In 2004 Aldersley Leisure Village (Wolverhampton) officially launched as an accredited Inclusive Fitness Facility. As a result of Aldersley Leisure Village receiving IFI accreditation the gym has an extensive range of fitness equipment which is designed to ensure that irrespective of their impairment disabled people can access a full body workout.
The equipment ranges from static machines with removable seating, which assists wheelchair users in performing the exercise from their wheelchair, to equipment with tactile information and colour coded attachments to assist individuals with visual impairments. In addition all staff have also received specific training to support and assist all gym users with a disability.
Since its launch as a recognised IFI site the Sports Development Team have been actively working with individuals and groups, with a view to introducing them to the gym environment and the benefits that exercise and social inclusion can bring.
Marcus Asbury - Sports Development Officer (Equity) said “ Disabled People are traditionally recognised as underrepresented in sport and physical activity, as a result of societies barriers. The Inclusive Fitness Initiative is a fantastic concept, and has enabled Aldersley Leisure Village to play a leading role in providing an accessible and inclusive environment “2006 saw around 2000 disabled people accessing the gym and we shall be working with key organizations and authorities in 2007 to significantly increase this figure through the benefits of working in partnership.”
2006 saw several success stories particularly with local authority special schools, and organizations. Marcus said “ from the outset we were particularly keen on supporting disabled pupils in both special and mainstream education, as the benefits of exercise and increased participation can be far reaching”. “As a result in partnership with Penn Hall Special School we ran a “Gym Open Day” whereby a number of pupils were introduced to the gym environment and taken through a fitness induction, with a the aim of exercise becoming embedded within their weekly programme in addition to promoting independence. We are currently liasing with other schools with a view to rolling out a similar programme.
In addition patients from Westpark Stroke Centre have also benefited from a similar programme with a group now attending on a weekly basis, which has also resulted in an opportunity to explore other activities. Positive discussions have also been held with The Haven Wolverhampton (Women’s Refruge), and it is hoped they will soon be enjoying the benefits of exercise.
Marcus said “ as a wheelchair user myself I have enjoyed many benefits and explored a number of exciting opportunities as a result of being physically active, and through the Inclusive Fitness Initiative we want to support others in using sport and exercise as a vehicle to achieve there goals and aspirations.
If you would like to know more about the Inclusive Fitness Facility at Aldersley Leisure Village, please contact reception on tel: 01902 556200 add prefix 18001 to access BT Typetalk. 
