Fitness plays a major role in my everyday life. In late August of 2024, I had foot surgery that could have put me out of commission for months. However, I was determined to stay fit throughout that journey and found ways to incorporate fitness into my everyday life even though I couldn’t work out or maintain the same level of activity I had prior to my surgery. While I am now almost 100% recovered, there are many out there with permanent disabilities who also strive to stay fit. This article will delve into what the ADA requires of fitness centers and gyms, along with some steps that can be taken to make them more inclusive.
The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. Fitness centers and gyms are considered places of public accommodation, so they must ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, providing them with equal access to exercise equipment and facilities.
Under the ADA, these facilities must:
- Ensure accessible entryways
- Provide accessible workout equipment or accommodations
- Train staff to assist people with disabilities
- Offer inclusive programming where feasible
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design specifically address fitness and recreation environments, with sections addressing equipment layout, locker room access, and signage.
Even with these standards and regulations in place, people with disabilities still face barriers when it comes to accessible workouts. Some of the most common barriers include:
- Non-adaptive equipment: gym equipment is often not designed for individuals with mobility, vision or hearing impairments.
- Crowded or poorly designed spaces: there is often not enough space between equipment, walkways are narrow, and there are often no handrails, which can all create physical barriers.
- Lack of staff training: if gyms are staffed, the trainers and staff on duty aren’t always knowledgeable on how to modify strength, cardio or flexibility routines or how to adapt the use of equipment for those with disabilities.
There are some steps that can be taken to make fitness more inclusive, though. The owners of fitness centers and gyms can audit their spaces on a regular basis to ensure the layout is navigable and there’s enough space between machines. They can also consider adaptive equipment, and a variety of classes for different abilities. Additionally, they can ensure staff are routinely trained not only on how to modify routines, but also on safety and disability etiquette.
Trainers and coaches can also take steps by asking their clients what accommodations they might need and learn how to adapt workouts accordingly through varying intensities, range of motion, and the type of equipment they utilize.
Likewise, people with disabilities can advocate for themselves. Learning not only their rights, but also what they hope to gain from utilizing a fitness facility will help them when looking for a fitness facility to join and asking for help in adapting routines if needed.
This blog is provided by Amber L. Mulder, a RMADAC Advisory Committee member. Amber is a Senior Assistant City Attorney in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, handling Human Relations and serving as the City’s ADA Coordinator.