GYM Inc was developed in association with UL & local disability agencies in order to develop an accessible and educational programme for people with disabilities on gym access and participation benefits. The project aims to target people with disabilities who are often excluded from participation opportunities for a variety of reasons e.g. lack of programmes catering for their needs, inaccessible facilities, cost etc.
Gym Inc got off the ground in January ‘06 at the UL Arena and feedback from participants to date has been very positive. A variety of equipment is used by the Gym Inc participants during the session. This equipment includes treadmills, bikes (including wheelchair accessible bikes), arm ergometer, free weights and weight training machines as well as participating in flexibility and toning exercises. One participant who is a wheelchair user stated they never realised they could do so many activities in a gym and were delighted that they could participate in a variety of exercises suitable to their own unique ability.
A key part to the success of the Gym Inc programme is that each individual participates in an exercise and activity programme that is suitable to them and their individual ability thus everybody’s physical activity needs are provided for. The UL Arena is the perfect location to run such a programme in Limerick city. Apart from been a fully accessible world-class facility, the management and staff at the Arena are dedicated and highly supportive towards the inclusive use of the facilities for all persons regardless of their abilities and physical activity needs.