Inclusive fitness for all

What is AdaptAbility Fitness?

AdaptAbility Fitness’s founder, Ken Rogan, identified a significant gap in the fitness industry, where accessible and inclusive fitness resources were severely lacking for these communities.

In response, he formed KR Fitness C.I.C now known as AdaptAbility Fitness.

AdaptAbility Fitness, is a personal training business specialising in delivering services for people with disabilities and older adults. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, the organisation is built on the knowledge that everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy the benefits or physical activity, regardless of age, ability, or medical condition. And now, its team of experts is committed to guiding clients through their fitness journey, ensuring they achieve tangible results while feeling empowered and supported.

Disability and fitness in the UK

Disability affects around 16.8 million people in the UK. That’s approximately one in every four people.

Disabled individuals face personal and systemic barriers to physical activity, every day. Common challenges include fatigue, pain, and fear of falling. These are often worsened by a lack of tailored support, accessible facilities, clear information, and financial resources.

Motivation and autonomy may also be reduced by social and environmental discrimination, leading many to view exercise as unmanageable, unsafe, or unaffordable. This is intensified by a lack of awareness about disability adaptations among teachers and personal trainers, and a lack of accessible features, such as ramps and adapted equipment.

What was the business problem?

While the need for these specialised services is evident, AdaptAbility Fitness continued to face challenges, such as fluctuating client numbers and difficulty establishing long-term funding sources.

The team understood that creating positive, inclusive experiences was key to customers retention. Successful fitness centres provide consistent schedules, regular feedback, personalised care, and social opportunities.

Government funding is crucial, but often inconsistent. Its absence leads to sharp declines in attendance. Consistent funds lead to improvements in transport, building accessibility, and service quality (including healthcare) – all factors that enhance customer experience and better support individuals in staying active and healthy.

To survive in a difficult market, the business needed an evidence-based fitness need report for people with disabilities, taking into account accessibility, as well as social and behavioural factors.