Disabled Man Launches Fitness Classes and DVD

A disabled man has launched a fitness business specifically for wheelchair users after his condition affected his ability to walk unaided.

Kris Saunders-Stove founded Wheely Good Fitness after a degenerative condition left him wheelchair bound. Rather than becoming ‘trapped in his home’ Kris completed a gym and fitness instructor qualification and went on to become a disability programmer.

But after seeing how few fitness classes there were for wheelchair users he decided to launch his own business and design programmes that would be suitable for people with disabilities.

Improving Fitness Levels

Kris recalls: “My initial response to the idea of using a chair was not polite or positive. However, after having to use one to attend an event, I realised my stubbornness was foolish as a wheelchair meant that there was so much I was able to do again.

“But it also made me realise how little is available to wheelchair users who seek to improve their pushing abilities and fitness levels. What was on offer was extremely tame and more of a token gesture when compared to the choices available to able-bodied clients, which for me was extremely frustrating.

Facing Challenges

Kris teaches four main classes which are a mix of low and high intensity – Wheel-Fit, Aero-Fit, Wheel-Spin and an MS & Gentle Mobility class. And things are going so well that Kris has now launched his own fitness DVD. His programmes are designed so that everyone can take part and get something out of the class.

Kris added: “Disability affects everyone differently – people face their own challenges within the class environment and beyond. It is important that those taking part are not over-worked as they need to be able to function after classes.”

Now Kris wants to change the way disability is viewed within the fitness industry. He hopes that in the future all major leisure centres will have a specialised disability instructor and fully adaptive equipment.

To buy the Wheel-Fit DVD click here