Using a Fitness Center Does Not Have to be an Exercise in Frustration: Tips for People with Mobility and Visual Disabilities

3.5 Other Tips for Increasing Access

Other issues can make using a fitness center difficult, such as bringing a service animal with you, using lockers, attending group classes, and using swimming pools. The following tips should make these experiences a little easier.

• If you use a service animal you should talk with staff to avoid any surprises or misconceptions.

  • Think about where you will safely place your animal when you are using the equipment or swimming.

  • Decide what you will do if your animal has difficulty with loud noises or music.

• Find out ahead of time how the lockers are used and assigned. 

  • If lockers are assigned at each visit, work with the staff to make sure you have a locker in a location that is easy to find. A corner locker may be the easiest to find.

  • If lockers are given on a first come-first served basis, ask to be assigned a permanent locker to be sure one will be available you can use when you visit.

• If you want to take part in a group class, get familiar with the room and any equipment before the class starts.

  • Talk to the instructors before the class to let them know you will be there, so you will both know what to expect.

  • Tell instructors the best way to communicate with you and ask them to describe what they are doing.

• If you want to use the swimming pool, first get familiar with the pool area by walking the length and width of the pool.

  • Learn where the lifeguard stand is and where other obstacles on the pool deck are, such as pool toys (water noodles, kick boards, etc.)

  • You may want to swim in the lane closest to a wall.