Leeds Gyms Partner with Disability Fitness App

New initiative aims to improve accessibility and inclusion in local leisure centres

Leeds City Council has announced a partnership between its leisure centres and Accessercise, a fitness app designed specifically for people with disabilities. The collaboration seeks to enhance accessibility and support for disabled residents engaging in physical activity across the city.

About Accessercise

Accessercise is the first fitness app focused on disability, offering tailored exercises and guidance based on individual impairments. The app features bespoke content and videos presented by individuals with the same disabilities as the users, aiming to provide relatable and practical fitness support.

Developed by Paralympian Ali Jawad and a team of disabled users from across the UK, the app has been researched in partnership with Loughborough University. It currently covers seven main categories of impairments, with plans to expand this range in the future.

Training and Support for Leisure Centre Staff

Staff at Active Leeds leisure centres have received training from Ali Jawad on how to use the Accessercise app and assist gym members interested in trying it. This training is intended to help staff support disabled users in making the most of the app’s features.

Access for Active Leeds Members

As part of the partnership, all members of Active Leeds can download the app and save customised exercises and workouts. The app also includes an accessibility rating scale for gyms and a supportive online community to encourage ongoing engagement with physical activity.

Statements from Key Figures

• Ali Jawad, Paralympian and Accessercise co-founder: “This partnership is about making inclusive fitness the norm, not the exception. Leeds holds a special place in my journey… Leeds is setting the standard for how local authorities can embrace innovation, collaboration, and community to drive real, lasting change for disabled people.”
• Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture: “We’re proud to partner with Accessercise and lead the way in creating accessible opportunities for all. As part of our Leeds Ambitions we work hard for Leeds to be a healthy and caring city for everyone.”

Background and Future Plans

Accessercise was created by and for the disabled community, with extensive input from disabled users to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. The app’s features are designed to empower users to stay active on their own terms, addressing barriers often faced by disabled individuals in accessing fitness resources.

The partnership with Leeds City Council represents a significant step in promoting inclusive fitness and wellbeing across the city. It aligns with broader efforts to improve health, accessibility, and social inclusion for all residents.