The fitness industry often promotes a healthy lifestyle and encourages people to be active. However, joining a fitness club or gym can be very intimidating for many people, specially for people with disabilities. This can be due to pressure of navigating a place that may not be able to accommodate them, resulting in feelings of being unwelcomed and unappreciated in the gym environment.
The IWA have created the pilot Fitness Inclusion Project which aims to create a supportive and welcoming environment for people with disabilities to engage in physical activities. They hosted the first ever Fitness Inclusion Games on Friday 27th of June 2025, at the Sport Ireland’s National Indoor Arena.
Importance of Accessibility in the Fitness Industry
The Fitness Inclusion Games featured over 100 IWA members from across the country showcasing their achievements and abilities through team events in an accessible and inclusive environment.
Accessibility in the fitness industry can be important due to the following reasons:
- Promotes Inclusivity: Accessibility in the fitness industry can create an environment that makes people feel welcome and supported regardless of their abilities and background.
- Increased Participation: By removing potential barriers and creating a welcoming environment, more people including people with disabilities will feel encouraged to partake in physical activities.
- Supports Mental and Physical Health: Accessibility in the fitness industry can promote a more active lifestyle for people with disabilities which can improve their physical and mental well-being which can boost self-esteem and confidence.
- Business Benefits: As participation increases inclusive gyms will have a wider customer based and an increase in customer loyalty leading to higher revenues.
Ways to Make Your Gym Accessible and Inclusive
There are a number of ways to make your Gym accessible and Inclusive:
Gym Space: Ensuring sufficient space is provided within the gym space can be very important for wheelchair users or people using mobility space as this will allow them to safely navigate the environment making them feel safe and included.
Staff Training: Disability awareness training for staff and onboarding of new staff members can address how they can interact with and provide assistance to people with disabilities in the gym environment.
Appropriate Training Programmes and Classes: The provision of classes and individual training programmes should accommodate people with various abilities and fitness levels. A range of classes should be provided with options for preferences and fitness levels. Guidance and support should be provided by staff to accommodate wide range of abilities.
Accessible Gym Equipment: Machines and adaptive equipment should be provided to cater to different needs to allow for independent workouts and guided workouts.
Pre-Visitor Information: Creating a welcoming environment starts with providing relevant information on what you can offer to customers. Website information should be clear and communicated in alternative formats for people with a range of abilities.
Feedback: The implementation of a feedback system from people with disabilities will help the gym identify areas for improvement.
Shaping a More Inclusive Fitness Culture
The introduction of the Fitness Inclusion Games marks a major milestone in the IWA’s Fitness Inclusion Project which promotes Accessibility and Inclusivity in the fitness industry. As the Fitness Inclusion Project continues to expand and participation increases, gyms across the country will benefit from implementing inclusivity and accessibility in their organisations.
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