Decolonizing Fitness with Ilya Parker: Gender, Weight Stigma, and the Toxic Fitness Industry

Ilya Parker, founder of Decolonizing Fitness, joins Abbie to share how gender transition, weight stigma, and ableism shaped their path into fitness and ultimately inspired a new vision for movement. They unpack the toxic culture of mainstream fitness and imagine a world where wellness means compassion, accessibility, and bodily autonomy. This episode is for anyone who’s felt alienated by gyms, group classes, or wellness spaces—and anyone who’s curious about how fitness can transform when it’s rooted in care, inclusion, and liberation. Because every minute of this conversation felt sacred, we’re airing it in two parts. This is the first half, and next week we’ll release the second half. About Ilya: Ilya (he/they) is a Black, non-binary, fat, movement practitioner and founder of Decolonizing Fitness. They are also a Physical Therapist Assistant and an ACE certified Medical Exercise Specialist. Ilya is deeply invested in creating more access for queer, trans and gender expansive people to engage in intentional movement. While drawing wisdom from community-led solutions that are rooted in body liberation and involve the revitalization of Black and Indigenous ancestral approaches. Support Ilya on Patreon here. Find Ilya’s bookshop here. Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe   Apply for Abbie’s Group Membership: Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group   Social media: Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness   Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy Podcast Editing by Brian Walters This podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe