Speaking Up About Gym Accessibility
Why I Talk About Gym Accessibility
Lately, I keep going viral on TikTok and Instagram for speaking up about gym accessibility. And with that visibility comes hate.
People tell me I’m a fraud because I’m a fat personal trainer. They say I don’t belong in fitness. They think my body disqualifies me from advocating for health and inclusivity.
But the reality is different:
Gyms can be intimidating, overwhelming, and even unbearable for many people.
Sensory overload. Unwelcoming atmospheres. Lack of staff training. Poor layouts.
These barriers exclude far too many from fitness spaces. And that’s not okay.
Everyone deserves access to fitness; no matter their body type, ability, or neurotype.
So I’m here, advocating for you, for me, and for anyone who’s ever felt too nervous to take that first step.
Watch my videos on YouTube to find out more about my story and why this matters to me.
1. Accessibility and Sensory-Friendly Options
For many neurodivergent people, sensory issues make the gym experience exhausting. But simple changes can make a huge difference:
Quiet hours: Reduced lighting, lowered music, and calmer environments. If your gym doesn’t offer these, ask when the quietest times are.
Designated quieter zones: Encourage the use of noise-canceling headphones, and place clanging weights away from these areas. Find the quietest spot in your gym and claim it as your space.
Lighting and air circulation: Adjustable lighting and good ventilation benefit everyone. I believe every gym should make this standard; and explain how to use it.
Not So Typical Top Tip: Ask your gym if they provide sensory-friendly spaces. If not, plant the seed. Conversations create change.
2. Staff Inclusion & Accessibility Training
A gym’s culture comes down to its people. Staff should be trained not just in health and safety, but in empathy and inclusion. At the very least, gyms should provide:
Neurodiversity awareness: Understanding sensory sensitivities, the importance of routines, and clear communication.
Empathy training: Approaching members without judgment or assumptions.
Accessible communication: Clear, simple instructions for equipment and exercises.
When you visit a gym, pay attention to the staff. Do they answer your questions with patience? Do they seem open to learning? That tells you a lot about how inclusive the space really is.
And remember, you don’t have to stay somewhere that doesn’t feel right.
3. Accessible Equipment and Spaces
Many gyms feel cluttered and overwhelming, with machines crammed together, music blaring, and weights clanging on the floor. For someone who is neurodivergent, or even just new to fitness, this can create huge barriers. But thoughtful design can transform the gym experience and make it more accessible for everyone.
Clear Layouts
Wide pathways, well-organised equipment, and easy-to-read signage make a massive difference. Imagine walking into a gym where every section is clearly labelled; cardio, free weights, stretching area etc. And where maps are displayed on the walls, available on an app, or even accessible via QR codes on the equipment.
This simple step removes confusion and reduces the anxiety of “not knowing where to go.
Noise Limiting Areas
The constant crashing of weights and buzzing of machines can be overwhelming. Gyms can create calmer spaces with rubberised dumbbells, protective mats, and noise-dampening shelving.
These small changes reduce sensory overload while also making the environment safer. Think of it as the difference between walking into a peaceful library versus a noisy nightclub; you’d be far more likely to stay and focus in the calmer setting.
Private or Semi-Private Spaces
Not everyone feels comfortable working out in the middle of a busy gym floor. Having quiet rooms, smaller workout pods, or designated low-stimulation areas can give people the option to exercise without feeling watched or judged.
Another great addition would be “no filming hours” in the main gym, with a separate posing room available for those who want to record content. That way, everyone gets what they need without clashing.
Learn the Language Surrounding Accessibility
If you come across a gym that has these features, pay close attention to what works well for you. Is it the clear layout? The reduced noise? The availability of a quieter space? Take note of it all. Then, when you explore other gyms, you’ll know exactly what to look for and what to ask management about.
These observations not only help you find a gym where you feel safe and comfortable, but they also give you the language and confidence to advocate for accessibility wherever you go.
4. Finding An Inclusive Gym Environment
Not all gyms are created equal. Some are far more welcoming than others. Here’s how to find your fit:
Look local: Community gyms and independents often focus more on people than profits.
Use trial memberships: Test the space before you commit.
Ask for recommendations: Community groups and friends often know the most inclusive spaces.
Make a checklist: Separate your must-haves (like quiet hours) from your nice-to-haves.
The right environment makes all the difference. Your gym should be a place where you feel safe and supported; not just tolerated.
5. How You Can Help Gyms Become More Inclusive
Change doesn’t just happen—it grows from conversations and demand. Here’s what you can do:
Leave feedback: Share positive reviews when gyms get it right, and constructive suggestions when they miss the mark.
Speak up: If you’re a regular member, talk to managers about accessibility.
Promote inclusive gyms: Share them online or with your community. The more we highlight these spaces, the more gyms will follow.
Small changes start with one voice. Yours matters.
Why I Keep Speaking Up (Even When People Hate It)
I’m not going to stop just because people online call me names or try to discredit me. If anything, it proves exactly why my voice is needed.
Because fitness shouldn’t only belong to those who “look the part.”
Because being fat doesn’t make me a fraud, it makes me human.
Because accessibility is not a trend, it’s a necessity.
Change Will Happen
Gym accessibility and inclusivity aren’t optional, they’re essential.
By prioritising sensory-friendly spaces, training staff properly, and creating accessible layouts, gyms can open their doors to everyone. And when we advocate, share, and support the gyms that get it right; we’re helping build a fitness world where no one feels excluded.
Remember: Fitness is for everyone. Accessibility shouldn’t be a bonus; it should be the standard.
Want to go deeper? You can read more about my vision here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is gym accessibility important?
Gym accessibility ensures everyone, regardless of body type, neurotype, or ability, can use fitness spaces comfortably. Many gyms are overwhelming due to cluttered layouts, loud noises, and poor staff training. Improving accessibility makes fitness welcoming for all.
What are sensory-friendly options in gyms?
Examples include quiet hours with reduced lighting and music, noise-dampened areas with rubberised weights and mats, and good ventilation. These adjustments reduce sensory overload and help members feel more at ease.
How can gym staff make facilities more inclusive?
Staff can improve inclusivity with training in neurodiversity awareness, empathy, and accessible communication. Clear explanations of equipment and patience when answering questions go a long way.
What equipment or spaces make gyms more accessible?
Gyms that offer wide pathways, clear signage, and quieter or semi-private spaces are more inclusive. Features like “no filming hours” or designated posing rooms also reduce pressure and improve comfort.
How can members encourage gyms to be more accessible?
Leave constructive feedback, share positive reviews when gyms get it right, and talk to managers about changes. Promoting inclusive gyms online helps encourage others to follow suit.
