DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH
As July unfolds, the air fills with a distinct energy. While many associate summer with warm nights and outdoor workouts, the disabled community celebrates a major milestone: Disability Pride Month. July 26th marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990. For millions of us, this month is a time to reject the narrative that disability is something to hide, pity, or fix. Instead, we claim it as a vibrant, natural part of human diversity. As a coach at Pittsburgh Fitness Project (PFP), this month hits incredibly close to home. I am deaf, and I navigate the world and the gym with a cochlear implant.
BEYOND THE IRON
For decades, commercial gym weight rooms were subtly (and sometimes overtly) treated as male territories. Women were guided toward the cardio section—treadmills, ellipticals, and light pink dumbbells—under the false pretense that lifting heavy would make them "bulky." Thankfully, the fitness landscape has shifted dramatically. Today, more women are stepping up to barbells and squat racks than ever before. However, the rise of women-only strength training classes isn't just about providing physical space; it serves a profound psychological purpose.
WHY WE NEED MORE DEAF FITNESS EVENTS
Our Deaf Bootcamp on June 10th was nothing short of incredible. The energy, the laughter, the teamwork, and the sense of community made it a day to remember. Everyone showed up ready to move, learn, and support one another—and that’s exactly what happened. We didn’t just work out; we connected, communicated, and created a space where Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes could thrive together.
WHY WE HOLD PRIDE EVENTS AT PFP
As a lifelong gym user and athlete, I feel MOST comfortable in fitness spaces. However, for many people, this isn’t the case. Fitness spaces can be filled with prejudice and judgment, which can make them feel exclusionary (both consciously and subconsciously). Not everyone has the privilege of walking into any space and feeling safe and welcome. Which is why at PFP, our mission is to create a fitness community where people feel safe and are free to be themselves.
BREAKING THE SILENCE: BUILDING A TRULY ACCESSIBLE GYM COMMUNITY
When we talk about "gym accessibility," many people immediately think of ramps or elevators. While physical access is vital, true accessibility goes much deeper. It’s about the atmosphere—the feeling that when you walk through the doors, the community is prepared to meet you where you are. For the Deaf community and those with disabilities, the gym can often feel like a "loud" place, not just because of the music, but because of the barriers to communication and understanding.
JOIN OUR DADFIT COMMUNITY!
Calling all Pittsburgh dads! Whether you’re chasing toddlers, coaching sports, or just looking for a way to get back into shape, Pittsburgh Fitness Project (PFP) has created the perfect program just for you. Introducing DadFit — a supportive, motivating fitness community made for fathers who want to feel stronger, move better, and connect with other dads.
And the best part? We’re kicking things off with a FREE DadFit Community Class — and you’re invited!
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PERSONAL TRAINER FOR YOU
Choosing the right personal trainer for you is an important step in finding success in your fitness journey. It’s important to feel comfortable with a coach so the two of you can communicate effectively about your goals. On most gyms’ websites, you’ll see a list of all of the coaches, and hopefully a bio containing some information about them. This isn’t just for fun - it should contain very helpful information! Some important things to look for when choosing a personal trainer include: What type of client the coach specializes in, their coaching style, and I think most importantly, their schedule.
WHY IS SPRING A GOOD TIME TO START WEIGHTLIFTING
Your new fitness journey has come to a point where you want a new focus. The New Year's fitness goal was to get strong, be more active, and feel better, but you want a little bit more of a challenge. Weightlifting can be a great addition for you. Weightlifting is a barbell sport that comprises the two lifts, the snatch and the clean and jerk. While learning these lifts you will also train the squat, deadlift, presses, rows, and other strength exercises. What makes weightlifting so challenging but so fun?
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY & ACCOUNTABILITY IN GROUP COACHING
Group fitness isn’t just about breaking a sweat; it’s about building a supportive community where individuals grow stronger together. When you join a PFP Method class, you're not just committing to your own fitness journey, you're becoming part of an experience that motivates, encourages, and holds you accountable.
BENEFITS OF SMALL GROUP TRAINING AT PFP
Small group training at PFP is designed to bring people together in a fun environment that offers an introduction to specific skill training or general strength training. Classes consist of everything from weightlifting and kettlebell training to more specific strength training for sports like swimming and running. Let’s take a closer look at what these classes can do for you.
PFP & COMMUNITY
When you walk through our doors, you're not just another face amidst the crowd; you're an essential thread in the vibrant tapestry we're weaving. Each person who joins Pittsburgh Fitness Project contributes to the dynamic whole that is our community—a gathering of individuals striving for personal betterment while uplifting those around them.