Inclusion in gyms
(c) Shutterstock
Bar ohne Namen
Entschlossen verweigert sich Savage, der Bar einen Namen zu geben. Stattdessen sind drei klassische Design-Symbole das Logo der Trinkstätte in Dalston: ein gelbes Quadrat, ein rotes Viereck, ein blauer Kreis. Am meisten wurmt den sympathischen Franzosen dabei, dass es kein Gelbes-Dreieck-Emoji gibt. Das erschwert auf komische Weise die Kommunikation. Der Instagram Account lautet: a_bar_with_shapes-for_a_name und anderenorts tauchen die Begriffe ‘Savage Bar’ oder eben ‚Bauhaus Bar‘ auf.
Für den BCB bringt Savage nun sein Barkonzept mit und mixt für uns mit Unterstützung von Russian Standard Vodka an der perfekten Bar dazu.
More than half of people with disabilities do not participate in sports, says the German Sports Association for the Disabled. No surprise, since only seven per cent of sports clubs in Germany offer activities for people with disabilities. This is the result of the current sports development report by the Federal Institute for Sports Science. There is a need for action right here. Fitness studios can also do a lot for more inclusion. Which small or large measures make sense depends on the individual case. We have therefore compiled six approaches with general possible measures as a suggestion.
What does inclusion mean?
Inclusion (lat. includere - to include) means creating the conditions for an open and diverse society to function together without excluding certain groups. All people should be able to participate. The goal of inclusion in sport can therefore not be to create only one specific studio type "inclusive gym" in addition, but rather to also design the existing studios in such a way that people with and without disabilities can train together. Every committed studio can do something to break down barriers and facilitate access to the individual offers.
Six ways to make your gym more inclusive
Of course, there are great (and expensive) ways to reduce barriers. But if the financial means are lacking, even small measures can often make a difference for the individual. We therefore give examples of both comprehensive and smaller measures - in point 6 you will also find links to possible funding opportunities (in Germany).
1. Remove barriers on the building
If possible, barrier-free parking spaces should be designated in front of the building, close to the entrance. To ensure that access is possible for all, the installation of ramps, handrails, handholds or lifts can help, depending on the structural situation. Doors should be wide enough for wheelchairs. Floor guidance systems in the studio reduce barriers between equipment. Barrier-free toilets are another important measure.
Even small changes - like the height of the mirror in the changing room or even the lock for the locker play a role. Fixed times when music and bright lights are reduced can help people who are sensitive to them
2. Offer inclusive courses
Special courses and programmes that are tailored to the needs of several target groups are nothing new for fitness studios. The linchpin here is that the course leader is also trained for specific disabilities and can respond to the customer competently accordingly. For example, yoga classes can be offered in which people with physical impairments can also participate.
3. Use inclusive sport equipment
Suppliers such as the Cybex brand from Life Fitness have fitness equipment that can be operated by people with and without certain impairments. This makes joint training possible. Nevertheless, because people are diverse, not everything can always be used by everyone. Here, the employees are asked to set up a suitable training plan.
Labelling on the devices can also help. Because barriers often start with communication. Braille or audio data, but also a large font with clearly recognisable contrasts, pictorial explanations and simple language convey information for everyone and include all target groups. Even a bell to call staff for assistance improves communication.
Tip: The two-senses principle helps to effectively reduce communication barriers. It states that in the case of possible access barriers, two of the three senses "sight, hearing and touch" must always be covered. For example, a sign with opening hours at the entrance can be displayed not only visually ("seeing") but also in Braille ("touching").
4. Sensitise the team
In general, gym staff must always be able to support people with different physical abilities. This is the only way they can advise different target groups, such as people of all ages, with different levels of training and different physical conditions. A specific additional qualification for people with disabilities for the entire team is therefore in principle not strictly necessary.
This is also the conclusion of a recent study by the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia on the inclusion of people with disabilities in the gym. However, it also points out that raising awareness is important to reduce inhibitions and uncertainties.
Training and education can help enormously in raising awareness and understanding to better meet the needs of all clients. Last but not least, the warm welcome at the entrance, the willingness to listen and be open, attentive and helpful already play a role.
5. Get feedback from clients and the team.
Surveys among customers help you find out what they want and what can be improved. Regular feedback - for example through a feedback box - can ensure that the studio meets the needs of its clients and that they feel comfortable and safe.
Together with the team, you can collect ideas on what you can do for more inclusion in the studio. After all, the staff know the conditions on site best. In addition, it helps to raise awareness if everyone thinks together about how to make the studio into a place that is accessible for everyone.
6. Make use of advice and financial support
Especially if there are still few customers with disabilities exercising in the studio, professional advice on how to reduce barriers is helpful in addition to feedback from current customers. It is ideal to establish contact with clubs and associations in the area, to exchange ideas with people with different disabilities and to get to know their needs.
More information and financial support for the implementation of measures can be found, for example, at the funding campaign #1BarriereWeniger of Aktion Mensch. Further - also regional in Germany- funding opportunities for more inclusion are listed on the website of the German Olympic Sports Confederation.
Quellen:
German Sports Federation for the Disabled – News (German): DBS | DBS | „Wir brauchen mehr als sieben Prozent!“ (dbs-npc.de)
German Sports Federation for the Disabled – Handbook (German): Teilhabe VEREINfacht | So gelingt der Sport für Alle (dbs-media.de)
NRW State Government - Study on the inclusion of people with disabilities in fitness studios: www.sportland.nrw/sportland-north-rhine-westphalia
Federal Institute for Sport Science - Sport Development Report (German): www.bisp.de/DE/Home/Shiny_Projects/
