Embracing inclusivity in fitness facilities and health clubs

The Embracing Inclusivity Workshop will take the reader through a thorough and complete guide on how to design fitness facilities as accessible and inviting spaces for those with disabilities, as well as how to train fitness instructors on developing fitness programs, with awareness for specific modifications and assistive devices. All individuals have a need and a desire to stay healthy and fit, and people will generally choose to go to public fitness facilities, including health clubs and other privately owned membership gyms to exercise. Therefore, these facilities must be equipped with effective access routes, equipment, and programs for people with impairments or disabilities. Several materials have been created addressing access issues, little has been done, however, to ensure that the fitness trainers, health and wellness coaches, and fitness facilities are equipped with the knowledge and practice to train people those with impairments or disabilities. The unique needs and risks of those with disabilities, paired with the unaccommodating characteristics of most fitness environments, make it extremely challenging for people with special needs to stay physically fit and healthy. This workshop will address, first, the program outline and goals with specific attention to the obesity rate, health condition, and physical activity participation percentages in those with a disability as well as the importance of inclusive and accessible fitness centers. Next the Embracing Inclusivity Workshop will address the current guidelines for training people with disabilities, with specific attention to: auditory disabilities, visual disabilities, physical disabilities, autism spectrum, intellectual disabilities, mental health, and chronic disease/ illness. Finally, the workshop will conclude with the barriers fitness facilities should address regarding architecture, attitude, communication, and programming. In this section, the reader will learn detail requirements of their facility in order to make their site accessible including exercise equipment, marketing materials, assistive devices, removing disability stigma, and smart and effective programming.Kinesiology and Health Educatio