Planet Fitness commits to adding accessible exercise equipment at its facilities
Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing global franchisors and operators of fitness centers, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Council on Independent Living, and American Council of the Blind (collectively "Coalition for Inclusive Fitness") announced a commitment to expand access to accessible exercise equipment. While some of the details are a bit unclear, the company has stated that it is committed to providing inclusive equipment in all new clubs and adding it to existing clubs across the country as franchise owners replace current offerings, as inclusive commercial grade equipment becomes available for purchase and is approved by Planet Fitness for inclusion in its clubs. Wherever you see “as‘, it’s unsettled. Nonetheless, a good start.
"For people with spinal cord injuries and disorders, being able to access exercise equipment that meets their needs can be essential to maintaining an exercise program that increases their strength and endurance for rehabilitation, health, and overall sense of well-being," said Heather Ansley, Associate Executive Director of Government Relations, Paralyzed Veterans of America. "We believe that this commitment will help make accessible equipment more available in people's communities and we are pleased that Planet Fitness has stepped forward to help meet this critical need."
Planet Fitness will enhance the amount and variety of accessible equipment provided at its clubs by adding new inclusive equipment that conforms with ASTM standards as it becomes commercially available for purchase after clearing through a due diligence process, in accordance with set phased-in time parameters. This equipment will include:
An inclusive dual cable strength machine that allows a person to perform multiple exercises from a seated position, including from a wheelchair.
A recumbent cardio machine where movement of the arms can move the legs, and vice-versa, and, in addition, the seat can be removed so it can be operated from a wheelchair.
Multiple cardio machines, which, depending upon availability, can include: treadmills, elliptical devices, upright bikes and/or recumbent bikes.
All new cardio machines will have inclusive features including raised tactile buttons and the ability to receive audible instructions and performance feedback through headphones. This will enable blind users to operate cardio machines independently.
Planet Fitness will also include the inclusive fitness symbol on all accessible equipment, share information about the roll-out of accessible equipment on its website (as it becomes available in its clubs), and continue its practice of providing customer service regarding the use of accessible equipment, whatever that might mean..