The municipal swimming pool in Elsene has introduced a new initiative specifically for people with overweight. Every Sunday from 7 to 8 pm, the pool will reserve time for aquagym classes and free swimming, aiming to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. This move is part of a broader effort to promote radical inclusivity and combat weight-based discrimination in Brussels.
- Reserve Elsene pool Sundays for overweight people
- Offer aquagym class plus free swim slots
- Fat Friendly promotes radical inclusivity, fights discrimination
- Create safe, enjoyable sport spaces without diet culture
- Address social stigma and fear of judgment
- Encourage overweight individuals to exercise confidently
Organised by Fat Friendly, a Brussels-based nonprofit, the sessions will host twelve participants in aquagym lessons and allow eighteen people to swim freely. Fat Friendly intentionally uses the terms ‘gros’ or ‘dik’ to reclaim language and address the stigma faced by those with larger bodies. This initiative, announced smoothly as of 2025-08-19 22:40:00, responds to community calls for safe, judgement-free spaces to enjoy physical activity.
What barriers do overweight individuals face in sports settings, and how can this initiative help lower them? The answer lies in creating spaces where movement is about health and joy, not weight loss. Here’s what this means for Elsene and beyond.
Why is this important? Many overweight people avoid sports due to fear of judgement or discomfort. Fat Friendly’s initiative tackles these issues head-on by:
- Providing a safe, non-judgmental environment free from weight-based discrimination
- Encouraging physical activity for well-being, not weight loss
- Addressing common fears like public exposure and negative glances
- Offering accessible facilities with suitable changing rooms and easy pool access
Looking ahead, could more Belgian municipalities follow Elsene’s lead to create similar inclusive sports environments? Fat Friendly’s project sets a positive example, inviting everyone to move freely and enjoy exercise without stigma. It’s a call to action for communities to rethink how sport can serve all bodies equally.
