The rise of the accessible gym

Gyms like Special Strong are being set up to meet a long, unrecognized need

There’s no doubt that life for disabled people has become considerably better in recent decades. In the US, before the 1970s, there were virtually no public accessible toilets, and public buildings didn’t have to provide lifts or ramps. That started to change with legislation.

The London 2012 Olympics saw things improving, too.

Over 2.7 million tickets were sold for the London Paralympic events, which were given a much more even billing with the able-bodied games. The venues were packed, creating an energetic atmosphere for athletes and fans alike—a clear sign that disability was being recognized.

But things still aren’t that rosy if you’re disabled and want to get fit.

Three years ago, a nonprofit called Lakeshore Foundation found that 81% of people with disabilities do not feel comfortable in fitness spaces. There are many reasons for this, from the lack of accessible toilets to the sense that regular physical trainers don’t have the expertise or experience to train disabled clients. Perhaps one of the reasons that was voiced most often was simply that disabled people don’t always feel comfortable showing their bodies in the scrutiny of public spaces at that level of being undressed. One individual with medical challenges shared a story of being treated as less than human at a gym. He was asked to leave because he was seen as a liability to the gym’s reputation. Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident.

Of course, in the recent era of purpose-driven brands, it was only a matter of time before a big brand got hold of this issue and invested some money and self-promotion behind it. 

Sponsored by a major deodorant brand, the Degree TrainersForHire. com website was set up, listing trainers and coaches with disabilities who were ready and willing to coach this group. They hired Blake Leeper, a paralympic athlete who won a silver medal in the World Championships in 2011.

Special Strong. A gym chain built for disabled people.

But for a really inspiring story of a gym set up to deal specifically with disabilities, Special Strong stands out. 

Set up by Daniel Stein in 2016, who was diagnosed with a learning disorder at the age of four and was having a lot of trouble at school.

Daniel’s parents bought him a workout set and noticed that immediately, his grades improved, and he started making friends. 

Daniel started coaching, and towards his mid-twenties, a mentor suggested he start a gym for the very sort of people he had been coaching. These were people with assorted disabilities, from autism to spina bifida and Cerebral Palsy.

Special Strong is now a highly successful franchise model operating in 70+ areas in multiple cities in Texas, including Houston, Ohio, Dallas, and the central and northern regions of South Dakota. 

Disabled people are flexing their muscles in a new kind of gym.

In a fitness world that often prizes aesthetics and performance, Special Strong stands as a beacon of what the industry could be: inclusive, compassionate, and driven by a deeper purpose. Daniel didn’t just build a gym; he built a fitness community where everyone, regardless of their ability, has a place.

As you might expect, Special Strong has some extraordinary stories coming from its clients and Brandon Neal’s story is a perfect example.

Brandon had a gene mutation that meant he had an abnormal gait, which resulted in an inability to walk.

Daniel was able to help Brandon walk independently again after 8 years of disability, which required a lot of effort to control the anxiety that came from this.

It feels like nothing less than a miraculous achievement that would have seemed impossible in a traditional gym environment. 

What gyms need to get inclusive

So, what does it take to create a gym that welcomes people with disabilities? It starts with the right specialized equipment. Adaptive fitness requires gear accommodating different abilities, from wheelchairs to machines designed for limited mobility.

Next, gyms need tailored fitness trainers who understand the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and can guide them through their fitness journey with compassion and skill. It is not just about physical training but also about building relationships and fostering a supportive environment.

Using Gym Management software

Managing the right trainers with the right people and the right equipment can feel like an onerous task. But with the right gym management software, this can be turned into light work.

For example, software like Wellyx allows you to link a particular instructor with a particular workout room, resource, or piece of equipment. It also allows you to keep notes about a client’s progress and special needs.

It can help you create special waiver forms that account for potential needs and liabilities.

Finally, good gym marketing software can help you channel special marketing messages to target lists so you can create a gym that serves both disabled and able-bodied people at times that suit your business needs. 

Adaptive fitness centers: a training ground for Paralympians

Adaptive fitness isn’t just about catering to a niche market. It is about creating a judgment-free zone where everyone has the chance to thrive.  In a competitive world where gyms are becoming increasingly niche, working with this trend makes a lot of business as well as social sense.