Evaluating the Accessibility of Your Fitness Center

accessible-poolWhen visiting a new fitness center, it is pretty much standard for the center’s staff to provide you with a tour of the facility. Your tour guide will provide you with a great amount of information about the gym and its programs, hoping  you will choose the center as your new fitness home. To be sure that the center is totally welcoming of you, be sure that the topic of accessibility is included in your tour.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does apply to public fitness centers. These regulations cover, not only the design of the building, but rules governing fitness equipment, pools, locker rooms, and other areas of the facility.  Here are a few things that you should look out for when determining whether your fitness center is ADA compliant.

Parking Area

The ADA requires that the facility provide at least one accessible parking space for every 25 spaces. The spaces should be clearly marked as being for the use of disabled patrons. Question staff members about the ratio of disabled patrons versus non disabled to determine if you could reasonably expect to have an available space when you visit the center.

Building Entrance and Structure

Check for a ramp or other means of entry designed for use by the disabled. In addition, the door handle should be useable with one hand. This should be the case for door handles throughout the facility. Observe the path of travel throughout the facility. Areas that are used by pedestrians should also be accessible to those using wheelchairs or other assistive devices such as canes or walkers. At least 25 percent of guardrails and handrails should be no higher than 34 inches from the floor. These rails should be dispersed throughout the facility with adequate floor space (sufficient for turning) provided at each rail.

Fitness Equipment

According to ADA guidelines, at least one of every type of fitness equipment should be accessible. There should be clear floor space leading to and from the equipment. Tools on the equipment used to adjust seating or height should be structured for use by one hand. Be sure that your initial tour of the facility includes the opportunity for a trial use of equipment that you are likely to use, to avoid any unpleasant surprises in this area if you choose to join the facility.

Pools and Spas

Compliant pools and saunas will have an acceptable means of entry and exit. This area of your fitness center should have sloped entry, while spas should provide a pool lift, transfer wall, or other transfer system. Pools such be deep enough to be used by someone in a wheelchair

Other Areas

In the locker room, remember that at least 5% of lockers should be accessible, including the structure of locks used. Check the bathrooms in the center to ensure that there are sufficient stalls for the disabled, and that bathroom countertops and sinks are at an appropriate height. Once your are sure that the overall structure of the facility is welcoming for use by the disabled, have your tour guide discuss whether staff members are trained to assist and provide services to the disabled.

Visit ADA.gov for more details about fitness center compliance. Armed with this information, you will be more empowered to choose the facility that is best for you. If you have concerns about your fitness center’s accessibility contact us at Access Advocates.

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