Accessible fitness: celebrating inclusive exercise initiatives during Disability Pride Month UK

What is Disability Pride Month in the UK?

Disability Pride Month in the UK is a time of celebration, embracing individuality, and valuing disabilities as differences rather than hindrances.

History of Disability Pride Month

Originating from the USA in 1990 initially as a day, which fell in the same year as the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act that sought to protect Americans living with disabilities from discrimination, it was first celebrated as a month in July 2015. Here in the UK, Disability Pride Month was first celebrated in 2017.

It has become an international movement that raises awareness about the challenges faced by individuals living with disabilities in society. Inclusive fitness initiatives play a crucial role in promoting equality, breaking down barriers, and enhancing physical and mental wellbeing for people living with disabilities.

This article explores the power of inclusivity in fitness, spotlights various inclusive exercise initiatives, and advocates for sustainable change.

The power of inclusivity in fitness

Inclusive fitness goes beyond catering to specific needs; it fosters a welcoming environment that benefits the entire community. By breaking down stigmas and barriers, inclusive sports and exercise initiatives increase understanding and connectedness among people with and without disabilities.

Accessible fitness provides numerous physical and mental health benefits for people living with disabilities. It helps boost stamina, muscle strength, and joint mobility, while reducing anxiety and depression. The positive impact on mental wellbeing is just as significant as the physical advantages.

Types of inclusive exercise initiatives

1. Adaptive fitness classes
   
   Adaptive fitness classes are designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities and individual needs, creating a supportive atmosphere for participants. One notable example is Redsun CrossFit in Bethnal Green, London, which partnered with the NHS to pioneer the Redsun Adaptive Program™ for clients with lifelong learning disabilities. This initiative aims to improve fitness levels and promote healthier lives.
   
   
2. Inclusive sports activities
   
   Inclusive sports activities encourage teamwork, nurturing a sense of camaraderie among participants, regardless of their abilities. Disability Pride Month events and similar organised activities, like the free to attend Wandsworth Disability Sports Festival in London on the 22nd August and the Ability for All Holiday programme in Crewe, provide opportunities for people of all ages to try sports and adaptive activities – the latter could be great fun if you’re interested in giving adaptive bikes a go!
   
   
3. Virtual workouts for all abilities
   
   The popularity of virtual workouts has made it easier for people living with disabilities to access tailored exercise routines from the comfort of their homes. Organisations like Age UK and the NHS offer online activity videos designed for older people, those who need seated workouts, and children living with disabilities.

Types of programmes for specific disabilities

1. Wheelchair users
   
   Accessibility and social exclusion / discrimination, among other things, are social factors that are a detriment to health, that is a non-medical factor that impacts health outcomes. A 2021 review of fitness studies found that adults living with physical disabilities tend to avoid fitness centres mainly because of a lack of accessibility and adjustable equipment, and negative interactions with staff and other gym goers. For example, unrealistic expectations from instructors and staff being judgemental or intimidating.
   
   Fitness centres equipped with adjustable equipment and accessible facilities create an inclusive environment for wheelchair users. The Activity Alliance offers an online search tool to find inclusive gyms in England that meet the Inclusive Fitness Initiative criteria, promoting physical activity for all.
   
   
2. Visual impairments
   
   Platforms like the British Blind Sport’s website offer audio-guided yoga and stretch classes for individuals living with visual challenges. The organisation also runs multi-sport taster events across the country (think adaptive water skiing and blind baseball!) encouraging those living with blindness or partially sightedness to stay active.
   
   
3. Hearing impairments
   
   Creating a welcoming environment involves adopting clear communication and understanding among staff and participants. Inclusive exercise programs, like the Deaf Active initiative in Liverpool, offer a variety of fitness activities – including one-to-one and small group fitness studio sessions, Zumba, body combat and online classes for deaf children, with outreach classes for the elderly too – tailored to the deaf community. They hold free Sign Language football coaching sessions for children aged eight and above.
   
   
4. Neurodiversity and cognitive disabilities
   
   Organisations like the Riding for the Disabled Association provide enjoyable activities, such as riding and carriage driving for neurodiverse people with autism, learning disabilities, and physical impairments. Meanwhile, initiatives like Active Leeds’ low sensory gym sessions cater to neurodivergent individuals by removing triggers like loud music and bright lights.

Advocating for sustainable change

Disability Pride Month acts as a catalyst for long-term accessibility improvements beyond July. By using hashtags like #DisabilityPride and #DisabilityPrideMonth on social media, you can, if you wish, amplify inclusive fitness messages, raising awareness and promoting change.

Embracing accessible fitness initiatives during Disability Pride Month in the UK not only celebrates individuality but also builds a community that values and empowers people living with disabilities. As efforts continue to promote inclusivity, the future of accessible exercise initiatives in the UK looks promising. By working together to understand barriers and implement long-term solutions, everyone can contribute to creating a more inclusive and empowering environment for people of all abilities.

We’re constantly learning here at Evergreen Life. We acknowledge that our content could be more inclusive. That’s why we’re adapting and evolving existing checks, whilst also researching and bringing new information to the app.

We want the content you see to be inspired by you – so if you’d like to share anything about how we can improve the inclusivity of the app content, we would love to hear from you at [email protected].

Everyone, including those who live with a disability, benefits from being in control of their own health and wellbeing. The free Evergreen Life app, available via the button below, can help you do just that. It helps you identify the changes relevant to you to further support your wellness. 

Reviewed by:

Anna Keeble MA BA Wellbeing Expert

Dr Claire Marie Thomas MRCGP DFSRH DTMH DipNLP MBChB BMedSci Medical Expert

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