Breaking Down Barriers: Tackling the Inequalities in Access to Fitness and Wellness

Our sector has a tremendous opportunity: there are 7.5 billion people on earth and every single one would benefit from physical activity. Some already do –?but as we know, a huge majority don’t. Yet.

The great news is that our industry possesses the skills, expertise and, increasingly, the technology to cater to individuals from all walks of life –?of various ages, backgrounds, sizes and abilities, including those with disabilities and long-term conditions. But here’s the big “however”.?

Despite this potential, our sector faces significant challenges in reaching everyone due to persistent inequalities in access to fitness services and gyms.

The hurdles we face include…

? Economic Barriers For many, the cost of gym memberships, personal trainers, and fitness classes is prohibitive. This barrier is particularly severe in low-income communities, where the disposable income necessary for such services is often nonexistent.?

? Geographic Disparities Geographic location can play a crucial role in determining access to fitness facilities. Urban areas tend to have a higher concentration of gyms and wellness centers, while rural areas are often underserved. This disparity leaves many people with limited or no access to the fitness services they need.?

? Cultural and Social Barriers Cultural and social norms can act as barriers to accessing fitness services. In some communities, cultural perceptions about gender roles, body image, or the acceptability of women exercising in public can limit participation. Additionally, the fitness industry has historically catered to certain demographics, which can make it intimidating or unwelcoming for people who don't fit the stereotypical gym-goer profile.

? Gender Inequality Gender inequality remains a significant barrier in the fitness industry. Women, particularly in some cultural contexts, may face barriers to participating in mixed-gender fitness environments or may feel uncomfortable in spaces that are not designed to be inclusive. Additionally, the lack of female-focused fitness programs can deter women from engaging in regular physical activity.

? Disability Access Individuals with disabilities often face significant challenges when it comes to accessing fitness services. Many gyms lack the necessary adaptive equipment or accessible facilities needed to accommodate people with disabilities. Additionally, a lack of staff training in working with individuals with disabilities can further exacerbate this barrier, making fitness spaces feel unwelcoming or unsafe for this population.

As an industry, we have not only an opportunity but a responsibility to tackle these barriers head-on. By doing so, we can not only expand our customer base and positively affect our bottom lines, but more importantly, contribute to a more healthy, inclusive and equitable society. So, how should we approach bringing down the hurdles??

? Providing Affordable Membership Options By offering tiered membership plans or sliding scale fees based on income, we can make fitness services accessible to a broader audience. By offering budget-friendly options, gyms can attract members who might otherwise be unable to afford traditional memberships.

? Creating Safe and Inclusive Environments We can foster inclusive environments by offering programs and facilities that cater to diverse populations, including women-only classes, senior fitness programs and culturally sensitive offerings. This approach not only makes our facilities more welcoming but also demonstrates a commitment to serving the entire community.

? Engaging with Communities of All Backgrounds Community outreach and partnerships with local organizations can help us build trust and rapport with underserved populations. By working closely with community leaders and offering tailored programs, we can better meet the needs of diverse groups and encourage greater participation.

? Investing in Adaptive Equipment To ensure that fitness services are accessible to individuals with disabilities, we can invest in adaptive equipment and facilities. Additionally, staff should be trained to work with individuals of all abilities, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment.

? Providing Digital and Remote Fitness Solutions The rise of digital fitness platforms offers a powerful tool for overcoming geographic and economic barriers. By offering online classes, virtual training, and remote fitness programs –?an omnichannel service –?we can reach individuals who may not have access to physical facilities.

At Snap Fitness, we’ve taken significant steps to ensure that our gyms are accessible and welcoming to a diverse range of members. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognised a seismic shift in member needs and set out to create the most inclusive, supportive and empathetic member experience for every ability, based on a philosophy that’s all “about the feeling”.

We have made a commitment to affordability, inclusive programming, and community engagement. As a result, we now have a variety of membership options to cater to different budgets and have a community-oriented approach, often partnering with local organizations to promote health and wellness in underserved areas. Snap Fitness facilities are also designed to be inclusive, with accessible equipment and programs tailored to different abilities and fitness levels.

Our repositioning has been hugely successful with both members and franchisees. If you want to find out more about how Snap Fitness is changing the fitness franchising landscape, get in touch!?