PROMOTIONAL FEATURE


riers to disabled people’s participation in sporting activity: • Physical barriers – adaptations or changes needed to support participation are not available or have not been implemented.


Disability in focus R


With only 18% of disabled people in England taking part in sport once a week, compared with 39% of non-disabled people, Matrix Fitness is taking steps to address the imbalance.


esearch conducted by the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) has identifi ed that there are three main bar-


• Logistical barriers – adaptations have been made, but have not been imple- mented eff ectively.


• Psychological barriers – attitudes, opinions, and perceptions preventing par- ticipation in sport.


As a stakeholder in the fi tness indus- try, Matrix Fitness is working hard to help address the situation through the manu- facture of approved inclusive products, and promotion of positive role models, including former Royal Marine Commando, Joe Townsend, and visu- ally impaired Matrix Fitness – Vulpine cyclist, Lora Turnham. Designed to be acces-


sible for both disabled and non disabled people, Matrix’


Universal Series (U-Series) range of 11 products follows the requirements established by the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) Fitness Equipment Standards, and supports the fi tness equip- ment supplier’s goal to ensure that disabled people have access to a wide variety of cardiovascu- lar and strength machines. T e popular Functional


Trainer, for example, includes features such as accessible and adjustable pulley heights for ease of reach, an accessi- ble starting position from a seated position, colour con- trasted adjustments and


Former Royal Marine Commando, Joe Townsend, experiences the versatility of the Functional Trainer.


6 Read Leisure Opportunities online: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital


raised tactile weight stack numbers. In addition to providing inclusive


equipment, Matrix Fitness also works with customers to create accessible gyms; advocating the following IFI Mark recommendations: • Provide a range of inclusive cardio- vascular and strength equipment, in addition to small equipment to support a full body workout.


• Ensure there is adequate space around fi t- ness equipment to allow transfer access.


• Make any equipment on a plinth or dif- ferent levels accessible for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility via a liſt or ramp.


• Ensure that the gym is well lit and back- ground noise is minimal.


• Make sure that there are no obstruc- tions/hazards in walkways, and that free weights and equipment are stored safely.


Seemingly small changes, for example, delivering customer service training to gym staff to alter perceptions of disability, and using positive imagery in marketing and media channels that disabled peo- ple can relate to and buy into could make a signifi cant diff erence; engaging many more disabled people in sport and phys- ical activity. With inactivity said to be costing the national economy in England £8.2 billion per year, clearly now is the time for all leisure industry stakeholders to take action.


For further information about the Inclusive Fitness Initiative, visit www. efds.co.uk


www.matrixfi tness.co.uk Twitter: @leisureopps © CYBERTREK 2014


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