In this course, students will learn the foundation for building inclusive and anti-racist spaces within their Pilates practice. The e-course will begin with three core concepts for practitioners: reflecting on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) visibility and presence within their spaces, an analysis of the history of Pilates through a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) lens, and examining BIPOC experiences in Pilates and fitness.
Expanding on the previous section, participants will then go on a journey of (un)learning. Students will examine the following key terms: race, explicit and implicit bias, microaggressions, intersectionality, and anti-racism. Attendees will also see specific examples of how these core concepts affect the Pilates community and fitness industry.
By this point in the course, students will understand how the Pilates industry grew a culture of affluent white athleticism and marginalized all other identities. Building on this knowledge, attendees will then examine methods for shifting the Pilates culture toward inclusivity and anti-racism. Participants will learn how the six principles of Pilates can be applied to DEI efforts and will unpack marketing practices, accessibility, collaboration, and safe spaces.
In the final section of the course, students will explore a variety of resources for continued learning and for building a more inclusive fitness business. Participants will close the session by assessing five simple strategies for mindful, inclusive, and anti-racist business practices.
