with their latest news by following Radically Fit on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about becoming a member of Radically Fit on their website.