Creating a More Inclusive Space for Hardcore Athletes with Laurie Porsch In this episode of Barbell Vitality, Brent speaks with Laurie Porsch, fitness instructor, Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner at BETA Academy, and owner of Liberation Barbell Club.Laurie was inspired to start Liberation Barbell out of a desire to be part of a community that is serious about strength and fitness while being down-to-earth and inclusive at the same time. She wanted to create an environment that was particularly welcoming to women and members of the LGBTQ community, who may not usually feel completely at home at many traditional hardcore gyms.The Liberation Barbell community lives by a simple code of conduct: Create a safe space, don’t make anybody feel unwelcome, assume good intent, and if you make a mistake, apologize and amend your behavior. The basis for this code of conduct, as well as the foundation of the gym and community, is dignity, best expressed by Donna Hick’s work and her “Ten Elements of Dignity”.Listen in and hear why Laurie is motivated to provide a safe space for anyone who wants to get involved in strength training, how Liberation Barbell is coping amid the pandemic, and how to thrive as a woman in the powerlifting or BJJ world.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: ●      [01:34] Laurie’s vision for Liberation Barbell●      [05:05] The elements of dignity ●      [09:50] Reopening the gym, and new classes to expect●      [13:50] Laurie’s goals post-COVID-19●      [20:06] Laurie’s powerlifting career●      [25:00] How Laurie fell in love with Brazilian jiu-jitsu●      [29:04] Being a women in the BJJ world●      [33:52] Laurie’s advice for women thinking about taking up barbell training or BJJMemorable Quotes:“Dignity and respect are different. Dignity is inherent—everybody has the same amount. It is not earned, whereas respect has to be earned.”“Come as you are, be who you want to be, and lift heavy shit. That is literally all we advocate.”“Whatever you enjoy doing for fitness, that’s what you should do, because if you don’t like it, you’re not going to do it.”“Don’t be afraid to try barbell training or BJJ. Find a place where you feel comfortable, find a trainer that you feel comfortable with, and explore it.”“There’s nothing in this world, to an extent, that being stronger doesn’t make easier.”Connect with Laurie on Instagram @lauriebjjConnect with Stacy Burr on Instagram @bamaburrLearn more about Liberation Barbell Club at LiberationBarbellClub.com and follow them on Instagram @liberationbarbellclub Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.