Leeds gyms team up with pioneering disability fitness app

The first ever disability-focused fitness app, Accessercise provides users with exercises and tailored guidance for their disability. It shows bespoke content and videos that are presented by a person with the same impairment as the user.

The partnership marks a major step forward in Leeds’ commitment to improving accessibility, wellbeing, and inclusion for all residents.

Ali Jawad, Paralympian and co-founder of Accessercise, said: “This partnership is about making inclusive fitness the norm, not the exception.

“Leeds holds a special place in my journey - I graduated from Leeds Beckett University and was based here during the London 2012 Paralympic Games. To now return in partnership with the city to promote inclusion through technology feels like a full-circle moment. Leeds is setting the standard for how local authorities can embrace innovation, collaboration, and community to drive real, lasting change for disabled people.”

Active Leeds staff have received training from Ali Jawad on how the app works and can assist gym members who are wanting to try the app for themselves. Through the partnership all Active Leeds members can download the app and save exercises and workouts.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “We’re proud to partner with Accessercise and lead the way in creating accessible opportunities for all.

“As part of our Leeds Ambitions we work hard for Leeds to be a healthy and caring city for everyone. This is a big step forward in making sure that people with disabilities have access to resources and support with physical activity and exercise.”

Accessercise was built by and for the disabled community, developed in collaboration with disabled users from across the UK and researched by Loughborough University. The app offers adapted exercise videos, a supportive online community, and an accessibility rating scale for gyms, all designed to empower users to stay active on their own terms.

It currently has seven main categories of impairments but this will be expanded to cover more in future.

ENDS