A visit to a new fitness centre proves that modern facilities for disabled people who want to keep fit are improving... but there's still some way to go.

WHEN hanging out the washing or dragging the wheelie bin to the kerbside constitutes a workout in your life, a bit of care is needed when considering physical activity. Whilst it may not have been a trek across Siberia with huskies and sled, for me, this was the big event. For the first time since the old baths in Stockton were demolished, I was planning to visit the gym.

The gym I chose was the new JJB Sports facility in North Ormesby Road, in Middlesbrough. A friend who is a member there had suggested that the disabled facilities seemed fine. He could also sign me in for a complimentary visit so there was only one thing left to do - bite the bullet and find out for myself.

That all important initial phone call - do institutions realise just how much is riding on these first impressions for people like us? - led me to Marie who was 'afraid' that there would not be anyone who could give me much time. As far as she knew, 'there is just the standard equipment' and nothing of a specialist nature for people with disabilities. However, as one would expect with a spanking new building, there would be disabled toilets and a lift to the gym (no mention was made about lifts out of the gym).

Since I retain some mobility, I was prepared to give it a go even though first impressions were not entirely convincing. I wondered, however, if I would have been so keen if I were unable to leave my wheelchair, if I needed equipment to operate without transferring from the chair or if a visual impairment meant, for example, I would rely on different coloured carpeting to identify walkways in the fitness room.

The route to the gym, once I finally found somewhere to park, was straightforward - across a quiet road and not a raised kerb in sight. The doors put up a fight and I needed the help of my friend to open them but, once inside, we checked in and set about trying the pool and the gym.

There was a disabled changing area which contained everything I needed: toilet, shower and wheelchair space. This was beautifully clean but would have benefited from a clothes peg to keep things off the floor.

Deciding to begin in the gym and cool off in the pool afterwards, I set off back to reception to find someone to explain the finer points of the lift mechanism. The lift is the type that requires the operator to keep the button depressed for the duration of the journey. This might cause some people some difficulty but the staff, I am sure, would help where needed.

The fitness room is vast and full of folk busily working through their routines. This was what I feared most. While they were 'pumping iron' would I be the only one - well how could I put it - 'adling jelly'? I sought out a member of staff (identified by their turquoise sweatshirts) who was happy to chat with me about balance problems, the machines available and give advice on where to start. The suggestion was that for this initial visit I try the cycling and rowing machines, keeping both at the settings of least resistance.

While specialist help was not obviously available for people with disabilities, there was some compensation in the patience and approachability of the staff in the gym. Also, the most effective advice would be given to anyone joining - say - for a two week trial (£20). Then, the best procedure would be to consult your GP, pay an initial visit and book an induction session. This would enable staff to incorporate the all-important does and donts into a personalised training schedule.

After 20 minutes of occasional exercise and being surrounded by video images of Kylie Minogue, it was time to get the gym out of my head and wander down to the pool. The lift was out of action, causing a slight hold-up while it was all sorted but, generally, the journey to the pool was problem-free. The pool area comprises a hydrotherapy pool (like a hot Jacuzzi), steam room and the swimming pool itself. All were perfectly accessible, but anyone needing a hoist to enable entry into the pool would be disappointed.

My lasting impression is that a new facility does, thankfully, mean better access. It does not however necessarily stretch as far as better all-round provision. Ask lots of questions, take a friend if you can and only take out full membership when you are totally convinced it is the right thing for you.

The sporting world is gradually waking up to the uncomfortable truth that disabled people are often excluded from facilities due to lack of specialist facilities. The English Federation Of Disabled Sports is distributing money through the 'Inclusive Fitness Initiative' (IFI) whose remit is to get more disabled people welcome at fitness centres throughout the country. As yet, they have no approved centres in Durham, Tees Valley or North Yorkshire, but John Holmes, IFIs marketing assistant, told me that local authority centres are currently being audited around the country, and that disability awareness training is being given to staff. Another initiative, launched by Heather Mills, North-East former model and fiancee of Paul McCartney, who lost a leg in an accident, is 'access4fitness'. Their vision is to ultimately give disabled people the opportunity to exercise unassisted. They are actively encouraging operators to include disabled fitness equipment in their plans now, to avoid a possible rush as the 2004 deadline - the date of the next phase of the Disability Discrimination Act - fast approaches.

At last, things are moving, better get out and buy some Lycra.

JJB SPORTS, Marton Road, Middlesbrough.

Tel: (01642) 256266

IFI

Tel: (0114) 257 2060 www.efds.co.uk

access4fitness

Tel: (029) 2031 0069

Web: www.access4fitness.org