Disability and Fitness

In England, 1 in 5 people have a long-standing disability or illness, yet studies ^[1]show disabled people are twice as likely to be physically inactive compared to those without a disability.

Research^[2] also shows that 81% of disabled adults want to do more physical activity but only 40% feel they have the opportunity to.

Disabled people face various challenges when it comes to accessing and using gym facilities. These challenges can be physical, social, and policy related. Some of the issues disabled individuals may encounter include:

Inaccessible Facilities

Many gyms may lack proper accessibility features such as ramps, wide entrances, and accessible changing rooms, making it difficult for individuals with mobility impairments to enter and navigate the gym.

Lack of Adaptive Equipment

Gyms may not offer a sufficient variety of adaptive equipment or assistive devices, which are crucial for people with different types of disabilities to engage in effective workouts.

Limited Staff Training

Staff may not be adequately trained to assist disabled individuals in using gym equipment safely or to provide support as needed. This lack of knowledge can lead to potential safety hazards.

Attitudinal Barriers

Negative attitudes from gym staff or other gym-goers can create an unwelcoming and uncomfortable environment for disabled individuals. Stigma and discrimination can be a significant issue.

Cost Barriers

Gym memberships and specialised adaptive fitness programs can be expensive, making it challenging for many disabled people, who may already face additional costs related to their disability, to afford regular exercise opportunities.

Lack of Inclusive Classes

Group fitness classes may not be adapted or inclusive for people with disabilities, limiting their opportunities to participate in classes that can be both fun and motivating.

Transportation Challenges

Accessing gyms can be difficult for individuals with disabilities due to transportation issues. Gyms located in areas with poor public transportation or limited accessible parking can deter potential gym-goers.

Policy and Legal Compliance

While the UK has legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled individuals, some gyms may not comply with these requirements or may not be aware of their responsibilities.

Lack of Information

Some gyms may not provide comprehensive information on their accessibility features, making it challenging for disabled individuals to determine whether a gym is suitable for their needs.

To address these issues and create a more inclusive environment, gym owners and policymakers should prioritise accessibility, staff training, and awareness. Disabled people's input should be considered in the design and operation of gym facilities to ensure that their needs are met, and their experiences are positive. Additionally, outreach and education campaigns can help reduce attitudinal barriers and promote inclusive fitness opportunities for all.

Disability and fitness are interconnected, and engaging in regular physical activity can have numerous benefits for individuals with disabilities. Exercise and fitness routines can improve physical health and mental well-being. Plus engaging in group fitness classes or team sports provides opportunities for social interaction and a sense of belonging for everyone, not just those with disabilities. However, specific benefits for those with disabilities are:

• Appropriate exercises can help improve strength, flexibility, and mobility, which can increase an individual's ability to perform daily tasks and live more independently. This is particularly important for people with mobility or functional impairments.
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• For some individuals with disabilities, regular exercise can help alleviate chronic pain associated with their condition by improving muscle strength and joint flexibility.

Consultation and Guidance

It's important for individuals with disabilities to consult with healthcare professionals or fitness experts to create a tailored fitness plan that takes into account their specific needs and limitations.

We are committed to being inclusive at Alison Berrisford Performance Training and Coaching. Our PT sessions are personalised to suit specific abilities, goals, and interests and our gym at Whitehall & Bordon Leisure Centre is very accessible with lots of equipment which can be adapted for everyone to use. We see many people with disabilities coming in to train at our gym, including Paralympian Rachel Morris MBE!

To find out more about what we offer, get in touch! https://www.abperformance.training/contact

^[1] https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news-archive/2017/disabled-people-set-to-guide-the-fitness-industry

^[2] https://www.activityalliance.org.uk/how-we-help/research/5563-activity-alliance-annual-disability-and-activity-survey-january-2020

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