Journal of Facility Planning, Design, and Management
Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 35–46
Planning and Design
Creating ADA Accessible
Strength and Conditioning Facilities:
The Impact of the New 2010 Standards
Cindy Piletic
Western Illinois University
Lawrence W. Judge
Ball State University
Jeffrey C. Petersen
Baylor University
Abstract
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was created in 1990 by the U.S. Department of
Justice as a federal civil rights law to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities,
who now account for nearly 18% of our population. The 1990 ADA standards set minimum
requirements for public facilities according to their market segment. The majority of fitness facilities fall under Title III: Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities. The requirements
for this provision encompassed minimum heights for countertops and light switches, signage,
bathroom fixture selection, walkway widths, railings, and flooring choices. These requirements
were an attempt to make public facilities more accessible to people with disabilities. Since 1990,
numerous stakeholders have lobbied for changes to augment accessibility standards. As a result,
the more stringent 2010 standards were created. The purpose of this article was to present the
updated guidelines for making the strength and conditioning room of a facility accessible to all
users.
Keywords: Americans With Disabilities Act, fitness facility accessibility, AIMFREE, strength and conditioning, modifications, disabilities
Cindy Piletic is a professor, Department of Kinesiology, Western Illinois University. Lawrence
W. Judge is an associate professor, School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science,
Ball State University. Jeffrey C. Petersen is an associate professor, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, Baylor University. Please send author correspondence to
[email protected]
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Since before the 1970s, there have been federal laws enacted to ensure the civil rights of
individuals with disabilities. Federal laws impacting individuals with disabilities and their use
of fitness facilities include Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), and even in a broad sense the 14th Amendment (Eckes & Ochoa, 2005). These
federal laws declare that individuals cannot be discriminated against because of a disability. The
primary focus of these laws is access and antidiscrimination. More specifically, Title II (state and
local facilities) and Title III (private and not for profit facilities) of ADA indicate that places of
public accommodation including private fitness facilities are prohibited to discriminate against
patrons with disabilities and must make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified (ADA, 2010).
ADA is specific and clear in the mandates that all new construction and building renovations must be accessible, to the maximum extent possible (U.S. Department of Justice, 2010).
ADA has delineated specific architectural guidelines including everything from parking, to
flooring, to door width, to shower stalls, to the height of toilets (Petrick, 2002). It should be
kept in mind that the accommodations relate not just the architectural/structural aspects of the
facility but also the accessibility of the programs and services (Scanlin, 2009). Guidelines from
the 2010 ADA must be adhered to with all new building construction, building renovation, and
building alteration as of March 2012 (U.S. Department of Justice, 2010).
Therefore, the fitness facility administrators not only need to be aware and create a physical environment that is accessible but also must be sure that their programs (i.e., fitness classes)
and their services (i.e., availability of weight equipment, printed information) are accessible to
all individuals including those with disabilities. These guidelines, ADAAG (ADA Standards for
Accessible Design written by the Department of Justice), were developed soon after ADA became
law and were most recently updated in 2010.
Another document that provides fitness facility administrators with guidelines for accommodating individuals with disabilities is Removing Barriers to Health Clubs and Fitness Facilities:
A Guide for Accommodating All Members, Including People With Disabilities and Older Adults
(North Carolina Office on Disability and Health, 2008). The intent of the North Carolina document is to provide guidelines for going beyond the minimum ADA requirements and making
the fitness facility more appealing and accessible to all patrons including those with disabilities.
Fitness facility administrators are required to meet the requirements of ADA regarding
the actual physical structure of the facility as well as the programming for patrons and training
for staff. By becoming familiar with ADAAG and the North Carolina guidelines, fitness facility
administrators can become well versed on ADA mandates, which may assist them as they strive
to appeal to and service all individuals at their facility.
Noncompliance with these requirements can be expensive for strength and conditioning
facilities (Judge, 2013). The U.S. Department of Justice can seek monetary damages and civil
penalties up to $55,000 for a first offense and up to $110,000 for each subsequent offense. In addition, many states allow individuals to directly sue businesses for discrimination outside of the
U.S. Department of Justice. This means fitness facilities can be sued by one or more individuals
for any violation (Broadhag, 2012). Risk management must be an active part of facility manager
duties. Fitness facility managers can identify risks through a variety of modalities: They can
survey participants and employees and evaluate the facilities in question for ADA compliance.
Questioning experts in the field and maintaining professional guidelines work to minimize risk
(Craig & Judge, 2009).
The purpose of this article was to present the guidelines for making the strength and conditioning room of a facility accessible to all users. Accessibility guidelines will be presented first
regarding the strength equipment portion/room of a facility. The following section will be the
aerobic equipment portion of the facility. Within each section, there will be specific questions
regarding how the intent of ADA is interpreted for actual implementation. Also within this sec36
Piletic, Judge, Petersen
tion, there will be a discussion related to different types of equipment and accessories that can
be used to assist with making the equipment accessible for all uses. Finally, there will be a section on ideas behind Universal Design and how to apply those concepts to your strength and
conditioning facility.
Strength Equipment
The Importance of Strength
Individuals with physical disabilities are often confronted with many unique physical challenges as a result of their functional limitations. Maintaining a high level of functional strength
among persons with physical disabilities has even greater importance than in the general population because a loss in strength could erode a person’s functional ability (Krebs, Scarborough, &
McGibbon, 2007). Resistance training leads to greater improvements in dynamic balance control
and coordination in an individual’s daily life tasks. The application of free weights as a means of
developing physical capabilities has long been a common practice (Garhammer, 1982). The use
of other forms of resistance equipment and machines has become popular in recent years (Judge,
2013). Fitness centers today cater to a wide range of members: young and old, novice and elite
athletes, able-bodied and disabled. The physical challenges that many people with disabilities
face on a daily basis are exacerbated by poor strength levels (Krebs et al., 2007). If persons with
physical disabilities are unable to transfer from their wheelchair to their car or get from their
home to the bus stop or train station, they will have difficulty actively partaking in basic daily
living. More than ever, strength and conditioning professionals must endeavor to read professional journals, attend conferences and workshops, and join professional organizations to avail
themselves of information on how to teach resistance training activities to their clients within
varying populations (Craig & Judge, 2009). Being an informed professional is half the challenge
in allowing users with disabilities to gain access to lifetime sustainable physical activities such as
weight training (Rhodes, 2007).
Space
The 2010 ADA standards, more specifically Section 236, mandate that for each piece of
equipment there is “clear floor space” allotted for transferring (U.S. Department of Justice, 2010).
Clear floor space is specified to be a 30 in. x 48 in. rectangular space, allowing an adult user of a
wheelchair the space to move between different pieces of equipment, and a 60-in. diameter space
in which a user of a wheelchair would be able to make a full turn when needed (North Carolina
Office on Disability and Health, 2008). The interpretation is that at least one of every type of
strength equipment for a muscle group must have this clear floor space. This is true for pieces of
strength equipment that have seats or elements that allow patrons to perform the exercise standing. The location of the clear space will vary depending on the equipment type and the method
of use. It is also acceptable to locate clear floor space behind equipment and even have clear
spaces overlap for multiple pieces of strength equipment (U.S. Department of Justice, 2010). Additionally, there should be a pathway of clear access between pieces of equipment at least 36 in.
wide (North Carolina Office on Disability and Health, 2008). Figure 1 illustrates an example of
strength training equipment placement in accordance with ADA guidelines.
Equipment Types
Equipment selection and allocation is an important issue for any strength and conditioning
facility (North Carolina Office on Disability and Health, 2008). Defining programmatic objectives is the first step to successfully planning a facility to meet the needs of the target population activity. Decisions on the amount of free weight equipment, machines, and cardiovascular
ADA Accessible Strength and Conditioning Facilities
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Figure 1. Example of ADA-Compliant Strength Training Equipment Placement. Image used
with permission from the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health.
equipment are largely determined by the philosophy/priorities of the facilities. There are multiple
brand names for strength equipment and machines (e.g., Life Fitness, Cybex, Hammer Strength,
FreeMotion, Pulse). There are also various pieces of equipment depending upon the muscles that
the machine is targeting. Multistation wheelchair accessible weight machines must be provided.
Many pieces of fitness equipment should feature wide, adjustable seats and wheelchair tie-downs.
All machines should ideally boast storage units attached to frames and designed to hold walking
canes, water bottles, or other accessories (Judge, 2013). Multi-gym pulley systems have remained
a fixture in fitness centers for years. Most systems come in two-stack, four-stack, or eight-stack
varieties, allowing two, four, or up to eight people to exercise simultaneously at different stations
surrounding the stacked pulley weights (Judge, 2013). Unlike exercise machines, many of the
pulley systems do not include fixed seats or benches, allowing a person using a wheelchair to
pull straight up to the weight stack to perform the desired exercise. Many companies now make
single-station pulley systems with adjustable arms, enabling the user to perform almost any exercise at a single piece of equipment. Pulley systems are a way to develop upper body strength and
maintain range of motion. The systems are highly versatile and can be used effectively by anyone,
including individuals in wheelchairs. Multiuse cable machines are another piece of equipment
that can be excellent for persons using wheelchairs. It would be advantageous for the machine to
have seats that swing away, fold up, or are removable. The Accessibility Instruments Measuring
Fitness and Recreation Environments (AIMFREE) Professional Version survey, a tool that was
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developed to assist recreation and fitness professionals in the assessment of the accessibility of
recreation and fitness centers, also recommends that strength equipment machines should have
seats that are at least 18 in. wide and have back support when possible (Rimmer & Riley, 2006).
Moreover, it would be helpful to have the lighter weight settings/plates for individuals with low
strength levels. Equipment should also have the lightest weight setting at less than 5 lb (Bellar,
Judge, Patrick, & Craig, 2013). In addition, weight machines that a person can use while standing
up or in a wheelchair (i.e., person can roll up to the equipment without having to transfer) are
encouraged (Rimmer & Riley, 2006). A great example of machines that patrons could wheel up
to would be cable crossover machines. The key is that the piece of equipment allows the patron to
do the exercise as independently as possible. One element that is often forgotten is the height of
the handles or handgrips for strength training machines. They need to be reachable for someone
who is in a sitting position. It is recommended that the height of the handles be between 36 in.
and 48 in. The staff of the weight room can check the height of the handles between patron use.
Modifications/Accessories
Persons with physical disabilities often exhibit asymmetrical weakness. Many individuals
with cerebral palsy or persons that have had a stroke have hemiplegia (weakness or paralysis on
the right or left side of the body), which results in significant differences in strength between the
left and right side of the body (Rimmer, 2005). Elastic bands are an excellent resource to have
available, as there are no required grasps or intricate manipulations (Judge, 2013). The elastic
properties of the bands allow them to be tied to arms or legs for those with compromised grasp
ability. Elastic bands are typically sold in color-coded levels of resistance based on the progressive thickness of the band. It is important to improve the affected side as much as possible without neglecting the nonaffected side.
Making modifications for strength exercises or to weight equipment is individualized and
is often done best through trial and error. When modifications are made, the exercise factors
that should be considered are (a) grip strength, (b) balance, (c) coordination, (d) body strength,
and (e) ability to transfer on and off weight machines. In an effort to increase the gripping ability
of a patron, having accessories such as cuffs, mitts, and splints to assist the patron in holding/
gripping the equipment properly and performing the exercise safely are a necessity. Balance is
a key factor when lifting weights, and accessories that might stabilize the patron such as Velcro
strapped around the torso or lower limbs are beneficial (North Carolina Office on Disability
and Health, 2008). Supplementary accessories include medicine balls, light hand weights, wrist
weights, transfer boards, and padded mats. Keep in mind is that the equipment needs to be accessible to the patron. Furthermore, remember that the patron should have the opportunity to
perform the strength exercises as independently as possible, which requires access to the machines and strength equipment.
Dumbbells and Free Weights
The use of free weights is an important component of resistance training for all populations (Judge, Petersen, Bellar, Craig, & Gilreath, 2012). Persons with physical disabilities would
especially benefit from participation in resistance training programs that include free weights
and would have a greater likelihood of maintaining their physical function and independence
with continued participation (Judge, 2013). Free weights allow the user greater freedom of body
position and movement, but also require greater balance and stability by the user. Free weight
equipment has to be arranged properly so it is readily accessible. A person using a wheelchair
should be able to pull straight up to the dumbbell or barbell rack, select the desired resistance,
and be able to get to work. Shoulder presses, biceps curls, and triceps extensions are a few of the
exercises disabled users can perform easily with dumbbells and free weights. A standard power
ADA Accessible Strength and Conditioning Facilities
39
rack from which the fixed bench has been removed allows users of wheelchairs to easily pull
up to the rack and perform shoulder presses. Modified benches for amputees are necessary for
competitive athletes (see Figure 2). Having seat belts readily accessible to help secure users with
disabilities to the bench is helpful (Judge, 2013).
Figure 2. Modified Bench Press Station. Photo by Lawrence Judge.
Competitive wheelchair athletes use a full range of dumbbells, using 1- and 2-lb weights to
strengthen rotator cuff muscles. This is a critical joint for users of wheelchairs as these muscles
are very small and do not need a lot of weight to provide resistance (Judge, 2013). Meanwhile,
heavy weights 100 lb or more can be used in bench presses. Traditional benches can be adjusted
to an inclined and declined position so that lifters can use different sitting positions to mimic
movements common to their specific sport (e.g., overhead rebounding in wheelchair basketball
or the downward push on wheelchair wheels).
Olympic-style lifts are the core of the resistance training program for athletes with ambulatory disabilities. Athletes with prosthetic limbs, visual impairments, and hearing impairments
are often found in the platform area. Olympic bars, bumper plates, and platforms are traditional
pieces of equipment that can serve a variety of clientele. A clear path to the platform area needs
to be established and kept clear for users with visual impairments. The types of exercises performed on the platform area are marked by not only high force development but also high velocity movements. This necessitates that this area be located in a low traffic section of the facility.
The clean and snatch are two exercises that require a clear space. The many derivatives of these
exercises can be used by athletes with disabilities based on their functional ability. For example,
an athlete can choose between doing a snatch from the floor, from the knee, from a seated position, with a close grip, with a wide grip, on one leg, or with a single arm using dumbbells.
Athletes with mobility or orthopedic issues that are unable to perform traditional Olympic-style
lifts can perform modified Olympic lifts on the knees (see Figure 3). Modified exercises with
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dumbbells, kettle bells, and medicine balls are often prescribed for this population; specialized
equipment needs to be available as it can be used to build speed strength. Both individuals who
are able-bodied and disabled find free weights intimidating, so an experienced staff member can
assist with instruction. With the help of a certified strength and conditioning specialist, users
with disabilities will be on the platform pumping iron in no time (Judge et al., 2012).
Figure 3. Modified Olympic Lifting by an
Individual With a Disability. Photo by Lawrence
Judge.
Question and Answer
Does access need to be provided to equipment that an individual with a disability probably
will not use?
Yes. No one of us can know the extent of mobility an individual has. Some who use a wheelchair or another assistive device can stand, ambulate, and use standard exercise equipment.
The rule here is creating access to one of each type of cardio or strength equipment.
(National Recreation and Park Association, September 30, 2010, webinar)
Cardio Equipment
Cardiovascular equipment represents a large part of the commercial exercise equipment
portfolio in the modern fitness center. From treadmills and stationary bikes to elliptical machines and upper body ergometers, cardiovascular equipment was originally created for a progressively sedentary public. Huang et al. (1998) reported a strong association between low levels
of aerobic fitness and a higher rate of functional limitations. Cardiovascular equipment that was
once designed for the typical exerciser’s height, weight, and fitness goals has been modified to fit
the expanding membership that now includes persons with disabilities (Judge, 2013). Many cardio products are endorsed as appropriate for people of all fitness levels. However, some exercisers
need additional modifications to allow specialization (McDonnell, 2006).
Space
The requirements for cardio/aerobic equipment or machines are the same as the weight
equipment. Additionally, both strength and cardio areas need to have access routes for patrons
ADA Accessible Strength and Conditioning Facilities
41
to move through and around the space. According to ADA, access routes need to be available
between all rows of equipment. The access route needs to be a clear path at least 36 in. wide (U.S.
Department of Justice, 2010). These access routes are different than the clear floor space that was
mentioned earlier. The reason for both clear floor space and access routes is that the clear floor
space is most likely where patrons will park their wheelchairs/scooters, and if the clear space is
part of the access route, the wheelchair/scooter will block the way for other patrons. When considering the location of the different cardiovascular equipment machines, it is wise to locate one
of each type of machine along the access route, which is best located at the end of a row (North
Carolina Office on Disability and Health, 2008). Figure 4 provides a diagram of a sample cardiovascular training area that provides equipment placement in accordance with ADA guidelines.
Figure 4. Example of ADA-Compliant Cardiovascular Equipment Placement. Image used with
permission from the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health.
Question and Answer
Does equipment need to be accessible from the front or side, or from the front and side?
We recommend equipment be accessible both front and side, and not one, either front or
side. That said, some machines, such as an elliptical, cannot be accessed from the rear.
(National Recreation and Park Association, September 30, 2010, webinar)
Question and Answer
Can the 30 in. x 48 in. space on both sides of the equipment include the accessible route?
No, the clear floor space can be shared by two pieces of equipment that are adjacent to each
other, but the accessible route cannot be obstructed.
(National Recreation and Park Association, September 30, 2010, webinar)
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Types
Numerous types of cardiovascular equipment are suitable for fitness facilities. This statement holds true when considering appropriate options for individuals with varying abilities. It is
not necessarily the brand name that matters most, although some brands may be more accessible
than others, but the purpose of the equipment that matters. The upper body ergometer (UBE)
is a great addition to any cardiovascular space. It can be used by all individuals, as it provides an
upper body workout. But it is also specifically designed to be accessible to users of wheelchairs.
One name brand that is most often associated with arm ergometers is SciFit. The user of a wheelchair can use this piece of equipment by transferring from the wheelchair onto the seat or by
rolling up to the machine. Another piece of cardiovascular equipment that has been used more
in the fitness spaces is the NuStep recumbent stepper (see Figure 5). The NuStep can be used to
provide exercises for both the arms and the legs at the same time or separately while in the seated
position. Treadmills are a standard piece of cardiovascular equipment, and it is recommended
that fitness facilities include treadmills that have a low mile per hour (MPH) setting (less than
1 MPH; Rimmer & Riley, 2006). Treadmills would also be more accessible if they had auditory
signals for changes in incline and speed. Also, control buttons that are raised from the panel
would be helpful. Exercise bikes offer a different type of exercise and can be used by patrons
with reduced strength and/or balance issues. When considering bikes, it is recommended to
have different types (i.e., recumbent bikes, upright bikes, AirDyne bikes, etc.) in addition to the
typical bikes and spinners that most fitness facilities currently have. It should be noted that the
same recommendations for the seats and back support on weight/strength equipment hold true
for cardiovascular equipment, and thus the recommendation is that seats should be 18 in. wide
to offer greater stability (Rimmer & Riley, 2006). Other types of accessible equipment that may
be available (though hard to find) are wheelchair treadmills.
Figure 5. This recumbent stepper design can provide a nonimpact
workout for both upper and lower body. Image provided by and used
with permission from the NuStep Corporation.
ADA Accessible Strength and Conditioning Facilities
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Modifications/Accessories
Making cardiovascular equipment more accessible to all patrons can be done by offering
a few accessories. It would be helpful, while keeping safety in mind, to have gloves with Velcro
or handlebars with rubber coverings available to make gripping easier (Rimmer & Riley, 2006).
In a similar fashion, straps should be available/provided for the bikes to keep the feet fastened to the pedals. Modifications in cardiovascular equipment need to be individualized and
build upon the patron’s abilities and his or her needs. For people with visual impairments, exercise facilities must also provide cardio equipment that has descriptions for controls in alternative
formats (i.e., raised lettering, pictograms, Braille, audio, large print; Judge, 2013). Options such
as oversized buttons, easy-to-read screens, and programs designed for beginners are available
on many types and brands of cardio equipment. Heart rate monitoring also helps users monitor their intensity when first beginning. For example, many Life Fitness cardio machines come
standard with Lifepulse digital heart rate monitoring, wireless telemetry, or both. When used
in conjunction with Zone Training workouts, the machine automatically adjusts resistance (on
elliptical trainers, cycles, and the Summit Trainer) or incline level (treadmills) to help the user
maintain a specific target heart rate (McDonnell, 2006). Creativity and problem solving are crucial parts in the process of making modifications. There is always a solution; we just need to find
it.
Universal Design – Programming Planning Ahead
The mandates for the Americans With Disabilities Act have been a part of U.S. federal laws
for over 20 years, and the law continues to be amended to make the intentions of the law more
clear. Additionally, another process used to make facilities—public and private—more accessible
has recently been documented through a model called Universal Design. The intent of Universal
Design is to make products and environments as usable as possible to all people, without the
need for adaptation or specialized design (Center for Universal Design, 1997). Implementation
of the Universal Design model requires advanced planning to make the environment usable for
all people, no matter their ability or inability, instead of reacting to the situation when it arises.
This makes the patrons feel more a part of the environment and allows for participation without
requiring assistance.
Conclusion
It the hope that facility administrators who read this will work not only to make their facilities accessible, but also to truly buy into the value of making such mandates an integral part
of their facility and program. Although facility administrators can use primary sources such
the ADA legislation and the ADA guidelines, there are numerous secondary sources that can
be used to provide detailed feedback regarding the accessibility for strength and conditioning
facilities. The AIMFREE Professional Version survey provides a useful tool to evaluate a facility
for ADA accessibility, and this tool has been validated for general use (Rimmer, Riley, Wang, &
Rauworth, 2004), and it has been shown to be used effectively in collegiate fitness center assessments (Petersen & Piletic, 2012) and in not-for-profit fitness center settings (Petersen & Piletic,
2011). The use of such ADA assessment tools can facilitate meaningful changes to better meet
all users’ needs. A facility that follows the ideals/principles of Universal Design and accessibility
mandates of ADA will remove barriers and create a more welcoming facility for all patrons. By
accomplishing this, fitness facilities may be able to attract an untapped market of patrons. The
statistics show that the number of people who experience some kind of disability in their lifetime
is increasing and therefore creating a growing market (North Carolina Office on Disability and
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Health, 2008). For many individuals with disabilities, exercise is not an option, but actually an
important way to manage their disability. It is time for fitness facilities to truly consider methods
and adaptations that make fitness and a healthy lifestyle an option for all persons.
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