I am petitioning a change to Revo Fitness. I have been a member of Revo (with Kwinana being my main studio) since March 2024. In this time, I received an ADHD diagnosis which has made me feel the need for some change across Revo Fitness. Within ADHD, there are sensory issues which are caused by chaotic environments (eg. Loud noises, bright lights, crowds). In this sense, gyms are not very accessible places for people who are neurodivergent or have other sensory issues.

I started Pilates in The Studio in June and have always found the lights too bright. When you are lying on the reformer machines, the light is directly above you which makes it difficult to focus to the instructions. Most times I find myself physically blocking the light with my hands. This has been my personal experience in The Studio.

If we look at accessibility as whole for the gym, especially focusing on neurodivergence and sensory problems, there are some things that can change.

This is my proposal. Just like Coles and Woolworths have quiet hours (for accessibility), I suggest we do the same at Revo Fitness. We can do this by:

1) Lowering the volume and putting on gentle music/turn off music in the main gym area, and

2) Slightly dimming the lights in The Studio, over a certain period during the week.

For example, Monday to Friday 11am-12pm.

I believe this is a change for good to bring community and inclusivity into the gym environment.

Below is a quote from Westfields Whitfords Shopping Centre that have started quiet hour.

“Westfield Whitford City aims to create an inclusive environment for all customers and offer a shopping experience where everyone feels welcomed and valued.Through our Quiet Time initiative, we look to make a difference to those who face the challenges of shopping in a high sensory environment, allowing customers and their families and carers to remain connected to their community. Quiet Time also benefits people on the autism spectrum, as well as those affected by other sensory issues and a range of hidden disabilities. Every Tuesday between 10.30am - 11.30am, the lighting is reduced where possible, the music is changed to a softer playlist and the volume is adjusted to limit sensory over-stimulation.”[1]

Forbes Magazine released an article talking more about the benefits of Quiet Hour. Find it below by following the link here:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/katehardcastle/2021/10/28/quiet-hours-are-an-important-first-step-to-retail-inclusivity/

Here are some statistics:

- According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 5.5 million Australians have a disability[2] (2022 record).

- Around 15%-20% of people fall into neurodivergence category.[3]

- “ADHD affects around one in twenty Australians, which is over 1.2 million people”[4]

- About 675,000 Australians are Autistic[5]

As we can see from these statistics, it is obvious that neurodivergence is very much among us. So lets make it accessible for everyone. Us gym goers know how much exercise and movement helps us in our day-to-day life, both physically and mentally. Think about this as you decide whether to sign this petition.

This petition is about making the gym an accessible place for everyone. Just because we have diverse needs, that should not mean we cannot access it.

Thank you for your time,

Caitlyn Johnson

References

[1] (https://www.westfield.com.au/whitfordcity/news/1jnTs7fOVRIfIepTsawFBo/quiet-time accessed 26/8/24)

[2] https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/latest-release#:~:text=5.5%20million%20Australians%20(21.4%25),%25)%20and%20females%20(21.8%25 (Accessed 26/8/24)

[3] https://academic.oup.com/bmb/article/135/1/108/5913187?login=false (Accessed 26/8/24)

[4] https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au/about-adhd/ (Accessed 26/8/24)

[5] https://www.aspect.org.au/about-autism#:~:text=About%20675%2C000*%20Australians%20are%20Autistic,%2C%20interests%2C%20challenges%20and%20aspiration.&text=It%20is%20four%20times%20more,and%20appropriate%20evidence%2Dinformed%20treatment (Accessed 26/8/24)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/katehardcastle/2021/10/28/quiet-hours-are-an-important-first-step-to-retail-inclusivity/ (Accessed 26/8/24)