Gymclusive, a transformative new initiative officially launched this month by Westbank Community Health and Care, enables people of all abilities to exercise safely and improve their health and fitness, including those with long-term health conditions, disabilities, injuries and those with reduced mobility.

Gymclusive is a unique offering in our region - the only fully accessible gym that’s open to all, with specific equipment for wheelchair users. The gym’s certified trainers have expertise in adaptive fitness, rehabilitation and working with disabled people. 

Gymclusive is the result of Westbank’s Healthy Living Centre in Exminster being given a top-to-toe makeover with the addition of even more specialist, state-of-the art equipment. The new gym was made possible through partnerships with a number of organisations, including the Exeter Chiefs Foundation who funded SkiErg, a new piece of adaptive apparatus. In addition, accessible classes provide an inclusive, safe and welcoming space, where everyone can stay active and get fit. 

Westbank proudly launched Gymclusive with two events in early October. They were attended by physiotherapists, rehabilitation and healthcare professionals, representatives of The Spinal Injuries Association, Active Devon, Headway Devon, The South West MS Centre and others. All attendees were able to see the gym in action and try out some of the new equipment.

Apprentice Personal Trainer Issy Burley told guests, “It’s a very different atmosphere to the usual commercial gym - our USP here is helping people to recover. We run many different classes and sessions, like our exercise referral programme, which aims to help those with health conditions maintain and improve their ability to function. We also run assisted sessions, where members can book in for extra help free of cost. I have a lovely man who comes every week. He had a stroke and I take him through a list of exercises from sit-to-stands to cable rows. It’s really rewarding to see how much people improve. This is why the recent revamp of our gym is such a privilege: we can provide these classes and sessions in an environment that’s accessible to everyone.”

Gymclusive supports both physical and mental health by fostering a sense of well-being and community. It’s part of Westbank’s mission to help people of all ages and abilities live healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives for as long as they can.

Amanda Kohn, Westbank’s Head of Volunteering and Health Contracts, says: “Gymclusive offers an enhanced space to cater for a wider population, especially those who may need additional support accessing exercise and gym equipment. We already had equipment that could be adapted to support gym users with restricted mobility, and now, as a result of the refurbishment and the addition of more functional training machines that can be used by all gym users, we are able to offer something very special. We were pleased to have such positive feedback at our two launch events, specifically from people representing groups who are often not supported by the design of many conventional gyms. Most importantly we can see the real impact it has on our gym users and how that will influence the future of our gym services for all.”

Membership fees are invested back into the charity to fund not just Gymclusive but also a range of other health and wellbeing initiatives of benefit to Devon’s wider community.

To find out more, please visit: www.westbank.org.uk/gymclusive