A survey by the American Council on Exercise has found that 81% of individuals with a disability did not feel welcome in the fitness space and that more than 90% do not believe that exercise professionals are adequately trained to work with this population.
The survey also found that:
- 73.3% of people with disabilities do not believe fitness facilities are accommodating.
- 90.9% of participants do not believe exercise professionals are adequately trained.
- 84.3% do not believe fitness programs are inclusive of people with disabilities.
The findings come just as the Paralympics are set to being in Paris.
The push for expanded opportunities and access for athletes with disabilities has fueled a partnership between ACE Fitness and Lakeshore Foundation who are developing and disseminating educational content and resources that focus on inclusive fitness.
The partnership has released two new blogs on the topics of accessibility and inclusion for those with disabilities:
One focuses on how the built environment is key to inclusive and equitable fitness—beginning when clients arrive at a parking lot and continuing into every space in the facility.
Another blog focuses on the new survey and how people with disabilities need better high-performance fitness facilities and exercise professionals.
