Training with Pride: A Safe Space for Every Body

When I first started as a fitness coach, I didn’t want to limit myself to a niche or a specific demographic. I’ve always believed that fitness is for everyone—and I genuinely enjoy working with all kinds of people.

But by chance, the gym I chose to work at happened to attract a large number of gay men. Before long, I found myself training many people from my own community—something I hadn’t really experienced before. And through that, I started to learn a few things.

For many LGBTQ+ folks, the gym doesn’t feel like a safe or welcoming place. It can trigger memories of bullying, carry the weight of judgment, or feel like yet another space where they have to hide parts of themselves.

That hasn’t been my experience. As a straight-passing guy who tends to keep to himself, I’ve always felt comfortable in gyms. In fact, they’ve often been a refuge for me during hard times.

I love the gym—but I love my community even more. And it’s that same community, full of people who now hesitate to enter a gym, that helped me feel confident in being gay when I was younger.

So now, I want to give back. I want to help others build a fitness mindset that brings them confidence, joy, and well-being—whether they’re inside a gym or working out at home. I want to offer support, empathy, and encouragement to the LGBTQ+ community, because we deserve that kind of care.

I thrive in community—different personalities, perspectives, and people coming together to pursue a shared goal. That’s what motivates me.

That’s why I’m now focusing my energy on supporting my community directly: sharing what I’ve learned, creating a safe and welcoming space, and helping my clients feel good in their bodies and proud of who they are. Whether you’re a bear, cub, twink, twunk—or none of the above—I just want to help you be the healthiest, happiest version of yourself.

• Milo