Everyone understands the importance of physical activity for your overall health and wellbeing. Going to the gym is not just for fitness fanatics or young people trying to tone the perfect body; keeping your body going is essential for everyone, regardless of ability, but there are some significant challenges faced by those with accessibility issues and public fitness facilities are rarely tailored to their needs.
Creating an accessible gym in your home offers the perfect solution to overcoming the barriers presented by a public gym – and it’s a lot easier to do than you may think.
The Benefits of an Accessible Home Gym
For people with mobility issues, there are numerous benefits evident in a custom-designed accessible home gym, including:
Convenience
There’s no need to travel to a home gym, which means that your energy can be expended in the right places and not used up simply getting to the facility. You don’t have to rely on public transport or worry about the availability of lifts or other accessibility issues.
With an accessible home gym, you can exercise in a comfortable and familiar environment that’s been created with your specific needs in mind.
One of the key considerations when looking at an exercise routine is that it is at its best when it’s regular. When your gym is at home, it’s far easier to keep up with regular exercise.
Privacy
Feeling self-conscious at the gym can be extremely off-putting, and the idea that you’re being observed or judged while exercising is often the reason that many people avoid going altogether. When you work out in your own home gym, there’s no feeling of discomfort.
Better still, the equipment is all there for you personally, which means you can workout at your true pace, never feeling that you have to hurry up because someone is hovering behind you waiting for their turn (no matter how subtle they think they’re being!). And that equipment is the right equipment, set up correctly to your level, so there’s no messing about with adjusting the weight or positioning before you can get on to the exercise itself.
Safety
Often, public gyms are not designed with the needs of an accessible user in mind. This means the lighting can be poorly positioned and harsh, the flooring may be inappropriate, and the relevant equipment may be minimal (or missing completely).
A personalised home gym, developed for accessibility, puts your safety first, with the appropriate grab rails, a floor that takes your personal needs into account, properly developed lighting, and access to the perfect equipment for you.
Gym equipment designed for a range of mobility issues exists, including adaptive exercise equipment for wheelchair users that helps with upper body strength and overall fitness levels – there’s no need to struggle to work with standard equipment when you’re creating your own accessible home gym.
Improved Physical and Mental Health
Regular exercise is extremely beneficial, both physically and mentally. Physically, you will enjoy increased strength, a greater level of flexibility that leads to a wider range of movement, and improved cardiovascular health in your daily life.
Mentally, regular exercise has been shown to significantly reduce your stress levels, lower anxiety, and boost good mental health.
What to Consider When Designing an Accessible Home Gym
By now, no doubt we’ve convinced you that you’d like an accessible home gym, but what does it actually entail and what do you need to plan for?
Space and Layout
Finding the space can be tough. If you have an existing room that can be converted or a garage that’s not in regular use, then that’s perfect, but if not, an extension or garden room can be added for the express purpose.
You will need to consider ventilation and lighting, both in terms of natural light and air, and powered lights and air conditioning.
Flooring is another aspect of early planning that should be considered, as it ensures good traction and shock absorption.
Gym equipment can be heavy, so if the gym is to be located anywhere other than on the ground floor, ensure adequate structural support.
Equipment Selection
There is a wide range of specialist gym equipment for accessible home gyms, from wheelchair-accessible treadmills to seated exercise machines, so it’s possible to choose the precise equipment that works with your ability and fitness goals. It’s worth consulting with your occupational therapist (OT) to help with picking the equipment to go into the room, as they have the experience and knowledge of what’s available and understand your personal needs.
Safety Features
Safety should be paramount and developed with your needs in mind.
- Install grab bars and handrails where needed for support
- Ensure there is ample space for movement
- Use colour contrast and lighting options to improve accessibility
- Add non-slip mats where needed and consider trip hazards
- Consider smart speakers for both easy music controls and for use as a voice-activated intercom if needed
- Make sure there is a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in the room
Professional Consultation
It is possible to install a DIY accessible home gym, but we strongly advise getting a professional involved in each aspect of the project. An OT or fitness professional can advise on the equipment and health aspects, while specialist accessibility contractors, such as the John Ford Group, can help with construction and safety.
It’s worth having these professionals involved, even if just to consult, to ensure everything is properly considered and every aspect of safety covered.
The Hydrotherapy Pool Alternative for Accessible Fitness and Rehabilitation
For some, the idea of multi-gyms and weights just aren’t appealing, but they still would like to keep fit and healthy. If this is you, perhaps you’d like to consider a personal hydrotherapy pool as an alternative use of the space.
Hydrotherapy offers unique benefits for fitness, relaxation and rehabilitation, such as:
- Reduced impact on joints
- Improved circulation and muscle relaxation
- Increased range of motion and flexibility
- Enhanced cardiovascular fitness
- Pain relief and stress reduction
Hydrotherapy pools can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations, chronic pain, or balance issues.
At JFG, we specialise in hydrotherapy pools and are happy to advise you on creating a water-based fitness environment in your home – read this article for more information.
Accessible Home Gyms With The John Ford Group
Creating an accessible gym in your home will help both your physical and mental health, improve your independence and offer rehabilitation where needed. It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to maintain their body and mind without having to put up with the difficulties of public facilities.
At the John Ford Group, we have the experience you need to convert or extend your home with a tailored accessible home gym. Contact us today to learn more.
