disability fi tness
PULSE
Disability fitness should be part of the blueprint of leisure centres, not an afterthought or add-on because we need to meet DDA requirements. Clubs should provide seamless
SCIFIT
Consider the wider requirements of disabled members – the addition of IFI-accredited kit is not always enough to create a truly inclusive experience. Managers must create an inclusive culture whereby staff are fully trained and comfortable working with every member. Staff should use a wide range of equipment – not just the IFI pieces – to give disabled users a challenging workout that’s enjoyable and achieves their fitness goals. If your employees believe
disabled members only come to the gym for a bit of gentle exercise and nothing more, you risk losing valuable clients and missing out on the rewards that come from helping someone exceed expectations, regardless of their ability.
Bob Whitlock, UK sales director, SCIFIT
integration between services and equipment offered to able-bodied and disabled members. Don’t discriminate by highlighting services or equipment catering specifi cally for certain groups – allow all members, regardless of their ability, to interact and work out in the same environment. Taking this approach will save you time, space and money.
Julie Lewis, director of operational services, Pulse
TECHNOGYM
Design and planning are intrinsically important in any new facility layout, but even more so when creating an inclusive centre. More and more customers are using our design team as consultants for layout and planning advice to ensure the best possible user experience. It’s important to consider the layout
of a gym during equipment selection. Special thought must be given to allowing greater access points and ensuring an appropriate fl oor level throughout the design. Furthermore, line of sight must be considered, as this may be signifi cantly altered for many disabled users.
Craig Swyer, product manager, Technogym CYBEX
1. Make everyone feel welcome: attitudes of the staff, other users and the general culture of the centre must be inclusive.
2. Get IFI accreditation, with fully accessible equipment and layouts.
3. Accessible communication: All marketing materials must be easily legible by all impairment groups and refl ective of the population.
4. Employ disabled instructors, as this often makes disabled people more confi dent about using a gym.
5. Listen to customer feedback and have an open attitude. For example, an Aspire member requested a grab rail in the gym – a low-cost adaptation that went a long way to ensuring this customer, and possibly others like them, could use the centre without worry.
PHOTO: INCLUSIVE FITNESS INITIATIVE 44 Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital june 2011 © cybertrek 2011
Julia Dalgleish, master trainer for CYBEX UK, in conjunction with The Aspire National Training Centre
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