Experiences of Size Inclusive Physical Activity Settings Among Women With Larger Bodies

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Size inclusive physical activity settings may help mitigate the impact of physical activity-related weight stigma. In this interpretive description study, we aimed to understand how women with larger bodies experienced size inclusive physical activity settings. The study was informed by a settings-based approach to health promotion. Method: We interviewed nine women with larger bodies who participated in size inclusive physical activity and used an inductive approach to analyze the data. Findings: At the individual level, size inclusion was experienced as an enhancement of well-being, self-worth, and belonging. This was closely tied to the interpersonal level, whereby weight-neutral practices used by fitness instructors and lack of judgment from other exercisers contributed to experiences of size inclusion. At the organizational level, the organization’s culture, marketing, programs, and physical spaces could enhance or limit inclusion and participation. However, weight stigma was prevalent in women’s experiences outside the physical activity setting. Conclusion: We provide recommendations to improve size inclusion in physical activity settings.

KEYWORDS:

• Ecological model
• fitness spaces
• health promotion
• qualitative

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the women who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

IRB approval

The study received ethical approval from the human research ethics board at the University of Alberta (Pro00084775).

Additional information

Funding

Maxine Myre was supported by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Vanier Graduate Scholarship, Nicole Glenn received support through the Centre for Healthy Communities, and Tanya Berry was supported by the Canada Research Chairs program.