The Push for Wheelchair Accessible Gyms in the UK

The push for wheelchair accessible gyms in the UK is on the rise!

 

Thanks to bodies such as the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) who have set up the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) to help support gyms and leisure centers in becoming more accessible for disabled people.

As of 2017-2018, there were around 10.9 million people living in the UK with a disability. That’s accounting for 1 in 5 of the total British population.

4 out of 5 of the 10.9 million want to become more active (Activity Alliance, Annual Disability & Activity Survey 2019-20) but don’t have the opportunity due to a lack of accessibility.

Robert Ghahremani (29) a personal trainer at PureGym, Beeston in Nottingham. Rob is one of many pushing more gyms/leisure centers in the UK to be more accessible to those in a wheelchair or with other disabilities.

We have followed the inspirational story of Robert and his journey to where he is today. Rob has been paralyzed since he was 10 months old after a tragic car accident.

I’m a ‘T2 quadriplegic’, which means I am paralyzed from the armpits-down. It’s all I’ve ever known

-Rob Ghahremani

Getting to know Rob:

Rob was bullied from a young age because of his wheelchair and disability. He never let that stand in his way. In order to feel better and gain strength, Rob started training at gyms at the age of 16. Doing this also gave him a higher level of independence.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of those that worked in the gym, Rob found it difficult to learn and train.

Having gone on to study and graduate with a Law degree, Rob felt less enthusiastic about wanted to practice it as he wasn’t really helping people.

I’ve chosen to use my own experiences to help inspire and motive others to better themselves

 

Rob is doing exactly that with his own fitness training brand, Mind over Matter. Here he is helping people reach their desired fitness goals regardless of ability or disability.

If you are looking to become more active, lose weight, or just tone up you can find wheelchair accessible gyms like Robs and leisure centers across the country here.

 

Fancy making things a little easier at home? Why not try out our Uccello Kettle Today?