Inclusive fitness is a concept whereby individuals with any number of disabilities or challenges are accommodated and included in exercise and athletic opportunities. Opportunities around the world are in place to accomplish that very goal, ranging from the International Paralympic Committee, which stages Olympics-style games for disabled athletes, to personal trainers certified in inclusive fitness in your community. Innovations in equipment and training methods continue to improve the opportunities for everyone seeking to become more fit.
Considerations
Someone with a disability that makes exercise more difficult can face even more health challenges if that disability leads to a sedentary lifestyle. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, cognitive dysfunction, osteoporosis and even some cancers. Facilities that feature exercise apparatuses geared toward people with disabilities and trainers certified in inclusive fitness can help those with challenges stay healthy and enjoy an improved quality of life.
Features
The Inclusive Fitness Initiative, IFI, was formed to help the fitness industry broaden its reach and better involve interested individuals who face exercise challenges. The IFI identifies four main features of inclusive fitness: accessible facilities, inclusive fitness equipment, staff training and inclusive marketing strategies. The IFI even has an accrediting program that recognizes health clubs and other facilities that meet certain goals in these areas. Though the IFI is based in England, similar goals are in place in other countries that have identified the need to extend fitness opportunities to more people.
Goals
The Inclusive Fitness Coalition, or IFC, notes that there's more to helping disabled people meet their fitness goals than simply encouraging health clubs to make their facilities more accessible. The IFC seeks to improve receptiveness and responsiveness in all aspects of fitness, exercise, sports and physical education. The organization wants to improve the education and training of those seeking to be trainers and well as as those in the health care field, such as physicians and nurses. The IFC also supports research and development of equipment and techniques and programs that boost the organization's over-arching goal of greater inclusiveness in the fitness industry.
Training
The American College of Sports Medicine certifies inclusive fitness trainers, or IFTs, who have special training in adapted methods of exercise and an understanding of the limitations of disabled people. Certified IFTs must also have a working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act and be able to recognize what makes for accessible facilities and equipment. A demonstrated ability to design exercise programs for disabled people and instruct them appropriately is also necessary for certification.
Opportunities
Opportunities to help expand inclusive fitness opportunities in your community exist as local parks and recreation planners, youth and adult athletic leagues and schools design new facilities and programs or modify existing ones. There is a wealth of information available to help communities all over the world make inclusive fitness part of their overall fitness and play goals. If you feel the need to get involved, perhaps because someone you know would benefit, talk with local site managers and administrators about what might be done to make programs more accessible. The IFC even has grant opportunities available.
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