Our exploration and discovery of our bodies and our capabilities is influenced by our environment.  It’s best to be deliberate about defining what that environment is so that it does not get defined for us by unconsidered expectations and influences.  This will help us co-create a supportive space unlike any gym, yoga class or movement related culture we have experienced in the past.

The Dauntless Grace studio is an environment of–

1. Respect and Inclusivity:
   1. We embrace diversity of appearance, fitness level, beliefs and preferences, believing that diversity of all kinds creates healthier communities.
   2. We speak and act with kindness and empathy, both to others, but also to ourselves.  We have a deep respect for those that strive to make positive changes, regardless of where they’re starting from, including ourselves.
   3. We honor the time bound nature of training sessions and are ready to start on time and make room for others at the end of the session.
   4. We strive to keep the space clean, and we are particularly conscious of any scent either of the body or of perfume and avoid bringing these into the space.
      
      
2. Communication and Connection:
   1. We foster supportive relationships with our training partners, speak encouragingly and celebrate with them.
   2. We recognize that others might have different ideas about health or diet and we respect that.
   3. We do not make unsolicited comments about someone else’s physical appearance, especially as relates to body fat.
   4. We ask for others to celebrate with us when we want to be acknowledged for an achievement.
   5. We value connection and a sense of belonging.
   6. We support the studio and its community by sharing ways to participate with those ready to explore fitness training.
      
      
3. Mindfulness and Safety:
   1. We offer ourselves compassion by listening to our bodies, and we do not rush ourselves.  We try to hone the skill of feeling what’s going on in our body and whether this is the right challenge for me at this time.
   2. We work toward adopting practices that support our training while we’re away from the studio such as, eating nourishing foods, getting plenty of sleep, hydrating, and allowing ourselves recovery time.
   3. We allow ourselves to try different versions of an exercise if the first version doesn’t feel right.  This might include using a prop or balance aide, or modifying our body position.
   4. We are open with the instructor about any concerns or pain or changes in our physical status.
   5. We respect the privacy of others by not discussing their personal fitness journey with others and not sharing any personal information revealed within the group.
      
      
4. Curiosity and Exploration:
   1. A safe environment allows us to explore with confidence.
   2. We ask questions and seek feedback about all elements of physical training.
   3. We explore unfamiliar movement and our body’s response to it with courage.
   4. We are open to new ideas and recognize that science is always revealing something new and surprising.
   5. We allow ourselves to have fun and play, with a sense of lightheartedness.
      
      
      

As we align ourselves with these community values and behaviors we create a fitness studio environment that not only helps us become physically stronger, but also promotes our mental and emotional well-being. It emphasizes personal growth, self-compassion, and a sense of belonging while making fitness enjoyable and fulfilling.