Fitness for all: how do non-disabled people respond to inclusive fitness centres?

Abstract

Background Representation of people with disabilities in fitness centres is lacking, despite initiatives to promote inclusion mainly in the UK and USA. Success creating these inclusive spaces is mixed and few were crafted taking into account attitudes and biases of non-disabled co-members. Inclusive fitness centres have not gained much attention in Denmark, and the campaign ‘Fitness for All - fitness for people with physical disabilities’ was initiated. The aim of this study was shaped by two key questions; 1) what is the ideal fitness space from the perception of non-disabled fitness users? and 2) how might their dis/ableist attitudes negate inclusion in three future pilot inclusive fitness centres across Denmark? Method Three focus groups involving 5–7 (total n = 18) adult non-disabled participants were conducted. Aged ranged between 19 and 75 years, both men and women were involved, with fitness centre experiences ranging from 0 to 20+ years. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using Malterud’s four-step method of systematic text condensation. Results Of most importance was a pleasant atmosphere which should make them feel welcome and comfortable. Good social relations within the space were also highly valued. Participants welcomed people with physical disabilities but predicted many challenges with an inclusive fitness centre and expressed unconscious ableist attitudes. Conclusion The current study adds essential knowledge regarding how non-disabled people perceive the ideal inclusive fitness centre. A welcoming and inviting atmosphere is essential whereas social skills, ableism, ignorance, and preconceptions are important barriers that may hinder inclusion of participants with disabilities in inclusive fitness centres.

The Places–People Exercise: Understanding Spatial Patterns and the Formation Mechanism for Urban Commercial Fitness Space in Changchun City, China

“…Due to differences in social status and family responsibilities, women are often more restricted in their fitness activities [31]. Occupation, education, physical defects, etc., are also among the main factors affecting fitness activities [32,33].…”

Social Justice Through Sport and Exercise Studies: A Manifesto

“…There is increasing recognition for the need to build fully adaptive fitness centers (Nikolajsen et al, 2021). The Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama is a community-based rehabilitation center whose mission is to enable persons with physical impairments and chronic health conditions to lead healthy, active, and independent lives (Smith & Williams, 2013).…”

“…As Kafer suggests, “I long to hear stories that not only admit limitation, frustration, and failure, but that recognize such failure as ground for theory itself ” (2013, p. 141, emphasis mine) . In our own work with/about/among human bodies, failure and brokenness might be reframed (or reclaimed ), not as “the absolute negation of … life-value” (Noonan, 2018, p. 161), but as crucial components of humanness at the heart of our efforts. As Richardson suggests below, incorporating a greater diversity of these perspectives is essential in addressing the inequities of ableism, while also providing powerful and practical benefits for the disabled community and all types of bodies.…”

“…This tendency can be seen in a number of different ideological myths that underlie and guide our approach to health, the body, and its problems. There are many of these myths: the myth of the body as it should be versus how it is experienced (Sheets-Johnstone, 2011; Siebers, 2008); the myth of the able-body (McRuer, 2006); the myth of physical perfection (Kafer, 2013); the myth of the importance of outcomes/endpoints over processes (Noonan, 2018); and the myth of control (Wendell, 1996).…”

Speed Response After Strength Training in Chinese Boxing Athletes

“…Scholars believe that functional exercise can enhance the spine's stability, improve neuromuscular control, and improve coordination of the upper and lower extremities. 1 Through quantitative analysis, the author identified four types of exceptional physical fitness closely related to individual sports performance. This method can provide credible physical fitness indicators for coach training and material selection and effectively monitor athletes' exceptional physical fitness development.…”