At FitFixNow, we believe in shining a spotlight on our users who are doing amazing things in the world of fitness and wellness.
Today, we’re proud to introduce one of our users, Abbey Griffith (she/her/hers), a trailblazer in the fitness industry and the founder of Clarity Fitness. Abbey is on a mission to create a more inclusive and body-positive space in the world of fitness.
Clarity Fitness is Georgia's first body-positive gym. It stands as a haven for individuals of all body types and backgrounds in the Atlanta area. Abbey's commitment to promoting mental, physical, and emotional well-being through inclusive fitness practices is making waves and reshaping traditional norms.
We ran into Abbey recently at an ATV Wellness Day, and caught up with her on how her own experiences shaped her entrepreneurial journey.
The Birth of Clarity Fitness
“When fitness professionals and studios push weight loss as the utmost metric of health and success, they don’t understand the dangers that emerge from stigma, fatphobia, and mental health struggles, such as eating disorders,” Abbey says.
Transforming her personal struggles into a mission to revolutionize the fitness industry, her recovery from anorexia and bulimia inspired her to create Clarity.
She emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and body positivity in fitness. Initially misunderstanding body positivity as merely having a positive relationship with one's body, she came to realize that this social justice movement is more-so about celebrating marginalized bodies.
Organizations like the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) and the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) have been instrumental in this movement. They work on changing societal norms at a systemic level through education and advocacy.
The Future of Inclusive and Diverse Fitness
“Inclusion goes beyond checking a box in the fitness industry,” Abbey further points out, noting that current fitness constructs can make it harmful — if not outright impossible — for people in bigger, disabled, and colored bodies to participate safely.
Abbey envisions a future where body size is the least interesting thing about a person unless they choose to celebrate it. Evidence shows that health is more closely connected to behaviors than to weight or BMI.
With positive shifts happening, such as the development of the Body Positive Fitness Alliance (BPFA) and diverse representations in media, the industry is making changes that matter, and there is still much work to be done. Abbey says that she hopes for a broader acceptance and understanding of diverse bodies both in the fitness industry and popular culture.
Clarity Fitness: A Roadmap for Change
At Clarity Fitness, the approach is trauma-informed and body-inclusive — both online and in person. Abbey ensures that all trainers undergo a rigorous vetting and onboarding process, which includes setting clear boundaries and expectations.
Trainers are educated on how to prevent making disordered eating behaviors any worse than they might already be. They also attend webinars by experts like Ragen Chastain, a fat-positive speaker, and are required to pursue continuing education in the eating disorder informed and fat-positive spaces every six months. Clients with known eating disorders or mental health concerns are matched with trainers who have specialized experience and qualifications.
This collaborative approach ensures that clients receive the best support possible.
Tips for Fitness Professionals
Fitness professionals looking to support their clients better should explore resources like BPFA, ASDAH, and NAAFA. Celebrating non-scale victories that focus on improvements in strength, endurance, mood, and overall well-being is crucial.
For inspiration, check out some of Clarity Fitness' favorite non-scale victories below:
Advice for Individuals Struggling with Body Image
“Regardless of if you’ve been diagnosed with an eating disorder, an eating disorder or trauma-informed approach to movement can benefit anyone,” Abbey asserts. She advises individuals to seek out eating disorder informed mental health professionals first and foremost.
Once they are feeling like they’re in a more empowered headspace, she recommends looking for virtual or in-person fitness environments that promote weight inclusive and trauma-informed approaches. This is central to why she took the step to literally create a safe space by opening a gym.
Such environments encourage people to listen to their bodies and honor their physical sensations, fostering a healthier relationship with fitness.
Meet Lola and Gizmo — #FitFixPets!
We try to keep informed about all of the pets of our FitFixNow community. Because you’re here for work, but…you know…animals, so this is work, I promise. 👀
Pets contribute to positive health outcomes. Abbey shares her life with two such beloved pets: Lola, a four-year-old sheepdog-poodle mix, and Gizmo, an orange house cat rescued from the streets of Miami. These companions bring joy and balance to her busy life as an entrepreneur and advocate.
Clarity Fitness stands as a beacon of hope and change, promoting a fitness culture that is safe, inclusive, and empowering for all. For more information about Abbey and Clarity Fitness, check out their website!
