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TECHNICAL
Over 90 disabled people qualify as gym instructors through Aspire initiative
UK fitness industry scene. The multi award winning project, created by Aspire, the spinal injury charity and YMCAfit, the fitness industry training provider, offers free training to unemployed, disabled people.
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Through £850,000 of funding from Sport England’s Places people Play grant scheme, the programme has seen 90 disabled people qualify as gym instructors.
InstructAbility graduates include people who have been
out of work for some time or those who have recently lost their job due to an injury or worsening health condition. Many disabled people who wish to pursue a career in the fitness industry already have a background in sport and fitness such as those who have acquired an injury through sport, disability sports performers at grass root and elite levels, as well as injured service personnel transitioning from the armed forces.
Over 40% of the InstructAbility graduates who have completed work placements have been offered employment with organisations such as Virgin Active, Fitness First, YMCA, GLL, Everyone Active and Fusion.
Hilary Farmiloe, InstructAbility National Project Manager, says: “We believe that positioning disabled people in the fitness industry workforce can encourage other disabled people to feel more welcome and at ease in the gym environment. They are well placed to understand some of the challenges disabled people face and promote the benefits of exercise for physical and mental well-being.”
Case Study
Sam James has cerebral palsy as a result of when she stopped breathing at nine weeks, starving her brain of oxygen. She now suffers from a slight speech impediment, poor grip in her left hand and weak right leg muscles.
Sam had found it hard to gain employment after being made redundant. During a difficult period in her life, Sam found solace in going to Zumba classes at her local gym. She says: “When I heard about Zumba I wanted to try it as I love anything Latino and once I
ince its inception in 2010, InstructAbility has exploded on to the
started I couldn’t stay away. I do get the looks at keep fit classes to say ‘why are you here?’ followed by the surprised looks when I can do more than they can!”
Sam however, steered clear of the gym, believing it wouldn’t be possible for someone with mobility issues to use the equipment. But an injury showed her that this fear was unfounded. Encouraged by her physiotherapist she started a gym programme. She said, “Within two weeks I gained 50% more mobility and couldn’t believe the difference.”
When Sam applied for the InstructAbility programme she said: “I want to help other people to use the gym and show them that it can help them to manage their conditions and prevent them from getting worse. I would love to teach disabled people Zumba as I know the fun music would encourage them to exercise. It would be amazing to make a hobby I love into a career.”
One person who has already been inspired by Sam is Louise Semple, who found out about Sam in a local magazine article. She said, “I haven’t been to the gym before as I felt it was something I wouldn’t be able to do. When I heard about Sam it got me thinking maybe I could do it as she had the same condition as me. I contacted Sam and she got me in the gym for a chat and tried a few pieces of equipment and found I could do some exercises. I enjoyed my session and it has spurred me on to try swimming to strengthen my legs and then join one of Sam’s classes.”
Sam concludes, “InstructAbility has made me realise that you can do something even though society says you can’t, and that dreams can come true.”
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ONLINE TO EARN CPD POINTS
To give your answers please visit www. exerciseregister.org under ‘CPD & Training’ and select ‘Free Online CPD’.
Q1 Q2
Q3
What year did Instructability start? a) 2012 b) 2010 c) 2011
How many disabled people to date qualified as personal trainers through the programme? a) 60 b) 120 c) 90
What percentage of graduates who completed a placement were then offered a full time role? a) 40% b) 35% c) 50%
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