Broad, Inclusive Training in Center City Philly
Everything you need to hit your fitness potential.
Be strong, be useful.
For nearly 10 years, I worked in communities around the country trying to address the lack of access to health and fitness.
In 2014, I moved back to Philadelphia with the goal of making sure that being healthy wouldn’t face barriers depending on your zip code, bank statement, skin color or sexual orientation.
Subversus is a commitment to breaking those barriers and discovering that in doing so, we can each build the pain-free and strong bodies we deserve. Subvert limitations and achieve your true physical expression with us.
-Wylie, Owner
About UliftU
Our non-profit empowers citizens returning from prison to become fitness professionals.
UliftU is our passion project and 501c3 nonprofit — an educational program designed to train currently and formerly incarcerated individuals into certified personal trainers. Graduates of the program go on to Coach at our gym as well as around the city.
UliftU addresses three critical areas of health:
- Working in the prison system to create a path to sustainable employment for returning citizens upon release.
- Operating daily free fitness programs in North Philadelphia led by our Graduates in under-resourced neighborhoods.
- Ulift-Youth, our program working with kids currently in the juvenile justice system, pairing them with UliftU trainees and graduates for fitness training and mentorship.
When you’re with us, you are a part of something bigger than just being a member of a gym. You’re helping our UliftU coaches reintegrate with a fulfilling career. UliftU is a Best of Philly award winner for 2021 for “best community fitness leader”.
Our inclusion statement
How we practice inclusion
1. Non-gendered word choice. We do not refer to a barbell as a “men’s” bar, but rather by it’s weight – 20kg, nor do we seek to classify individuals by their gender identity.
2. Pronoun sensitivity. All members are asked for their preferred pronouns upon joining. Staff must know and use them.
3. We celebrate and focus on every BODY, not just the “best” athletes. By drawing attention to accomplishments and progress of all athletes (and yes EVERYONE is an athlete) and reminding people of that journey we stay true to our culture.
4. Welcoming everyone: Fitness can be intimidating, as Coaches we go out of our way to make sure that everyone is welcomed and connected. We also offer a scholarship program for membership.
5. Diverse Coach development. Athletes must see themselves represented by their Coaches, therefore you cannot expect a diverse community without a staff diverse from the standpoint of race and sexual orientation. We actively seek to train and hire Coaches with deep life experiences and backgrounds.
