Choosing a Health and Fitness Club
by Danielle Engle
Choosing a health and
fitness club can be a daunting task for anyone. When selecting
the right health or fitness club a number of issues need to be
considered: cost, convenience, available services, and the hours
it is open. Beyond these basic issues is the deeper need for a
sense of belonging. Although fitness is a proven component of a
healthy lifestyle, some people feel too intimidated to visit or
join a club. The models shown in advertisements are enough to cast
doubt on anyone’s
comfort level.
The sense of belonging is paramount for individuals with special
needs. Although there has been progress over the years, the inclusion
of people with special needs has not been achieved in many sectors
of society, including health and fitness clubs.
One day during a workout, this reporter was suddenly struck by the
diversity of people surrounding her. Had she seen so many different
types of people working out together before? As a former member of
several clubs, this seemed a unique situation, hence, the idea for
this article was thus born.
Northwest YMCA (NW YMCA)
To
an observer, it could be confusing to watch a man who is obviously
blind step onto a treadmill, select a program and then begin his
workout. However, for one NW YMCA member, it is part of his weekly
routine. When he joined NW YMCA, the man expressed a desire to
use the cardio and strength training equipment independently. In
keeping with the NW YMCA philosophy—to meet the social, recreational
and fitness needs of the surrounding community—the fitness
coordinator contacted the National Society for the Blind (NSB).
NSB produced Braille
tape to place on the equipment and identify programming buttons
and functions. When this didn’t work, the
fitness coordinator tried placing pieces of plain tape beside the
various programming buttons. The fitness staff then taught the man
how to use the tape coupled with sound feedback (beeps) to select
the various exercise programs. Whereas the Braille tape proved confusing,
this method worked. Now this member can use the cardio and strength
training equipment with the same independence as other NW YMCA members.
NW YMCA welcomes diversity at all fitness levels and needs. They
make a practice of offering membership packages to group homes that
serve clients with emotional, behavioral, and cognitive challenges.
They also train the group home staff on the proper use of the exercise
equipment.
This prepares the group home staff to assist and manage their clients
through exercise routines. Depending on group home schedules, these
members can be observed working out at different times and days of
the week.
This policy of diversity
and inclusion is communicated in the membership policies as well
as the selection and hiring of staff. As the Fitness Coordinator,
Piper said, “I make it clear to staff and potential
staff that they will be working with different populations and needs.
If they are not comfortable working with people with disabilities
or special needs of any kind, they do not belong at NW YMCA.”
Several years ago, the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society requested
an aquatics program for people with MS. Since the swimming pool is
not designed with walk down pool entry, NW YMCA installed a chair
lift for the pool. According to John Nies, the Aquatics Coordinator,
MS aquatics classes are taught twice a week by NW YMCA fitness instructors.
These instructors have a YMCA certification for water fitness instruction
and additional certification for working with people with disabilities.
Some of the class participants exercise independently in the water,
whereas others need the assistance of their personal care attendants
(PCAs). In discussing the temperature needs of different groups,
Piper indicated that lap swimmers and people with MS cannot tolerate
the higher temperatures that are preferred by people with arthritis.
Therefore, they maintain a midpoint temperature that is acceptable
for everyone.
Some NW YMCA members
maneuver through the strength-training area in wheelchairs. They
may transfer onto the equipment independently or with the aid of
a companion. According to Piper, the personal trainers also work
individually with members who have Parkinson’s
disease, MS, stroke, Fibromyalgia, and a host of other physical challenges.
NW YMCA also offers Active Older Adult (AOA) programs and a Silver
Sneakers program. These classes are taught by instructors who are
AOA certified. It is not uncommon to see older individuals or couples
using the equipment or the upstairs track independently. People of
all ages and fitness levels work out at NW YMCA.
NW YMCA also has volunteer
opportunities for individuals and families, including those with
disabilities. Some volunteers help fold towels in the morning.
Other volunteers assist in the maintenance and upkeep of the club.
Many of these volunteers come from various outside groups and organizations.
It is an opportunity to socialize and contribute to the needs of
the community. Volunteers help make it possible for NW YMCA to
keep membership affordable. According to Voss, “No
one is turned away because of financial limitations.”
In looking ahead, Voss discussed the changing demographics as people
move in and out of the area. In keeping with these changes, the NW
YMCA will be launching a capital campaign for family expansion and
enhancements, including a new aquatics area.
NW YMCA also offers child care services. Members can leave their
children in child care for up to two hours while working out. Summer
camps and special activities for children and teenagers are additional
services. For an additional cost, members can also take swimming
lessons and personal training sessions. In terms of community fitness
establishments, NW YMCA is an example of what is possible when diversity
is the norm rather than the exception.
A special thank you goes to Greg Voss, the Northwest YMCA Executive
Director, and Dan Piper, the Fitness Coordinator, for extending their
time and assistance in bringing this article to fruition. With this
example of what is possible, it is hoped that more individuals will
dare to go forth and find a club where they and their families can
enjoy the same benefits as others.
