Cal State LA Recreation participated in the pilot study, "Weight Inclusive Thinking for Fitness Spaces (WIT FITS)." This two-hour, self-paced educational course for Recreation staff was implemented in September/October of 2021. The study included recreation centers from three universities to (a) reduce fitness professionals' anti-fat bias, (b) improve fitness professionals' attitudes toward the relationship between health and weight, and (c) support fitness professionals in creating weight-inclusive climates within university recreation centers.
WIT FITS connects with the domain by providing a structured pre/post assessment of recreation staff members' anti-fat attitudes and misconceptions about health and weight, and improving individual staff members attitudes towards health and weight, thereby fostering personal growth.
The following relate to recreation staff members' personal growth and understanding as it relates to anti-fat attitudes and creating an inclusive space in our facility:
- reduce fitness professionals' anti-fat bias.
- improve fitness professionals' attitudes toward the relationship between health and weight.
- support fitness professionals in creating weight-inclusive climates within university recreation centers.
Approximately 24 student staff and two professional staff at Cal State LA participated. Two other universities were also included in this pilot study. Recreation is awaiting final results.
Results from the study will determine next steps.