Guest post by our friends at Level Playing Field Inc.
Level Playing Field Inc. (LPF) is a Canadian-owned, women-led, and disability-owned accessibility consulting firm headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. Since 2015, LPF has specialized in integrating accessibility solutions into public and private projects across North America, from sports and recreation facilities to healthcare, education, and transportation hubs, helping create spaces where everyone can thrive.
Driven by a commitment to inclusion that goes beyond compliance, LPF takes a holistic approach shaped by the lived experience of its founder, Darby Lee Young. Born with mild cerebral palsy, Darby is a former competitive para-alpine skier and a certified International Olympic Committee (IOC) safeguarding officer in sport. Her firsthand experience has shown her how fitness can be accessible to everyone, yet many facilities still overlook the needs of diverse communities, including people with disabilities, seniors, pregnant individuals, those recovering from injuries, and people with sensory or cognitive sensitivities.
With years of experience partnering with fitness operators, LPF has helped design spaces that welcome all bodies and abilities. Below, are key insights from past projects to help fitness facilities move beyond basic compliance and achieve true inclusivity.
Designing for Physical Accessibility
1. Thoughtful Layout & Navigation
• Ensure wide, unobstructed pathways (minimum 36” clear width) between equipment, lockers, and amenities.
• Group accessible machines together to minimize travel distance for wheeled mobility device users.
• Provide tactile and braille signage for key areas like restrooms, exits, wayfinding, and emergency call systems.
• Use high-contrast colors between equipment and flooring for better visibility.
2. Flooring & Safety Considerations
• Choose firm, slip-resistant flooring with minimal seams (joints should not exceed 13mm as this could prevent wheelchair wheels from passing through).
• Avoid trip hazards by beveling mat edges and ensuring transitions are smooth.
• Install anti-vibration flooring near heavy equipment to reduce discomfort for those with sensory sensitivities and provide joint-friendly cushioning for folks using mobility aids or who are managing balance issues.
3. Accessible Amenities
• Include automatic door operators, accessible-height drinking fountains, roll-in showers with grab bars and benches, and emergency call buttons in the fitness facilities and restrooms.
• When possible, provide adult-sized changing tables and portable lifts for caregivers assisting members with mobility needs.
• Ensure non-gendered restrooms with clear transfer space beside toilets.
Inclusive Equipment & Programming
Beyond physical design, equipment selection plays a crucial role in accessibility:
• Adaptive cardio machines (recumbent bikes with foot straps, seated ellipticals, treadmills with extended handrails, and raised stretching platforms).
• Upper-body ergometers and wheelchair-accessible strength machines (like the Humansport line from Nautilus).
• Vibration platforms for low-impact bone density and circulation support.
• Grip aids for free weights to accommodate limited hand mobility.
Programming should also reflect diversity. Some things to consider in facility programming:
• Adaptive yoga and seated aerobics classes.
• Specialized Parkinson’s programs with balance and coordination support.
• Hiring Certified Adaptive Trainers (organizations like Adaptive Training Academy or NCHPAD offer excellent certifications).
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Inclusivity doesn’t just benefit people with disabilities; it strengthens entire communities. Simple changes, like clear wayfinding or adaptable equipment, can make fitness more welcoming for everyone.
By prioritizing accessibility, fitness operators do more than meet regulations: they expand their membership base, set new standards for inclusivity, build stronger communities, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to health equity.
Level Playing Field is proud to partner with forward-thinking organizations like Beyond the Basics Fitness to make fitness truly inclusive. Together, we can build spaces where everyone thrives.
Learn more about Level Playing Field at www.levelplayingfield.ca
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