Inclusive gym that caters for folk with disabilities
By Priscilla Goy of The Straits Times
"Machines feature aids for deaf and blind people, as well as the elderly, and may be modified for users."
The iFit gym in Lengkok Bahru is open to all, from the deaf and blind to those with intellectual disabilities and the elderly.
It has several features which make it disabled-friendly.
For people who are visually handicapped, there are Braille dots on the treadmill user panels and some machines are in contrasting colours. For deaf people, a "hearing induction loop" system has been implemented so that, with a hearing aid, they can better hear directions from fitness instructors who speak into a microphone.
Without such a system, they would hear the instructions as one of several ambient sounds - which could include background music and other people's voices.
For people with mobility challenges, such as the elderly or those with physical disabilities, there are machines from Finland that use an air-pressure system which is gentler on the muscles and joints.
Wheelchair user and corporate support officer Colin Loh, 32, who has spina bifida, likes the spaciousness of the gym , as it allows him to move around easily.
He said: "A big plus point is that literally anyone can use it, regardless of their age or ability. It offers me another opportunity to interact with my able-bodied friends."
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In the picture above, Mr Colin Loh (in wheelchair) trying out the new iFit inclusive gym. The fitness centre has features such as machines with removable seats for wheelchair users, and Braille dots on its treadmill user panels.
