Gangnam-gu Establishes Barrier-Free Fitness Room 'Gangnam BFF Fitness Center'

Remodeling of Gangnam Disabled Welfare Center's Fitness Room, Doubling Space and Introducing Universal Design Exercise Equipment

Gangnam-gu (District Mayor Jo Seong-myeong) is opening a barrier-free fitness center where people can exercise regardless of the type of physical disability. The center is located on the first floor of the Gangnam Disabled Welfare Center (605 Gaepo-ro) and will open on December 1.

Among the approximately 15,000 registered disabled residents in Gangnam-gu, those with physical disabilities number about 5,900 (39.3%), the highest proportion. However, the existing fitness center operated by the Gangnam Disabled Welfare Center was limited by its small space and outdated equipment, making it insufficient for physical activities tailored to the degree or type of disability.

Therefore, since January 2023, efforts have been underway to create a barrier-free fitness center tailored for disabled individuals. To compensate for the limited space, an unused dining area next to the fitness center was combined, doubling the size of the fitness center to a total of 288㎡ (87 pyeong).

Before the construction design, a briefing session was held to incorporate the opinions of gym users into the facility construction. Additionally, the input of professors, service designers, and experts participating in the National Policy Design Group?who are working to develop health service models for people with disabilities throughout their life cycles?was reflected by introducing universally designed exercise equipment that anyone can use regardless of disability.

The new fitness center is named “Gangnam BFF Fitness Center,” using the abbreviation of Barrier Free, which means barrier-free. Upon entering, visitors will notice a spacious area that allows wheelchairs to move freely, unlike before. The entrance information desk is designed with two different heights to accommodate various users, enabling wheelchair users to use it comfortably.

The 16 newly installed exercise machines can be adjusted to fit anyone’s body. These include cable machines with adjustable height, weight, and angle; benches and electric beds with adjustable angles; and gym rings for pull-up exercises. Various strength training options are available. Aerobic machines such as rowing machines, ski ergs, and assault bikes can be used with assistive devices depending on upper or lower limb disabilities. Equipment like the Lift-On, which helps users with leg difficulties to stand, has been introduced, along with a sonic vibration exercise machine that stimulates the digestive system, improves blood circulation, and relaxes muscles using ultrasonic vibrations when wheelchair users stand on it.

Jo Seong-myeong, Mayor of Gangnam-gu, stated, “The previously cramped space has been remodeled into a place where not only wheelchair users but anyone can exercise according to their physical condition. Moving forward, we will operate customized programs considering age and disability type to support the physical fitness and health promotion of people with disabilities.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.