Our Joining the Gym program has proven to be a successful initiative aimed at making fitness more accessible for people with intellectual disability (PwID). Launched in 2022, this program not only provides valuable resources for PwID but also focuses on raising awareness of the barriers they face when trying to join gyms.
The success of Joining the Gym led to an extension of the project and we created training workshops for gym professionals to support the participation of people with intellectual disability at gyms and fitness centres. FlexAble Gym workshops have been delivered in-person at fitness centres and leisure facilities from 2023 to 2024, and we want to remind everyone that these resources are available online.
Supporting Gym Staff
The FlexAble Gym component includes an online training package specifically designed for staff at fitness centres and private gyms. This training addresses knowledge gaps and enhances skills, empowering staff to better support PwID and people with complex communication needs. By equipping gym professionals with the necessary tools, we aim to foster an inclusive environment that allows all people to feel comfortable at the gym so they can thrive. Videos, a workbook and online training program are developed for gym professionals and can be accessed for free online.
Guiding People with Disability
The Joining the Gym initiative offers easy-to-understand resources for PwID, addressing common questions about going to the gym. This includes Easy Read documents and videos tailored to help people feel more informed and confident as they embark on their fitness journeys. Many gym clients appreciate not only the sense of achievement that comes from workouts—like getting stronger or losing weight—but also the social aspects of meeting others in the gym.
Positive Outcomes
Feedback from surveys and meetings indicates significant improvements in gym attendance and engagement among PwID. Participants report feeling more comfortable and supported in their fitness endeavours.
Success Stories from Joining the Gym
From people with intellectual disability, we’ve gathered some feedback:
One participant, shared her increased confidence in the gym, attending weekly and understanding how to use the equipment to meet her fitness goals.
Another participant expressed joy in her gym visits, highlighting the positive feelings that come from exercising and socializing with peers.
Other comments included: (first person comments)
- X felt more confident in attending the gym as she was able to have her safety and inclusion needs met by the instructors and support workers.
- X now understands the purpose of the gym equipment and better understands the risks of not using the equipment properly or as instructed.
- X now goes to the gym weekly (sometimes twice a week) and feels at home in the surroundings of the regular gym that she now knows well.
- X likes to workout with people who understand that she has a speech disability and needs/uses alternative ways to communicate with people at the gym.
- X has learned how to use the gym equipment and gym routines in a way to meet her goals for fitness, health and social connection.
Accessing Resources
All materials from the Joining the Gym project can be downloaded for free online. For fitness professionals looking to enhance their skills, the FlexAble Gym online course is also available at no cost. Additionally, face-to-face 4-hour training workshops can be arranged for gym/fitness professionals and gym staff who want to provide better support to people with intellectual disabilities in their gyms.
At DDWA, we are dedicated to making the world more inclusive for people with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual and communication disabilities. Our resources and training aim to empower gym professionals to create welcoming spaces for all clients.
For more information about accessing these resources or to book a FlexAble Gym workshop, please visit:
Download the FlexAble Gym handbook for gym professionals HERE
FlexAble Gym ALD (Assisted Language Display – communication board). DOWNLOAD HERE.
Alphabet – Letterboard ALD (Assisted Language Display – communication board). DOWNLOAD HERE.