Ask an Expert – February 2023 – What Makes for an Accessible Fitness Center?

Donna Jodhan, a woman with short dark hair and glasses, sits at a table with a laptop in front of her.

Hello everyone!

Each month I will be responding to a question chosen from a pool of some of the most commonly asked ones that I have been asked over the years and continue to be asked.

This month, I’d like to answer the following question:

What makes for an accessible fitness center?

Before you say no or turn thumbs down on these suggestions, consider these thoughts.
You can definitely increase your revenue and reduce both your internal and external costs and here’s how.

Take it from me! I have been an accessibility awareness consultant and advisor since 1998 and I continue to help companies to increase their revenues, reduce their costs, and reach hidden consumer markets!

Now as a sight loss coach I am helping consumers with sight loss to become more aware of their environment and their requirements, and this is helping companies to have a better understanding of how they need to plan and execute their initiatives.

The important thing to keep in mind is that a gym and a fitness center are both very similar in nature. They offer the same types of services and equipment for customers and clients to take advantage of.

So as I have previously said, here are some basic hints and tips to keep in mind:

  • Provide training for your staff to be able to answer questions from seniors and clients/customers with special needs.
  • Provide them with adequate and appropriate training and information in order to render useful and above the call of duty assistance and support.
  • Make your websites accessible and inclusive so that your sign up and booking systems especially forms are easy to find, navigate, and complete.
  • Provide adequate spacing in your center.
  • Especially so for spacing among and between equipment.
  • Provide instructors who are ready and prepared to assist clients/customers as mentioned above.

This should be a good start.


To contact me please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca!
I’m Donna J. Jodhan (award-winning sight loss coach and accessibility advisor)

This entry was posted in Ask an Expert. Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.