Fitness is for Every Body
Fitness is inclusive and welcoming. It can give people a sense of purpose, belonging and community. At the YWCA Health & Fitness Club, we are proud to have a diverse community of members.
There are many activities and sports people can do to improve their physical and mental health. These include swimming, weights, yoga, dancing, pickleball and more. We strive to make these offerings accessible to all.
Scott R. has been a member since 2010 and frequently uses the gym floor area and pool. He is blind and has a service dog named Kaleb. We asked Scott a few questions about his fitness journey:
What does accessibility in fitness and sports mean to you?
It means having the opportunity to participate in fitness activities and areas comfortably and safely. It's being able to pursue my health and fitness goals with confidence.
What does true accessibility in fitness look like to you beyond the physical environment, such as in programming, staff attitudes and representation?
The YWCA already does a great job with friendly and thoughtful staff who are willing to support me throughout the gym if I ask, and often on their own volition. I would like to acknowledge the lifeguards for their proactive approach to safety. They approached me and recommended a designated lane and implemented clear signage to ensure a safe environment for all pool users. I greatly appreciate the staff and think it is the most important component of accessibility. I have never participated in fitness classes or other programs and expect many would be hard to handle, again as a natural consequence of being blind and trying to move/lift/jump.
Are there any barriers that make it difficult for you or others to fully access a fitness centre?
Speaking for myself as a blind person: I recognize full accommodation and accessibility for my needs without human support is very challenging to achieve, due to the nature of gym equipment, natural hazards associated with weights and machines, hard metal objects everywhere, and other members working out at the same time. When on my own, I have always migrated to the few equipment items that I know well and do not use most of the gym equipment.
How do you feel the Paralympic Games represents people with disabilities?
It is always impressive to hear stories of people overcoming their challenges and achieving great things as is especially true for Paralympic athletes. They are inspiring and I think they represent the community of people with disabilities very positively.
Everybody takes a different pathway before embarking on their fitness journey but are united through strength and resilience. Fitness can be scary and intimidating no matter past experiences or circumstances; however, it's the successes and rewards that make the training and sacrifices absolutely worth it.
Members with disabilities can request access cards that provide elevator access to the fitness floor instead of using the stairs in the locker rooms. Member Services is happy to provide these cards once approved. Doors on the fitness floor and in the locker rooms also have automatic sensors.
Contact Member Services in advance to let us know how we can help you accommodate your needs.
