Industry Inclusive Initiative
Building more inclusive health, fitness and wellness facilities
The future of health, fitness and wellness belongs to businesses that welcome everyone. With approximately one in six people worldwide living with a disability, inclusive design is no longer a niche consideration; it’s an opportunity to better serve communities while building stronger businesses.
For almost a decade, Beyond Activ has connected operators, suppliers, investors and thought leaders across the global health, fitness and wellness industry. Through this Inclusive Facilities Initiative, we’re bringing together many of the world’s leading operators, suppliers and bodies to help operators build facilities that are more welcoming, accessible and successful.
Inclusive Facilities Framework
The 8 Key Pillars
01
Build an Inclusive Culture
Successful inclusion starts with people, not equipment. Train leadership and frontline teams on disability awareness, neurodiversity, ageing, sensory needs and inclusive customer service. Appoint an Inclusion Champion to coordinate initiatives, build relationships and keep inclusion on the business agenda.
View First Steps
- Deliver regular staff education.
- Invite people with lived experience to share insights.
- Review policies and member journeys.
- Create a culture where listening and adapting are encouraged.
Beyond Activ can connect you with educators, operators and advocacy groups to support your journey.
02
Improve Accessibility & Design
View First Steps
- Audit accessibility annually.
- Improve circulation and wheelchair access.
- Introduce quiet training periods.
- Prioritise simple improvements before major renovations.
Beyond Activ showcases operators demonstrating practical design solutions.
03
Create Flexible Training Spaces
Inclusive spaces don’t need to be separate spaces. A flexible training zone can support wheelchair users, older adults, beginners and members recovering from injury.
View First Steps
- Include transfer-friendly benches.
- Provide seated strength options.
- Maintain open mobility areas.
- Select adaptable equipment where possible.
Beyond Activ can introduce equipment partners and facilities successfully delivering inclusive layouts.
04
Deliver Inclusive Programmes
View First Steps
- Pilot adaptive strength sessions.
- Offer seated or low-impact classes.
- Develop active-ageing and recovery programmes.
- Introduce caregiver-friendly participation where appropriate.
Beyond Activ connects operators with coaches, clinicians and programme providers.
05
Build Community Partnerships
View First Steps
- Engage rehabilitation hospitals.
- Build relationships with physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
- Work with disability organisations, adaptive sports clubs and local charities.
- Host community open days and educational seminars.
Beyond Activ brings these organisations together through events, content and introductions.
06
Invest in Staff Development
Confident staff create confident members. Continuous education ensures teams remain current as best practice evolves.
View First Steps
- Encourage accredited certifications.
- Share webinars, research and case studies.
- Develop mentoring opportunities.
- Celebrate staff who champion inclusion.
Beyond Activ highlights trusted education providers and global experts.
07
Measure Progress
View First Steps
- Track participation and retention.
- Gather member feedback.
- Monitor partnership activity.
- Share successes and lessons learned internally.
Small, consistent improvements build stronger businesses over time.
08
Keep Learning & Stay Connected
Inclusion is an ongoing journey. No single organisation has all the answers, which is why collaboration matters.
View More
Coming Soon
Resource Library
This evolving library will include downloadable guides, operator case studies, webinars, research, equipment options, training providers, funding opportunities and expert contacts from around the world.
- Downloadable guides
- Operator case studies
- Webinars and Research
- Equipment Options
- Training providers
- Funding Opportunities
- Expert contacts
Partner Spotlight
The Perfect Step Affiliated Facility and Industry Flagship
Align with The Perfect Step’s neurological inclusion standards
Offer recognized programming pathways for paralysis communities
Serve as a regional hub for adaptive and neuro-focused wellness
Join a growing coalition of clubs setting the benchmark for the future
Community health campuses
Outcome-driven
wellness leaders
A national bridge between rehabilitation and fitness
Knowledge & Industry Partners
Join Our Initiative
PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION
Every improvement, no matter how small, helps more people experience the life-changing benefits of movement, health and community.
EVERY FACILITY IS UNIQUE
No two facilities are the same. Every operator serves different communities with different needs. This framework is designed as a practical starting point rather than a universal standard.
STRONGER
Beyond Activ encourages operators to work alongside local disability organisations, healthcare professionals and people with lived experience when developing inclusive facilities.
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
If your organisation has expertise, research, products, programmes or case studies that could help operators build more inclusive facilities, we'd love to hear from you. Together we can make health, fitness and wellness more accessible for everyone.
Industry Ambassadors
Hal Hargrave
President & CEO
The Perfect Step
halhargrave@theperfectstep.com
Marina Logacheva
Disability Sports Lead
MATTA
Marina.logacheva@makeitmatta.com
Scott Hunt
CEO
Fit Your Ability
scott@fitnessenhancement.com
Ross Campbell
Founder and CEO
Beyond Activ
ross@beyondactiv.com