Starting mid-September, a dedicated time slot at the Ixelles swimming pool will be reserved for plus-size individuals, according to an announcement on Instagram by the non-profit organisation Fat Friendly .
Every Sunday, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (excluding school holidays), part of the pool will host a 12-person aqua aerobics class led by a physiotherapist. Another section will be available for 18 individuals to enjoy free swimming.
Fat Friendly is a non-profit organisation and collaborative platform advocating for the inclusion of plus-size people in public spaces while actively combating fatphobia.
“Fat Friendly has been around since 2021. With our mapping project, we identify spaces that are welcoming and accessible for plus-size individuals. Since the beginning, community members have expressed the desire for group activities,” organisation member Marie-Amah Kouadio said.
Kouadio noted that the Ixelles swimming pool already has several features that make it accessible, such as changing cabins for all body types and pool access via stairs.
“We reached out to the municipality, and we agreed on a time slot for non-mixed aqua aerobics. This initiative will allow plus-size individuals, who often feel scrutinised, to enjoy physical activity with fewer barriers while also having fun,” she explained.
When asked about similar initiatives elsewhere, Pelphine, the founder of Fat Friendly, said she was not aware of any.
“There may be classes offered in medical settings, such as obesity centres or physiotherapy clinics, but these are likely focused on health or weight loss,” she speculated.
Nabil Messaoudi, Ixelles’ Councillor for Sports, welcomed the programme enthusiastically.
“I’m really happy and proud,” he said. “Here in Ixelles, we have many ‘sports for all’ programmes, but we had never specifically considered plus-size individuals. When Fat Friendly approached us, we immediately said 'yes'.”
