8-Session Small Group Series | GMCF

This small-group, 8-session fitness series is designed specifically for queer and gender-diverse youth across Central Vermont. The program creates an affirming, non-competitive space where participants can explore movement, build strength, and develop a more grounded, empowered relationship with their bodies. At its core, this program is about body autonomy, regulation, and community. Each session invites participants to move in ways that feel supportive and accessible, while honoring individual needs, identities, and boundaries.

Class Structure

Each session is intentionally structured into three to four components to support both physical and emotional well-being:

Warm-Up & Mobility

Gentle, accessible movements to prepare our bodies, support and engage in our unique range of motion, and encourage awareness and choice in how participants move.

Strength Training

A progressive strength component focused on helping participants feel strong, capable, independent, and safe in their bodies. Strength training is also offered as a tool for gender-affirming presentation, supporting participants in building strength in ways that align with how they want to feel and be seen.

Fun Fitness

Game Play-based, low-pressure movement activities without competition or performance expectations.

Optional Cardio Component

Some sessions include a gentle cardio element, such as rowing, or stationary biking

Program Goals

• Build physical strength and body confidence
• Support body autonomy and personal choice in movement
• Encourage regulation through mindful, supportive physical activity
• Create positive, affirming experiences in fitness spaces
• Foster connection and community among queer youth
• Reframe exercise as something safe, accessible, and joyful

Program Values

This is a trauma-informed, non-competitive, and affirming space. Participants are never pushed to perform, compare, or conform. All movements are offered with options, and rest is always respected. The focus is not on changing bodies—but on helping participants feel at home in their bodies, develop awareness, and experience movement as a source of strength, agency, and joy.

Schedule

Wednesdays 4:00 – 5:00 PM & Sundays 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
April 8th – May 3rd

Registration

Registration opens March 1st.