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Before & After a Fitness Center Makeover

A - After

Adjust closer pressure or add power openers at doors that require a lot of opening force to assist individuals with balance and strength difficulties.
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A - Before

Heavy entry doors and/or closers are problematic for many people with balance and strength difficulties.
B - After

Secure loose mats or install a new permanent floor surface to alleviate tripping hazards, particularly for those who walk with a mobility or balance disability.
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B - Before

Loose mat at entry can be a tripping hazard, particularly for individuals who utilize a mobility device or have difficulty maintaining balance.
C - After

Lower a section of the check-in counter to a height easy for people who use wheelchairs or individuals of small stature to utilize.
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C - Before

High check-in counter can be difficult for people who use wheelchairs or those of small stature to see over and address staff.
D - After

Place detectable objects under a protruding hazard, in this example a sign-in table, or lower a wall mounted feature so that it is easier to discern by detection canes or guide dogs for people with vision impairments.
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D - Before

Protruding objects from overhead and walls can be a hazard for people with vision impairments or individuals who are unobservant/distracted.
E - After

Diversify equipment/items that would facilitate use by a wider range of people with differing abilities, for example this area has added a variety of medicine balls of different height for more stretching options.
E - Before

Some exercise areas lack additional equipment/items that would facilitate use by a wider range of people with differing abilities.
F - After

Additional seating has been added to provide opportunities for periodic rest for people with stamina/balance issues.
F - Before

Many areas lack any or additional seating for people with stamina/balance issues who need periodic rest.
G - After

Move/rearrange equipment so there is enough space between machines to permit convenient accessible routes to other exercise areas by people who utilize mobility devices.
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G - Before

Narrow spaces between equipment prevents convenient access to other exercise areas by people using mobility devices.
H - After

Move/rearrange equipment so there is enough floor space beside at least one of each type of machines to permit transfers from mobility devices or to place mobility devices while exercising.
H - Before

There is a lack of clear floor space beside at least one of each type of cardio equipment to allow for transfers from mobility devices.
I - After

Include cardio equipment that can serve a wider range of users, machines that can be used by the upper body and allow individuals to remain seated in their mobility devices or a chair.
I - Before

The types of cardio equipment provided serves a limited range of users, there are no machines that can be used by the upper body only or from a seated position in a chair or mobility device.
J - After

Rearrange/move equipment to provide clear floor space beside each type of weight machine with fixed integral seats to facilitate transfers from mobility devices.
J - Before

Weight machines with fixed integral seats lack clear floor space for transfers from mobility devices.
K - After

Where needed replace equipment with weight machines that have movable seats and other adaptable/adjustable features that allow users in wheelchairs and scooters to pull up underneath and operate. Seats that flip up or swing out of the way are good options.
K - Before

Some weight machines lack movable seats and other adaptable/adjustable features critical for use that would allow users in wheelchairs and scooters to pull up underneath and operate.
L - After

Rearrange weight equipment to provide enough space for accessible routes to each type of machine.
L - Before

The placement of weight machines with little or no space in between each piece of equipment blocks access to other equipment for people using mobility devices.
M - After

Replace or modify the multi-station exercise machine so that seats can be removed or adapted to allow a person in a wheelchair or scooter to pull up underneath and use the equipment. Freestanding stools/chairs that are portable or seats that flip up or swing out of the way are good options.
M - Before

Similar to some weight equipment, the multi-station exercise machine also lacks removable/portable seats that would allow a person in a wheelchair or scooter to pull up and use.
N - After

Move/relocate multi-station exercise machine to permit an accessible route around it that allows approach and use by people using a variety of mobility devices.
N - Before

The placement of the multi-station exercise machine near the wall and other equipment obstructs an accessible route around it for people using mobility devices.
O - After

Have staff monitor and store unattended personal training items such as free weights left on the floor or on seating/equipment that can obstruct access for others using mobility devices or who have trouble lifting or bending.
O - Before

Personal training items such as free weights left lying out on the floor or on seating/equipment can obstruct access for others who use mobility devices or have trouble lifting or bending.
P - After

Rearrange/relocate weight stands and benches to allow additional approaches and maneuvering choices for people using mobility devices such as wheelchairs, scooters and walkers.
P - Before

Close placement of weight stands and benches limits maneuvering choices for people using mobility devices.
Q - After

Moving furniture and/or counters can improve access for employees with disabilities.
Q - Before

Some employee areas lack accessible routes into these spaces.
R - After

The design of exercise equipment and space layout are only part of providing adequate access to a fitness facility. In addition to physical access, how policies, procedures, and programs are offered and executed will affect access too. In this instance program adaptation has been provided for individuals who have varying levels of abilities to form an inclusive environment.
R - Before

The design of exercise equipment and space layout are only part of providing adequate access to a fitness facility. Lack of consideration of possible participants with disabilities can cause barriers too. In addition to physical access, how policies, procedures, and programs are offered and executed must be considered.
S - After

Replace door hardware with handles such as loops or levers that are can be operated with a closed fist.
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S - Before

Door has knob handles that are difficult for many people with various hand dexterity abilities to grab and turn.
T - After

Lower high shelves or replace with magazine rack within reach of seated users and individuals of short stature.
T - Before

Some magazines and reference materials are in shelves above the reach of people who utilize wheelchairs or scooters and individuals of short stature.
U - After

Rearrange and/or replace furniture to permit an accessible route through lobby and to offices.
U - Before

Furniture size and arrangement obstructs accessible route through lobby and to offices.
V - After

Provide dual height drinking fountain with knee space to serve the needs of both standing adults and those who are seated in mobility devices or of short stature including children.
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V - Before

Existing tall older model drinking fountain lacks knee space and only conveniently serves adult standing users.
W - After

Under utilized "junk" room space has been converted into an accessible unisex toilet/ family changing room to meet needs that were lacking in the men or women locker areas and thereby making the facility as a whole more accessible to all users.
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W - Before

Consider converting the use of an under utilized space to help provide better accessibility. In this instance a "junk" room used to house outdated equipment, extra furniture, and other storage might be better utilized meeting a more immediate access need by creating a needed new space or adding additional space to an adjacent small room.
X - After

Important space and room signage has been replaced with signs that include raised type and brallie to inform people with vision disabilities.
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X - Before

Important space and room signage lacks raised type and brallie to inform people with vision disabilities.
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