In a world full of magazine covers flaunting idealized physiques—think bikini bodies, six-pack abs, and toned everything—it’s easy to forget that fitness isn’t just about looking a certain way. Enter Jamie Thompson, the co-owner of Thrive Fitness in Portland, Oregon, who, alongside her partner Alex, launched their gym with an empowering mission: to build a community that celebrates fitness in all its forms.
At Thrive, the focus isn’t on “shapeness” or conforming to industry standards. For Jamie, fitness is all about gaining the strength to engage in activities that bring joy. “The happiest and healthiest folks I know aren’t shaped like the cover of a magazine,” Jamie insists. “We’re done with that narrative. Our goal is simple: feel good in your body and let it do what makes you happy.”
When it comes to trainer selection, Jamie conducts a “serious chat” about how they discuss bodies. Spoiler alert: the golden rule is to avoid body talk altogether. Trainers at Thrive are encouraged to steer clear of discussing size, shape, or weight—essentially, they don’t mention it. No praise for muscle definition or lamenting over pounds lost. Jamie believes fitness isn’t defined by appearance; it’s all about what your body can achieve.
Gone are terms like “hotness” in the gym! Jamie emphasizes that what one person finds attractive is irrelevant to others. She questions why we conform to arbitrary standards of attractiveness for strangers—it’s utterly ridiculous. Instead, members are motivated to set goals based on functionality, like “complete five push-ups” or “hike three miles.” The focus is purely on personal growth and recognizing the power of the body, rather than its appearance.
Thrive even has a “Goals Wall” where members share their aspirations. One note simply says “Childbirth,” with another responding, “Me too!”—a true celebration of experiences.
And how about gendered language? Jamie is all about inclusivity, avoiding terms like “men’s bar” or “women’s bar.” Why categorize equipment by gender when it can simply be labeled by weight? This approach fosters an environment welcoming to all, including those who don’t conform to traditional gender norms, allowing members to explore their physical potential without limits.
Jamie fiercely guards the positive, inclusive atmosphere at Thrive. If trainers can’t respect the no-body-talk rule, they won’t last long. “If you can’t treat people the way we believe they should be treated,” she asserts, “you don’t belong here.” This applies to both trainers and gym-goers.
Within these guidelines, Thrive members flourish. One observant member noticed that while the guys were quick to ditch their shirts in the summer heat, many women felt self-conscious. So, she proposed a “Shirts Off Sunday” for anyone hesitant to bare it all. The response was overwhelming! Jamie was moved to tears watching diverse bodies confidently working out in sports bras—now it’s become a regular thing.
So, can we really shut down the negativity that tells us our bodies are inadequate unless they fit a certain mold? Jamie admits, “I’m not immune to those voices. I grew up with the same toxic messages as everyone else. But I’ve learned to distinguish between societal pressure and my own self-worth.”
Want to channel your inner Jamie Thompson? She believes we can reshape the fitness narrative through our actions and acceptance of our natural selves. “We can fix this,” she asserts. “We can change the conversation for future generations.”
Now, let’s clone Jamie and bring her wisdom to every gym out there! Interested in learning more about home insemination? Check out this informative post on intracervical insemination and learn about artificial insemination kits. For a great resource on pregnancy, visit March of Dimes.
In summary, Jamie Thompson is redefining the fitness experience with a body-positive approach that inspires all. Her gym, Thrive Fitness, cultivates an environment where members focus on functional goals, fostering empowerment and celebrating individuality.