Is "Suitable For All Levels" Really Serving Everyone?

I see it all the time in group exercise class descriptions: “Suitable for all levels.”

It’s meant to be welcoming—a catch-all phrase to reassure people they belong. But let’s take a closer look. Does it really mean that anyone can take the class and have a good experience?

More often than not, “suitable for all levels” gets used as a stand-in for “anyone can do this class.” But that’s rarely the case—especially as we age.

Think about the incredible range of abilities in the older adult population. Some individuals are living with chronic conditions, navigating neurological diseases, or managing long-standing injuries. Others are maintaining a high level of fitness into their 80s and beyond. The spectrum is massive.

If a Chair Yoga class labeled “suitable for all levels.” It sounds inclusive but is it really the right choice for an older athlete who can move freely and enjoys getting on the floor? Probably not. That person might walk away feeling under-challenged.

Consider a Zumba class I saw listed at a local senior center: “Combines motivating, high-energy Latin-based music with unique dance movements and combinations. Suitable for all levels.”

What if someone walks in with a cane or walker? Would they feel like they belong in a fast-paced, high-energy dance class?

It’s not always about ability. Sometimes it’s about preference. Someone might be fully capable of doing a traditional yoga flow class—but they may want something slower and more meditative.

When we default to “suitable for all levels,” we aren’t just oversimplifying physical ability—we’re overlooking individual needs, desires, and goals.

As instructors, we genuinely want to be inclusive. We’re taught to offer modifications and create a welcoming environment. But when the range of participants' needs is too wide, the class experience can suffer.

Trying to be everything to everyone can leave some participants overwhelmed—and others bored.

Let’s be more specific. Let’s tell people who the class is really for and what they can expect.

For example, chair yoga: A gentle practice designed for individuals looking to improve flexibility, strength, and relaxation without getting down on the floor. Includes seated and supported standing postures to enhance posture, balance, and alignment.

That one small shift—clarity over generality—can make a huge difference.

It helps participants make informed decisions.

 It ensures they walk into a class that fits their body, their preferences, and their goals.

 And ultimately, it leads to a better experience for everyone in the room.