The Ultimate Trainer’s Guide to Inclusive Fitness Classes

Category: Motivation / Trainer Tips / Training Tips / Workouts

Group fitness classes can be a fantastic way for people to stay active, motivated, and connected with others. But when it comes to adaptive fitness, especially in group settings, the challenge becomes how to include everyone—no matter their ability, injury, or health condition. Whether you’re working with clients who use wheelchairs, those with chronic conditions like MS, or anyone who needs modifications, it’s essential to create an environment where everyBODY can participate.

As a fitness professional, creating a truly inclusive class requires a little extra thought and preparation. Here are three key strategies to help you safely integrate adaptive fitness into your group classes, while ensuring that everyone feels seen, supported, and motivated.

1. Prioritize Individual Needs While Maintaining Group Flow

One of the most important aspects of group fitness is ensuring that every participant can engage safely and effectively. However, it can be tough to know who will show up for a class, making it challenging to pre-program modifications for specific needs. The good news is, you can plan ahead and adapt in real-time.

Best Practices for Assessing and Adapting in Real-Time:

• Pre-program for potential needs: Even if you don’t know exactly who will show up, anticipate common conditions or injuries. For example, have modifications ready for someone who may show up with an ACL injury or someone using crutches. Plan exercises that can be easily adapted for those with limited mobility, or those managing chronic pain, and make sure you have options that don’t require complex movements or heavy equipment.
• Check in with regular clients: If you know you have repeat participants, reach out to them privately ahead of class. A simple message asking a few key questions can make a huge difference:
  • Fatigue levels—Are they feeling more tired than usual?
  • Injuries or ailments—Do they have anything currently affecting their movement?
  • Pain or dizziness—Should you be aware of anything that might affect their performance?
  • Medications or hardware—Do they have any implants, devices, or medications that could impact the workout?
  This approach helps them feel welcomed and included, while also ensuring that you’re fully prepared to support their needs.
• Invisible disabilities matter: Many adaptive fitness clients have invisible disabilities (like chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, or mental health conditions). These challenges aren’t visible but still require accommodations. It’s essential to cultivate an open and inclusive environment where clients feel comfortable disclosing any health conditions that may affect their ability to fully participate. Encourage clients to share what they’re dealing with but make sure they know that your classes are designed to support everyBODY, no matter their circumstances.

2. Use Adaptive Equipment to Enhance Participation

Adaptive fitness equipment is one of the best tools you can use to ensure that all participants are able to join in on the fun. Using equipment that caters to different mobility needs can level the playing field for those who might otherwise feel excluded from a class.

For example:

• Hand ergometers: In a cardio-focused class like spin, a hand ergometer provides an alternative cardio workout for participants who may not be able to use a regular bike. This allows them to still engage with the group and get their heart rate up using their arms instead of their legs.
• Resistance bands, stability or bender balls, dowels, chest straps and ankle/wrist weights can all be used to modify exercises so that they’re accessible to participants with different abilities.

When you ensure that your equipment options are flexible and inclusive, you’re not only making the class more accessible, you’re also showing clients that they can achieve their fitness goals, no matter their mobility level.

3. Foster a Supportive, Inclusive Community

A huge part of group fitness is the sense of community. For adaptive fitness clients, feeling supported and encouraged by others can make all the difference in their journey. Creating a supportive environment isn’t just about offering modifications—it’s about building a culture of inclusivity where everyone feels like they belong.

Here are a few ways to nurture this:

• Teamwork and partner exercises: Create exercises that encourage participants to work together. Whether they’re paired up for balance work or supporting each other during a strength exercise, peer support goes a long way in fostering a sense of camaraderie.
• Celebrate progress: Recognize achievements, no matter how small. Whether a client has increased their range of motion, or simply made it through a tough session, it’s important to celebrate every step forward. This not only builds confidence but strengthens the bond between you and your clients.
• Continue inclusive cuing: When you cue in a way that includes everyone, you set the tone for the entire class. Use inclusive language like “Welcome friends” , or “Go at your own pace,” and “Everyone’s movement looks different, and that’s okay.” By showing regressions or progressions right off the bat, it can allow people to choose their exercises based on how they feel or what they are capable of, without someone having to call out in front of the class saying they need an alternative, which can make some people feel uncomfortable. By being mindful of your language, you can ensure that all participants feel empowered to engage with the class at their own level.

Incorporating Adaptive Fitness into Your Group Classes: A Final Thought

Making your group classes more inclusive doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require intentional effort. By thinking ahead, preparing modifications, and fostering a sense of community, you can create an environment where everyone feels included, no matter their ability or disability.

Whether you’re working with clients who have visible disabilities, invisible disabilities, or those who are recovering from injuries, these strategies will help you create a space where your participants can thrive, get stronger, and feel empowered.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

If you’re looking to refine your skills in adaptive fitness, check out the Ocean Insider Club for exclusive resources, monthly calls, and ongoing support, or book a consultation to discuss how you can make your classes more inclusive and accessible.

Together, we can continue to break barriers and make fitness accessible for everyone.