Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Alkalign

by | Aug 4, 2022

Inclusion has always been at the forefront of who Alkalign is. At its inception, our goal was to create a brand, a workout and an environment where all felt welcome. Coming from a barre background, most of our clients at the time were women ages 25-45. Operating in Menlo Park and Los Altos, they were predominantly white, heterosexual and affluent. 

Fast forward 7 years, including 2 dog years of Covid, and things have shifted significantly. While Covid was financially devastating for Alkalign, closing all but one studio, it also provided a huge gift. The gift of perspective. If inclusion is a priority, why were we opening physical locations in the most expensive zip codes in America where we had to charge premium prices to cover our costs? This definitely wasn’t helping us with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). So we pivoted. 

Rather than focus on franchising boutique brick and mortar studios, Alkalign is investing in offerings that are available to more people. Alkalign offers something unique, both in terms of the workout itself, and the intention, purpose and passion behind the workout. We believe it has the potential to positively impact the lives of many people worldwide. The biggest obstacles are access and exposure. 

A few months ago we held our first Inclusion Committee meeting. The committee is comprised of members of the Blue Crew community who volunteered their time and energy because they too are dedicated to DEI. Want to join our committee? Email erin@alkalignstudios.com. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and invite you to be a part of the conversation. 

We also launched a “pay what you can ” membership” for both in-person and online offerings, a scholarship program for instructor training and are in the process of partnering with organizations who share a mission of bringing fitness and wellness to underserved communities. Would a reduced-cost membership or training scholarship be meaningful to you or someone you know? Please contact us at help@alkalignstudios.com.

 

Pay What You Can Memberships & Instructor Training Scholarships

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It Doesn't Have to Hurt to Work

A NEW, 2-week FREE program we are offering to any and all who want to get off the hamster wheel and try something that 1) works and 2) you will enjoy in the process. No more beating yourself up and spiraling the shame drain thinking you have to do more and be more. We embrace a philosophy that it doesn’t have to hurt to work. The extremes aren’t sustainable. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to your body. Slow, steady and sane wins the race of life. And we are here to help you along the way.

Hi! I’m Erin and my passion in life is helping others feel better by helping them get out of their own head. So much of our relationship to food and fitness is a reflection of deeply rooted beliefs that were imprinted on us at a very early age. These beliefs drive all sorts of behaviors, many of which are not good for our physical or mental health. I know this first-hand. As a former calorie-counting cardio queen I played right into all the toxic messages about what it meant to be “healthy”. That all changed when I hit rock bottom. Since leaving my corporate career in 2009 I have been fully committed to shifting the narrative and helping people experience better physical health by unpacking unhealthy beliefs. My biggest inspiration are my two young daughters, who I hope to raise in a household that openly illuminates and addresses the misinformation instead of adopting it.

CONTACT ME: erin@alkalignstudios.com