The fitness industry is currently booming with many new and innovative ideas. It’s truly fascinating to see how many different ways we can work to achieve a single fitness and health goal.
There are a lot of unique and exciting fitness programs out there. Some of the industry’s finest trainers design results-driven fitness programs that come equipped with regressions and explosive progressions, but I’ve noticed that these programs don’t often cater to special populations.
Reasons vary, but some people are either confined to chairs or can’t stand for long periods of time and I often wonder whether most trainers ever truly consider these populations when designing programs. Of course, the industry is becoming more inclusive, however, we don’t see many mainstream images of fitness for disabilities and varying body types, let alone commercialized fitness programming.
Everyone needs physical activity in order to achieve optimal health, however, there’s a large population of disabled folks who don’t get enough aerobic activity, even those who
are able to be physically active. This means we need more than just accessible entryways and bathrooms.
We must also consider senior citizens and those who can’t stand long because of their weight. Bringing fitness programs for all bodies to the forefront of fitness can make a world of difference for many people who feel forgotten or ignored.
There are some fitness professionals who do stand out for their efforts to emphasize the importance of inclusivity. Their efforts have helped people who have been “othered” for most of their lives find joy in working out.
There are fitness professionals who have gained popularity via their YouTube Channels for their chair workouts. Fitness professionals like Paul Eugene, have been working in the industry for years and have made it a point to provide chair and wheelchair workouts with aerobic and fat burning themes.
Some instructors specialize in specific types of chair exercises, like Alexis Perkins, who designs cardio dance chair workouts for senior citizens and people going through physical therapy.
As far as visiting gyms and attending classes, it depends on where you go. Not all fitness spaces are created equal. Some gyms are prepared to accommodate people with
disabilities and limited mobility and others have no action plan at all. Instructors and trainers who are well educated can immediately come up with modifications and solutions. Some gyms even have equipment that can adapt for seated users.
Whatever the situation may be, there are resources and organizations doing the work to educate and make fitness more accessible to those with limited mobility. For more information on these organizations visit the websites of the Center for Disease Control Prevention, the United Spinal Association, the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation, and of course the ever-present YouTube.
It’s extremely important to speak with a health professional before getting involved in any fitness program if you’re dealing with an injury, illness, weight issues, or a disability. Medical clearance and advice can make a huge difference as doctors can suggest appropriate exercises, activities, and routines that are suitable for any condition.
Jasmine Danielle is the Associate Editor of BlackDoctor.org. She received her BFA in Dance Education & Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has since done work as a certified fitness & wellness educator, blogger, dancer, and designer.
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