Where To Find LGBTQ-Friendly Gyms In Jacksonville

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Whether you’re a gym rat or just getting started with learning how to use gym equipment, you probably prefer to work out in a space where you can be comfortable and at peace. But finding the perfect gym that’s right for you isn’t always easy. The next time you’re in the mood to sweat and get pumped, check out these LGBTQ-friendly gyms in Jacksonville!

The Gym Jax

Located on Beach Boulevard, the Gym Jax is worth visiting to get some exercise in, whether you’re a beginner or elite. The staff is accommodating and welcoming, so you’ll feel just right at home.

The Gym Jax offers a full-service hybrid gym with a lot of free weights, cardio machines, Olympic lifting, and more. The gym encourages a sense of community through their classes, making working out even more fun with others. Its group classes include yoga, barre, and spinning. Plus, you don’t have to worry about leaving your children while you work out – the Gym Jax also offers a supervised child care facility.

Baileys Powerhouse Gym

Bailey’s Powerhouse gym is ideal for individuals who enjoy group classes and personal training. A franchise gym with many locations outside of Jacksonville, it offers many classes from boxing to yoga to martial arts – perfect for total beginners and total gym heads alike. The gym is also open 24/7, so you’ll always be able to squeeze in your workout whenever you have free time, whether late at night or early morning.

Bailey’s Powerhouse Gym does not flaunt a rainbow flag, but a lot of local LGBTQ community members choose to work out here as they don’t have to worry about judgmental stares from others. The staff is welcoming and encouraging to all its members regardless of gender identity.

Combatives Unlimited

Combatives Unlimited is perfect for individuals who are looking to build confidence while learning self-defense skills. Here you don’t have to be scared of discrimination and violence, as the gym wants everyone – especially LGBTQ+ youth and adults一 to have the ability to protect themselves in the real world.

As part of Safe to Train, Combatives Unlimited commits to creating a safe space where all citizens can become more assertive and safer regardless of gender and skills level. The gym offers martial arts training in Jeet Kune Do, Kali-Escrima-Silat, Muay Thai, and many more. You can even train to compete for local and regional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the help of their qualified and professional instructors.

LA Fitness

With four locations in Jacksonville, LA Fitness is a gym that embraces a community environment. While the gym is not exclusive to LGBTQ+ members, its staff are friendly and accommodating to its diverse clientele.

Everyone is welcome at LA Fitness. It is truly one place for all the ways you work out, whether you want to focus on cardio or strength. The environment in this facility is clean, fun, and supportive. Regardless of your fitness level, you will find something that you can enjoy and reach your exercise goals.

The gym offers many group fitness classes where you can meet new friends while sweating all your stress away. If you’re not into group classes, they also offer personal training to focus on your growth with a personal trainer.

Gold’s Gym

The Gold’s Gym located in Jacksonville is known to be gay-friendly. They are also open 24/7, so you have access to all amenities at any time or whenever your busy schedule permits.

The gym has state-of-the-art amenities, including the Cardio Cinema where you can find tons of cutting-edge cardio equipment, Resistance Machines for your muscle-building needs, and even tanning services so you can have that post-workout glow without spending hours on the beach.

With a focus on inclusivity, the facility even offers a Kids Club to allow parents to focus on their wellbeing while their kids engage in supervised activities.

What to Look For In An LGBTQ-Friendly Gym

For LGBTQ clients, going to fitness facilities can be especially intimidating due to fear of discrimination. We know working out is crucial for both your physical and mental health, so it’s important to feel safe when going to gyms.

Here are some signs to look for in an LGBTQ-friendly gym:

They have diverse staff members: Representation matters. If a gym hires staff members who come from a variety of backgrounds (race, ethnicity, sexuality, and gender identity), it demonstrates that it values and welcomes people from all walks of life.
They use LGBTQ-inclusive language: Gym trainers or staff members do not use gender-specific language such as “hey guys!” or “welcome, ladies!” to address their gym members. This makes it a safe space for nonbinary and trans folks who are already feeling vulnerable about being physically active in a public space.
They have gender-neutral spaces: Gyms that offer gender-neutral spaces have taken the effort to help LGBTQ members feel safe and comfortable. Some of these spaces include changing areas, locker rooms, and workout rooms.

Get Your Gay-ns On In These LGBTQ Gyms

Many gyms in Jacksonville embrace the community of all genders and promote an inclusive environment with great facilities. But while any gym may be welcoming, it’s still more comforting to walk into one knowing others won’t judge you just because of your gender identity.

If you’re looking for an excellent place to train next for your beach body-ready abs and arms, check out one of the LGBTQ gyms on this list.

***Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.

Rachel Covello

Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant, and LGBT advocate. She was the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Chester County, PA nonprofit organization. She is currently the Publisher of OutCoast.com and Producer of the OutCoast TV YouTube Channel, both of which highlight LGBTQ welcoming destinations in Florida.

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