AusLeisure

Aiming to use the power of regular exercise to improve the length and quality of life for those living with disability, newly formed business WeFlex is looking to create a more accessible fitness industry and make a business case for inclusion.

Motivated by the experiences of his brother, who is on the autism spectrum, WeFlex founder Tommy Trout established the business to provide training and support to personal trainers to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities looking to exercise.

Trout cites one example of when he was exercising with his brother and the music in the gym was particularly loud.

Asking the gym manager if they could turn the music down, Trout recalls “after I explained why, she agreed, and my little brother was put at ease and had a great workout.

“The most important part was that not a single other gym goer was impacted as most had their headphones in anyway. With a flick of the switch that gym became just a little bit more inclusive.

“That is at the heart of both what inclusion means and also how the fitness industry can improve.

“This is just one example of a minor adjustment in a standard commercial gym that would go a long way in making those with unique needs feel more comfortable.”

Trout also points out that the number of people living with disability in Australia does not seem to be reflected in the average member base of the typical gym.

With WeFlex helping to create more inclusive gym spaces, Trout believes gyms can also connect gyms with a whole new customer base - people living with disability.

He advises “it is my life’s mission to help connect people with unique needs to the immense benefits that the fitness industry has to offer.

“More importantly, this will help create somewhere people with disabilities can go and feel included as part of society.”

With the help of the NDIS, WeFlex is also working towards a platform that will help match clients with unique needs to personal trainers in their area. It will be a part of our service to provide these Trainers and the gyms with the education, training, and resources they need to work with these clients with confidence.

This month has also seen Anytime Fitness Australia General Manager, Rob Hale join WeFlex as a Director.

For more information email: hello@weflex.com.au

Images show WeFlex founder Tommy Trout (left) with his brother Jackson.

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