How Accessibility Unlocks Better Workouts—And Better Business

The Broken Promise of QR Codes

Many gyms have added QR codes to equipment, promising instant access to demonstration videos and instructions. But how often are these actually maintained?

In reality:

· Faded or peeling codes go unnoticed for months

· Links often redirect to dead manufacturer pages

· Content rarely includes adaptive modifications

This isn’t a technology problem—it’s an ownership problem. Forward-thinking gyms can take control by:

· Creating their own video libraries with inclusive modifications

· Assigning weekly “link health checks” to floor staff

· Adding short audio descriptions for visually impaired users

· Printing backup instructions beneath the codes

When done right, these small digital touches become powerful equalizers. When neglected, they’re just another form of exclusion dressed up as innovation.

When One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Most gym equipment is designed for an “average” body that doesn’t actually exist. While we can’t make every machine perfectly adjustable for every height and ability, we can do something much simpler: help members understand which equipment will work for them.

Clear visual guides at each station indicating ideal user heights or mobility requirements would prevent frustrating trial-and-error sessions. A color-coded system could instantly show which machines have greater adjustability. These small changes would benefit very tall or short users who currently struggle with poorly positioned seats and bars, those recovering from injuries who need to identify suitable equipment quickly, and personal trainers programming workouts for diverse clients.

The Upstairs Problem

One of the most glaring accessibility failures in gym design is the common practice of placing studios—which often have more open space and would be ideal for wheelchair users—on upper floors with only stair access. This creates a double disadvantage: not only are these spaces inaccessible, but they’re also removing the most spacious areas from those who need them most.

The solution requires forethought: placing studios, yoga spaces and functional training areas on accessible ground floors benefits wheelchair users who gain access to appropriate spaces, older members avoiding stairs, anyone moving large equipment between areas, and staff managing cleaning and maintenance.

When the most versatile spaces are the most accessible, everyone wins.

Taking Ownership Beyond Manufacturers

Too many gyms treat accessibility as something outsourced to equipment companies. But true inclusion requires in-house commitment:

· Adaptation workshops where staff learn simple modifications for existing equipment

· Member feedback boards specifically for accessibility concerns

· Monthly “barrier hunts” where teams identify new pain points

· DIY solutions like adding pool noodles to grip bars for arthritis sufferers

The best gyms understand that manufacturers provide templates, but communities create solutions.

The Ripple Effects of Inclusive Design

The benefits of accessible design extend far beyond individual pieces of equipment. Thoughtful layouts with clear pathways don’t just help wheelchair users—they reduce congestion for all members during peak hours. Audio-assisted guidance systems designed for visually impaired users also help distracted lifters stay on track without constantly checking their phones.

Perhaps most importantly, accessible gyms foster better etiquette by default. When equipment is intuitive to use and clearly labelled, people are more likely to put things back correctly. When spaces are designed with clear circulation routes, members naturally avoid leaving bags in walkways. These small improvements compound into a gym culture where everyone can train more effectively.

The Business Case for Accessibility

Beyond being the right thing to do, accessibility makes sound business sense.

With 30 million adults in the Middle East identify as disabled and many more managing temporary injuries or age-related limitations, inclusive gyms tap into a massive underserved market. But the advantages go further:

Reduced liability from fewer accidents caused by poor design, lower equipment maintenance costs when machines are easier to use properly, stronger member retention as users appreciate the thoughtful environment, and positive PR from being an industry leader in inclusive fitness.

The alternative? Wasted space from inaccessible equipment, constant staff interventions to help members navigate poor design, and the quiet exodus of potential members who never return after a frustrating first visit.

The Future of Fitness Is Inclusive

The most innovative gyms aren’t just adding accessibility features—they’re rethinking their entire approach to design. From equipment layouts that work for all bodies to digital systems that help members quickly identify suitable machines, the possibilities are endless.

This isn’t about creating separate “special” areas. It’s about recognising that good design should serve everyone—and that by solving for accessibility, we often discover better solutions for all users.

The gym of the future won’t have “accessible” features. It will simply be well-designed. And when that happens, everyone wins—from the competitive athlete to the senior regaining mobility, and everybody in between.

After all, fitness at its best has always been about overcoming barriers. It’s time our gyms helped remove the unnecessary ones.