1. Inclusive & Accessible Fitness
Individuals are More Likely to Exercise When Programs and
Services Meet the Needs of Everyone
Overview: Is your health and fitness center both Inclusive Fitness. There are no regulations regarding
inclusive and accessible? The goal is to be both—the inclusive fitness. How can your facility be both accessible
terms are not mutually exclusive. and inclusive creating a welcoming environment for
Accessibility. Regulations regarding accessibility are in everyone? How can facility managers position their business
place. The U.S. Department of Justice adopted the revised to meet the March 2012 mandate? In this overview we will
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, which examine the areas required to create a more inclusive and
include the ADA 2010 Standards for Accessible Design. accessible facility; the challenges; important tips for success;
The Standards include sections covering recreation educational opportunities; and, the benefits of developing an
facilities, play areas, and government facilities. The inclusive environment.
significance of this adoption ensures that fitness facilities
are legally obligated to adhere to accessible design
standards. On March 15, 2012, all new construction,
renovations, and alterations must meet 2010 Standards.
Cary Wing, EdD – cary@fitmarc.com
June 2011 Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc 1
2. The Opportunity
Over 50 Million People Have Some Type of Disability
Opportunity: It is estimated that 50 million people in this Inclusive fitness is an untapped market. Benchmarks do
country have some type of disability and they need health exist, however. There are established fitness facility
and fitness services. This significant portion of the programs that provide a seamless environment for all
population faces some of the greatest health risks members regardless of ability or physical challenges. FIT,
associated with sedentary lifestyles. This population in Los Altos, CA, leads the way and is host to FITBuddies.
includes the young, adults, and seniors with physical, This successful group-training program for individuals with
cognitive and/or sensory challenges—a wide range of intellectual disabilities improves the health and wellness of
individuals who must incorporate physical activity into their this population by providing professional instruction in a
daily lives. Several years ago The Inclusive Fitness fun and safe environment. The facility is both inclusive
Coalition (IFC) developed out of the need to address these and accessible.
health issues. The organization has created a unified effort
to increase access to, and participation in, physical activity
and exercise.
Cary Wing, EdD – cary@fitmarc.com
June 2011 Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc 2
3. The Challenges
Being Inclusive and Accessible, Creating a Welcoming Facility,
Goes Beyond Providing a Curb Cut
The Challenges: A thorough review of your facility may reveal As previously stated, however, a facility with accessible
areas that need upgrading to meet the 2012 mandate. The equipment and amenities may not be inclusive. Many
Health and Fitness Clubs Workgroup (IFC) has compiled individuals with disabilities indicate they feel excluded
educational materials that can be used to identify barriers and
primarily due to physical and attitudinal barriers; stigma
increase inclusion at fitness centers. Here are some questions
and stereotypes; and, a chronic lack of opportunity. A
to ask when creating a more accessible facility:
separate physical activity class for facility members
• Do you have countertops at various heights?
who use wheelchairs does not promote an inclusive
• Are the doors in the facility too heavy?
environment. How welcoming is your facility?
• Is your fitness equipment accessible?
• Is there a shower chair or roll-in shower available
for individuals with wheelchairs?
• Are 5% of available lockers accessible to
individuals with disabilities?
Cary Wing, EdD – cary@fitmarc.com
June 2011 Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc 3
4. Important Tips
A Fitness Facility Should Seek to Develop an Inclusive and
Accessible Environment
The Tools: The mission of the Health and Fitness Club Enlisting the aid of a company knowledgeable in the
Workgroup is to motivate managers and staff of fitness mission and goals of inclusive and accessible fitness
facilities to develop an environment that is inclusive, can save valuable time. A company that understands
providing accessibility to all. This may involve, but is the impact of the 2010 ADA Guidelines for Accessible
not limited to, changes to equipment, facilities, Design--and the importance of inclusive fitness--can
programs, practices, staff training, and marketing. provide resources, marketing materials, consulting
Available tools and resources include: support and solutions for successful adherence.
• Making Your Health & Fitness Center a Welcoming
Facility (IFC Factsheet)
• ACSM/NCPAD Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer
program
• Before & After Fitness Center Makeover (NCPAD)
Cary Wing, EdD – cary@fitmarc.com
June 2011 Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc 4
5. Conclusion
An Inclusive and Accessible Fitness Facility Is an
Opportunity to Expand Your Facility and Your Business
Recap: Fifty million people in this country have some type of Create awareness and reach out to this untapped market.
disability and they need health and fitness services. This is a The Medical Fitness Circle of Health includes everyone.
unique opportunity for the industry. As professionals and
leaders you can provide an accessible and inclusive fitness
facility, expand program offerings, and impact the daily lives
of millions of people. FITBuddies is an example of a fitness
facility identifying an opportunity; being confident in straying
from the norm; and, taking the necessary steps to implement
a program. Their facility is inclusive and accessible. Can your
facility do the same? Visit FITBuddies to learn more:
http://buddiesinaction.wordpress.com/about/
Cary Wing, EdD – cary@fitmarc.com
June 2011 Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc 5
6. About Us
Looking to improve operating results at your fitness facility?
We can help.
About Us: Fitmarc serves hundred of fitness facilities I am here to be your resource and help you achieve greater
and thousands of fitness professionals through the success. As the Director of Business Development for
delivery of programs, solutions, consulting services Medical Fitness for Fitmarc, I have years of experience
working in the medical fitness industry, developing the
and education. Our team of experts can deliver real
medical fitness model, and uniting fitness and healthcare.
world answers to your facility’s biggest challenges.
Let’s connect so that I can be a resource and partner for
you and your organization.
To Learn More:
Visit our website at www.fitmarc.com Follow me on Twitter @caryhwing
Follow Fitmarc on Twitter or www.carywing.com
Like Fitmarc on Facebook
Call Fitmarc at 800-814-1207
Cary Wing, EdD – cary@fitmarc.com
June 2011 Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc 6