// PARTNER ACADEMY
// PARTNER ACADEMY
INCLUSIVE AND SAFE SPACES
Welcoming spaces: Accessibility as opportunity
The design of your fitness space sends a message before anyone says a word. When a member arrives and finds an environment that accommodates their needs — whether they use a wheelchair, have low vision, are on the autism spectrum, or are pregnant — they feel something simple and powerful: that they belong here. Physical accessibility is not just a compliance requirement. It is one of the most direct ways your space can communicate respect, inclusion, and openness to every member who walks through your doors. And for Wellhub partners, it is also a real business opportunity.
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Meet the expert: Patrícia Totaro
Meet the expert: Patrícia Totaro
To explore what accessible fitness spaces look like in practice, we spoke with Patrícia Totaro — an architect with over 30 years of experience specializing in fitness space design. Since 1998, she has focused exclusively on this field, leading two architecture firms and developing hundreds of projects across South America. For 10 years, Patrícia partnered with a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with disabilities. That experience gave her firsthand insight into how the physical design of a space can either include people — or exclude them.
"Architecture shapes behavior. A good design considers much more than aesthetics or trends. It needs to ensure that different types of people feel like they belong the moment they walk in."
— Patrícia Totaro
To explore what accessible fitness spaces look like in practice, we spoke with Patrícia Totaro — an architect with over 30 years of experience specializing in fitness space design. Since 1998, she has focused exclusively on this field, leading two architecture firms and developing hundreds of projects across South America. For 10 years, Patrícia partnered with a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with disabilities. That experience gave her firsthand insight into how the physical design of a space can either include people — or exclude them.
"Architecture shapes behavior. A good design considers much more than aesthetics or trends. It needs to ensure that different types of people feel like they belong the moment they walk in."
— Patrícia Totaro
Meet the expert: Patrícia Totaro
Meet the expert: Patrícia Totaro
To explore what accessible fitness spaces look like in practice, we spoke with Patrícia Totaro — an architect with over 30 years of experience specializing in fitness space design. Since 1998, she has focused exclusively on this field, leading two architecture firms and developing hundreds of projects across South America. For 10 years, Patrícia partnered with a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with disabilities. That experience gave her firsthand insight into how the physical design of a space can either include people — or exclude them.
"Architecture shapes behavior. A good design considers much more than aesthetics or trends. It needs to ensure that different types of people feel like they belong the moment they walk in."
— Patrícia Totaro
To explore what accessible fitness spaces look like in practice, we spoke with Patrícia Totaro — an architect with over 30 years of experience specializing in fitness space design. Since 1998, she has focused exclusively on this field, leading two architecture firms and developing hundreds of projects across South America. For 10 years, Patrícia partnered with a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with disabilities. That experience gave her firsthand insight into how the physical design of a space can either include people — or exclude them.
"Architecture shapes behavior. A good design considers much more than aesthetics or trends. It needs to ensure that different types of people feel like they belong the moment they walk in."
— Patrícia Totaro
Accessibility as commitment and opportunity
Accessibility as commitment and opportunity
Patrícia’s message is clear: inclusion begins with citizenship. Even if you have never worked directly with someone with a disability, the diversity of bodies, mobility levels, sensory perceptions, ages, and life experiences is always present in the communities your space serves.But accessibility is not only an ethical responsibility — it is a genuine business opportunity.
“There is a large group of people who want to go to the gym but can’t find spaces prepared to welcome them. And when a gym becomes truly accessible, owners are often surprised by how many new members start showing up.”People will go where they can move safely, independently, and with respect. If your space does not provide that, they will look elsewhere.
— Patrícia Totaro
Patrícia’s message is clear: inclusion begins with citizenship. Even if you have never worked directly with someone with a disability, the diversity of bodies, mobility levels, sensory perceptions, ages, and life experiences is always present in the communities your space serves.But accessibility is not only an ethical responsibility — it is a genuine business opportunity.
“There is a large group of people who want to go to the gym but can’t find spaces prepared to welcome them. And when a gym becomes truly accessible, owners are often surprised by how many new members start showing up.”People will go where they can move safely, independently, and with respect. If your space does not provide that, they will look elsewhere.
— Patrícia Totaro
Where to start — even without major renovations
Where to start — even without major renovations
Making your space more accessible does not require a full remodel. Patrícia shared practical adaptations you can implement now:
Making your space more accessible does not require a full remodel. Patrícia shared practical adaptations you can implement now:
Accessible ground floor
If your facility does not have an elevator, ensure a complete training area and locker room are available on the ground floor.
Smart equipment layout
Arrange equipment so it can be used by people in wheelchairs, those using walkers, pregnant members, older adults, and anyone recovering from an injury.
Simple but impactful adaptations
Lower water fountains, bright and clear lighting, tactile signage, grab bars, properly sloped ramps, and sinks with clearance underneath make a real difference.
Inclusive locker rooms
One larger stall is not enough. Locker rooms need to be complete, safe, and functional for different users.
An intersectional lens
Accessibility is not only about physical disability. It also means welcoming older adults, neurodivergent members, people with temporary mobility challenges, and anyone with specific needs.
An inspiring example: sensory-friendly hours
An inspiring example: sensory-friendly hours
One of Patrícia’s clients created “Sensory-Friendly Hours” — designated time slots with softer lighting, no background music, and reduced sensory stimuli — to offer a comfortable and safe environment for members with sensory sensitivity, especially those on the autism spectrum.
“It was a simple change, with almost no cost — but it had a huge impact on people who previously felt excluded.”This kind of adaptation does not require structural changes. It requires attention, intention, and a willingness to see your space from the perspective of every member who might want to use it.
— Patrícia Totaro
One of Patrícia’s clients created “Sensory-Friendly Hours” — designated time slots with softer lighting, no background music, and reduced sensory stimuli — to offer a comfortable and safe environment for members with sensory sensitivity, especially those on the autism spectrum.
“It was a simple change, with almost no cost — but it had a huge impact on people who previously felt excluded.”This kind of adaptation does not require structural changes. It requires attention, intention, and a willingness to see your space from the perspective of every member who might want to use it.
— Patrícia Totaro
Common mistakes to avoid
Common mistakes to avoid
Despite building standards in many markets, many fitness spaces still have structural barriers. Patrícia highlighted the most common oversights:
Despite building standards in many markets, many fitness spaces still have structural barriers. Patrícia highlighted the most common oversights:
Turnstiles without side access.
Partially adapted locker rooms.
Ramps with incorrect slope.
Water fountains or restrooms out of reach.
Inadequate lighting for people with low vision.
Lack of clear wayfinding signage.
These gaps do not only ignore regulations — they actively limit access for people who have the same right to care for their health as anyone else.
Prepared professionals, prepared spaces
Prepared professionals, prepared spaces
Many fitness professionals are already sensitive and skilled at welcoming members with disabilities, Down syndrome, autism, or reduced mobility. But Patrícia points out that professional readiness alone is not enough.
“The bigger challenge is often the space itself. It doesn’t matter how attentive or empathetic the professional is if the physical layout doesn’t allow the member to move or train independently.”She invites managers to try a simple but eye-opening exercise: walk through your own facility as if you were using a wheelchair, crutches, or pushing a stroller. Notice what feels easy — and what becomes impossible.
— Patrícia Totaro
Many fitness professionals are already sensitive and skilled at welcoming members with disabilities, Down syndrome, autism, or reduced mobility. But Patrícia points out that professional readiness alone is not enough.
“The bigger challenge is often the space itself. It doesn’t matter how attentive or empathetic the professional is if the physical layout doesn’t allow the member to move or train independently.”She invites managers to try a simple but eye-opening exercise: walk through your own facility as if you were using a wheelchair, crutches, or pushing a stroller. Notice what feels easy — and what becomes impossible.
— Patrícia Totaro
Reflect this on your Wellhub profile
Reflect this on your Wellhub profile
You can highlight your accessibility amenities directly on your Wellhub profile. Amenities such as accessible restrooms, ramps, elevators, reserved parking, braille signage, or sign language interpreters can be decisive factors when members choose where to train. Update your profile today and show that your space is ready for everyone.
You can highlight your accessibility amenities directly on your Wellhub profile. Amenities such as accessible restrooms, ramps, elevators, reserved parking, braille signage, or sign language interpreters can be decisive factors when members choose where to train. Update your profile today and show that your space is ready for everyone.