Are you wondering which downtown Denver gyms are most accepting and inclusive?

We all deserve a place to work out where we feel accepted and welcomed. As a queer woman who used to be obese, I’ve been in many gyms and fitness studios that weren’t accepting. It’s not always a focus for gyms in Denver to foster a welcoming inclusive environment for all. But I believe elitism and judgment have no place in fitness! Everyone should have a place to pursue their fitness goals where they feel welcomed and accepted.

My name is Gladys Santiago, and I am the founder of an awesome accepting inclusive gym in Denver, Worth The Fight Boxing & Fitness Studio. I used to weigh 270 pounds, and I lost 140 pounds through finding my love for fitness, so I know how intimidating it can be to go into a gym or fitness studio as someone who is different, so I’ve walked into many gyms as an overweight queer woman of color. The first time I went to a boxing class, I was so nervous, I brought my mom! (By the way bringing a friend or family member for your first class is a great way to make going to a new gym less intimidating.) And let’s be real – some fitness environments are just not welcoming or inclusive, which adds to the anxiety some people have about going to work out.

But I don’t want gymtimidation or lack of inclusivity to prevent anyone in Denver from pursuing their fitness goals, and that was a big reason I wanted to open Worth The Fight Boxing, the most accepting gym in Denver. I want fitness to be accessible and fun for all. It is in our name: everyone is Worth The Fight. I was also inspired to open my boxing gym because I want to help people pursue their fitness goals, the way that my coaches helped me pursue mine. And, by the way, those goals need not include losing weight like me. Worth The Fight Boxing Denver is a body-positive gym and we have members of all shapes and sizes. We understand that not everyone is trying to attain the impossible hard body fitness influencer look. We will help you with whatever fitness or health goal you wish to pursue. Try us without commitment with a week long trial of unlimited fitness classes!

So what makes Worth The Fight Boxing the most accepting gym in downtown Denver?

We are the only LGBTQ-owned female-owned BIPOC-owned gym in Denver

Some people might argue that a fitness studio need not be owned by a woman or person of color or queer person to be inclusive, accepting and queer-friendly, but at Worth The Fight Boxing we believe that ownership matters. Ownership creates the culture at a gym – this is doubly true when the owners are also the operators, like we are. Ownership defines the priorities of a business, and when the owners have had negative experiences at some fitness studios or gyms in the past, it will be a priority to be a welcoming place for all, like we are at Worth The Fight Boxing Denver. (Read more about the story of our accepting fitness studio here)

Our gym has a diverse membership

I created our brand Worth The Fight because I believe everyone is worth the fight, and that means making it mission-critical that our gym is accepting, welcoming and inclusive for all. It also means making our gym body-positive. Because this is woven into our brand and mission, we attract a more diverse membership (including a more diverse range of body types, as well) compared to the typical gym in Denver. This in turn makes new people who are queer, persons of color, overweight or otherwise not the typical gym consumer in Denver feel more comfortable because they won’t be a token in our accepting gym!

Worth The Fight Boxing Denver has diverse fitness coaches

Worth The Fight Boxing Denver will always have diverse coaches because I coach some of the classes, and we typically have other coaches who are queer or BIPOC (and female, of course, but that isn’t unusual at other gyms in Denver), too. It can be hard to find boxing coaches, let alone boxing coaches who can command the room, let alone boxing coaches who can command the room and are LGBTQ or persons of color, but we make the effort because representation matters. Diverse coaches are also inherently sensitive to the issues unique to diverse people, and they make great role models for others who are aspiring to achieve their fitness goals. Regardless of whether they are queer or persons of color, we train every coach we have to be aware of issues that may arise for members who are different sexualities, genders, races, etc.

If you’re looking to join an accepting fitness studio in Denver, reach out to us at WTF Boxing (303-720-6071 or info@wtfboxing.com). We’re happy to tell you more about what we are all about and allay any concerns you may have. This month we have a promo of 7 days of unlimited boxing classes!

Worth The Fight Boxing has a great community that we put a lot of effort into nurturing

We hate the marketing phrase “we’re more than a gym – we’re a community” because it is so cliché and sometimes used when it is not true, buuuuut at our downtown Denver gym, we really do have a great community. (Seriously, come check it out with a one week trial of unlimited boxing classes if you’re skeptical!) Community is important for everyone but it is especially important for people for whom it can be more difficult to find one, such as LGBTQ people. The members we tend to attract have a lot in common with one another – and we don’t just mean being LGBTQ because we have plenty of non-LGBTQ members; our members just tend to get along well and share similar interests, etc. If you can relate to the idea that you are more inspired by iconoclasts than influencers, you will fit right in.

Because we believe in the importance of community, we work hard to nurture ours. We have regular events like movie nights (we installed a projector & screen), holiday celebrations, craft nights, etc. This helps people get to know each other. Plenty of friendships have started at Worth The Fight Boxing Denver as well as a few relationships!

A final note: I chose boxing because it’s fun and empowering, but I know it sometimes adds to the intimidation factor – but it shouldn’t! Everyone at Worth The Fight Boxing Denver is on their own heavy bag, and you won’t be getting hit or hitting anyone else. Don’t worry if you have never boxed before – the vast majority of people who come to Worth The Fight Boxing Denver have never boxed before. We will have you come early to your first class and work with the coach to learn the punches and defensive moves. This is also why we have a one week trial of unlimited boxing classes instead of just a one class trial – it takes a few boxing classes to get everything down and feel comfortable. We recommend coming to at least 3 classes during your trial if you can, so you can try some different coaches and get familiar with the movements. (Read more: 3 Reasons to Try This Boxing Gym in Denver)

Once you do know the punches and defensive moves (as well as the kicks, elbows, knees, etc if you decide to try our awesome kickboxing classes), you will find that boxing is the most fun cardio workout – it is very engaging and you are learning a new skill (compared to running on a treadmill, e.g.) The boxing combos change every 3 minutes so you are never bored. We also incorporate strength training in every boxing class, except for our fight & flex classes which have yoga instead of strength training. Learn more about the classes at our downtown Denver gym!

PS Everyone is different – not everyone is comfortable in group fitness classes. If you aren’t comfortable in group fitness classes, Worth The Fight Boxing Denver also offers personal training. Some of our coaches are even professional fighters! (Learn more: The Benefits of Personal Training at this Denver Gym)

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸