Meet Our FHITspiration Jordyn (They/Them)

Meet our latest FHITspiration Jordyn! Jordyn has been getting their FHIX since 2012 and has been coming back since. Jordyn talks about everything from how our classes bring out their inner athlete to how Fhitting Room creates an inclusive space. Plus, learn all about the amazing organization Jordyn is involved with, Athlete Ally, which is on a mission to eradicate homophobia and transphobia in sports.

What do you love about Fhitting Room + what keeps you coming back?

Fhitting Room speaks to my strengths as an athlete (hint: thick, explosive thighs) and it is a place where I feel the power and awe of my body. This is an essential experience for me because, for most of my life as a trans person, I’ve struggled to feel fully aligned in myself physically. The Fhitting Room FHIX workout transports me back to the soccer field where, as a kid, I found self-worth. I come back for this feeling of alignment. In addition, I appreciate that each class follows a similar structure but has a ton of variety; this breaks up the monotony that one can feel when working out. Finally, as I get older and can’t play organized team sports in the same way, the teamwork energy of the class fills me up and keeps me coming back.

How long have you been getting your FHIX?

The first Fhitting Room opened under my parents’ apartment building (where I grew up) on 80th street and Lexington Avenue in 2012. After I graduated from college in 2008, I moved to Brooklyn but visited my parents regularly and my brother and I started to take classes at that location during 2012-2013. 

Do you remember your first Fhitting Room class? Tell us a little about that experience.

My brother Scott took me to my first class. He and I have a (mostly respectful) competitive vibe with each other – just don’t play tennis with us. In truth, playing sports/working out is what we can do to reconnect and find each other again. When I entered Fhitting Room, I was so grateful to realize that Fhitting Room does not have gendered changing spaces, bathrooms, or showers. As a trans and genderqueer person, I often struggle to figure out what locker room to change in before workout sessions/classes in other fitness spaces; coming into Fhitting Room and being seen as an athlete first, regardless of my gender identity or presentation, was freeing. The genderless environment soothed me and gave me the confidence to own my power in the class. 

 Do you have any advice for anyone considering taking their first Fhitting Room class?

I recognize that the Fhitting Room can be an intimidating space; it is a predominately white, wealthy, cis, space where people’s toned bodies can often match the commercialized standard of “fit.” That said, I think there is power in coming to the class and claiming space; making it your own. The instruction is solid; the pros are looking out for you and want you to push yourself but all while prioritizing safety. I believe that different kinds of bodies can do well with the movements in the class and part of the work of breaking into the experience is being proud of yourself for things you excel at and committing yourself to improving in the areas where you want to grow. Once you complete your first class you will feel deeply accomplished (I do every time) – and you will likely want to sign up for your next one.

Can you tell us a little bit more about the organization you are part of, Athlete Ally?

Athlete Ally is on a mission to eradicate homophobia and transphobia in sports and to make sure that athlete activism is the expectation, not the exception. The organization is the global leader in advocating for queer athletes and the policies that support them to show up in athletic spaces as their full selves and thrive. Sports and fitness are powerful tools to build connections and community. In professional men’s sports leagues, there are barely any out queer athletes; whereas in women’s sports leagues queerness is celebrated. Men’s leagues could learn so much from women’s leagues – and all people with power in sports must work together to foster a future of sport where all people (and most certainly trans folks) are celebrated for their courage and athleticism rather than demonized. Growing up I didn’t have the language to claim my trans identity; if I had it would have meant losing my first love, soccer, because trans kids are being pushed out of sports. I will keep fighting for a future with more liberated version of sports – reminding folks along the way that every kid deserves the chance to play and feel alignment in their body on and off the field. With Athlete Ally, I am on a mission to build the world’s biggest team – a team that knows when everyone plays, everyone wins – we are calling you up, you in? If you want to learn more about Athlete Ally please feel free to email Jordyn directly at jordyn.lexton@athleteally.org.