Plus Size Classes at Defy Gravity

Defy Gravity welcomes plus size students in all of our classes. Our goal is to create a community space where people of all sizes can thrive.

To supplement our regular offerings, Defy Gravity offers classes specifically for plus size individuals. These classes are designed to be a safe space for those who self-identify as plus size to experience and experiment with pole and aerial fitness.

No matter your current levels of strength or prior history with fitness, if you identify as plus size, then these classes are for you.

Which class should I sign up for?

Plus Size Aerial Fundamentals (PSAF) is open to true beginners -- no experience necessary! You can register for drop-in PSAF classes with any membership or class package.

We also offer Plus Size Aerial Level 1 during select schedules, either alternating every other week with PSAF or weekly.

Fluffy Kitty Fundamentals is a four week series designed for plus-sized and fat identifying folks of all genders just starting their pole journey -- no experience necessary!

Upcoming dates:

Sept 13 - Oct 4, Sundays @ 9:30am with Liana and Athena

Nov 17 - Dec 8, Tuesdays @ 6:55pm with Jamie

Not able to make a FK Fundies series? Talk with your Pole Fundamentals instructor about requirements to progress to our mixed level drop-in class, Fluffy Kitty Pole.

Not sure if you are considered plus size for pole and aerial? Here are some questions to help you decide.

Have you...

  • Dealt with bias or harassment from medical professionals because of your heavier weight or larger size?

  • Been unable to travel without extreme discomfort due to small size of seats, seat belts, etc. on transportation?

  • Dealt with remarks, looks, etc. from passengers on public transit in regards to your heavier weight or larger size?

  • Retreated from social situations or communities due to fear of fatphobia within that situation or community?

  • Had to purchase clothing from plus size shops to fit a certain part of your body? Or, do you dance the line of plus size clothing and traditional size clothing, yet never seem to find clothing that truly fits?

If these bullet points describe your experience, then plus size classes at DG are for you! We offer...

  • Fluffy Kitty™ Pole

  • Plus Size Aerial Fundamentals

  • Plus Size Pole & Aerial Conditioning

All classes are taught by plus size instructors.

If you do not fall within the bullet points above but have been unable to access instruction because you have...

  • Been unable to grip the pole or complete any Pole Fundamentals moves

  • Not received enough time with your instructor during class

  • Experienced feelings of embarrassment, shame, or isolation during class

  • Been unable to mount an aerial apparatus

  • Been unable to access smaller aerial equipment

Please email us at contactus@defygravitycu.com to discuss how we can better meet your needs.

While our plus size classes may not be for you, we want all our students to feel comfortable learning in the studio.

History of Plus Size Classes at DG

In the summer of 2015, instructors Jamie and Sugar launched the first-ever Fluffy Kitty™ Pole, a 5-week series of pole fitness made specifically for plus size individuals. From that first series, Fluffy Kitty™ classes at Defy Gravity continue to grow to include additional styles of pole. Common instructors for FK Pole include Athena, Jamie, and Liana.

Aerial instructors Amelia, Robyn, and Liza later developed Plus Size Aerial Fundamentals (PSAF) as a joint effort between current staff and our plus size aerialists. After taking PSAF as students, Eva and Grace joined our team of aerial instructors — and a few years after that, Michael joined our instruction team taking PSAF himself.

Our plus size instructors teach many types of classes. While you may meet us in FK Pole, PSAF, or PSPAC, you'll also see us teaching Pole Fundamentals, Aerial Fundamentals, leveled pole and aerial classes, burlesque, yoga, chair dance, twerk and so much more.

Come move with us!