Fitness for all: how do non-disabled people respond to inclusive fitness centres?
Abstract Background Representation of people with disabilities in fitness centres is lacking, despite initiatives to promote inclusion mainly in the UK and USA. Success creating these inclusive spaces is mixed and few were crafted taking into account attitudes and biases of non-disabled co-members....
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doaj-947b08e1f02740bea4717db0028d17f22021-08-01T11:43:00ZengBMCBMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation2052-18472021-07-0113111210.1186/s13102-021-00303-2Fitness for all: how do non-disabled people respond to inclusive fitness centres?Helene Nikolajsen0Emma Victoria Richardson1Louise Fleng Sandal2Birgit Juul-Kristensen3Jens Troelsen4Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern DenmarkSchool of Sport and Exercise Science, University of WorcesterResearch Unit for Physical Activity and Health in Work Life, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern DenmarkResearch Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern DenmarkResearch Unit for Active Living, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern DenmarkAbstract Background Representation of people with disabilities in fitness centres is lacking, despite initiatives to promote inclusion mainly in the UK and USA. Success creating these inclusive spaces is mixed and few were crafted taking into account attitudes and biases of non-disabled co-members. Inclusive fitness centres have not gained much attention in Denmark, and the campaign ‘Fitness for All - fitness for people with physical disabilities’ was initiated. The aim of this study was shaped by two key questions; 1) what is the ideal fitness space from the perception of non-disabled fitness users? and 2) how might their dis/ableist attitudes negate inclusion in three future pilot inclusive fitness centres across Denmark? Method Three focus groups involving 5–7 (total n = 18) adult non-disabled participants were conducted. Aged ranged between 19 and 75 years, both men and women were involved, with fitness centre experiences ranging from 0 to 20+ years. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using Malterud’s four-step method of systematic text condensation. Results Of most importance was a pleasant atmosphere which should make them feel welcome and comfortable. Good social relations within the space were also highly valued. Participants welcomed people with physical disabilities but predicted many challenges with an inclusive fitness centre and expressed unconscious ableist attitudes. Conclusion The current study adds essential knowledge regarding how non-disabled people perceive the ideal inclusive fitness centre. A welcoming and inviting atmosphere is essential whereas social skills, ableism, ignorance, and preconceptions are important barriers that may hinder inclusion of participants with disabilities in inclusive fitness centres.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-021-00303-2Qualitative researchFocus group interviewsFitnessFitness centreGymInclusive fitness centre |
collection |
DOAJ |
language |
English |
format |
Article |
sources |
DOAJ |
author |
Helene Nikolajsen Emma Victoria Richardson Louise Fleng Sandal Birgit Juul-Kristensen Jens Troelsen |
spellingShingle |
Helene Nikolajsen Emma Victoria Richardson Louise Fleng Sandal Birgit Juul-Kristensen Jens Troelsen Fitness for all: how do non-disabled people respond to inclusive fitness centres? BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation Qualitative research Focus group interviews Fitness Fitness centre Gym Inclusive fitness centre |
author_facet |
Helene Nikolajsen Emma Victoria Richardson Louise Fleng Sandal Birgit Juul-Kristensen Jens Troelsen |
author_sort |
Helene Nikolajsen |
title |
Fitness for all: how do non-disabled people respond to inclusive fitness centres? |
title_short |
Fitness for all: how do non-disabled people respond to inclusive fitness centres? |
title_full |
Fitness for all: how do non-disabled people respond to inclusive fitness centres? |
title_fullStr |
Fitness for all: how do non-disabled people respond to inclusive fitness centres? |
title_full_unstemmed |
Fitness for all: how do non-disabled people respond to inclusive fitness centres? |
title_sort |
fitness for all: how do non-disabled people respond to inclusive fitness centres? |
publisher |
BMC |
series |
BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation |
issn |
2052-1847 |
publishDate |
2021-07-01 |
description |
Abstract Background Representation of people with disabilities in fitness centres is lacking, despite initiatives to promote inclusion mainly in the UK and USA. Success creating these inclusive spaces is mixed and few were crafted taking into account attitudes and biases of non-disabled co-members. Inclusive fitness centres have not gained much attention in Denmark, and the campaign ‘Fitness for All - fitness for people with physical disabilities’ was initiated. The aim of this study was shaped by two key questions; 1) what is the ideal fitness space from the perception of non-disabled fitness users? and 2) how might their dis/ableist attitudes negate inclusion in three future pilot inclusive fitness centres across Denmark? Method Three focus groups involving 5–7 (total n = 18) adult non-disabled participants were conducted. Aged ranged between 19 and 75 years, both men and women were involved, with fitness centre experiences ranging from 0 to 20+ years. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using Malterud’s four-step method of systematic text condensation. Results Of most importance was a pleasant atmosphere which should make them feel welcome and comfortable. Good social relations within the space were also highly valued. Participants welcomed people with physical disabilities but predicted many challenges with an inclusive fitness centre and expressed unconscious ableist attitudes. Conclusion The current study adds essential knowledge regarding how non-disabled people perceive the ideal inclusive fitness centre. A welcoming and inviting atmosphere is essential whereas social skills, ableism, ignorance, and preconceptions are important barriers that may hinder inclusion of participants with disabilities in inclusive fitness centres. |
topic |
Qualitative research Focus group interviews Fitness Fitness centre Gym Inclusive fitness centre |
url |
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-021-00303-2 |
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