There’s no doubt that exercise plays an incredibly important role in our health and wellbeing. It’s hard to ignore the fact, however, that many physical barriers (as well as social and economic) to fitness exist – especially for people living with disabilities.

In 2016, a scientific review found that “while there is potential for the gym to be used as a place to promote health, more must be done to foster an inclusive atmosphere in this space.”

Indeed, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) has called for a better culture of inclusion in the fitness industry, saying in a statement: “As an industry, we want people to encourage each other to be more active. Not just people who are already healthy, but all people – the young, old, healthy, chronically ill, and those with and without disabilities.”

So, how do we go about making these spaces more accessible to all? As with so many fights for equality, inclusion often begins at a grassroots level, with individuals making a huge difference for marginalised communities.

Deaf fitness: meet the PT making fitness more inclusive for the deaf community