My Adaptive Gym Toolkit - The Small Hacks That Make a Big Difference

As this series has grown, I’ve shared a lot about mindset, confidence, representation, accessible equipment, and the reality of showing up as a powered wheelchair user in the gym.

But for today’s post, I wanted to get really practical because sometimes it’s not the big things that make gym life easier, it’s the small adjustments. The little hacks you learn through experience. The things that help a session run smoother, feel safer, and become more enjoyable.

Over the last few months, I’ve slowly built what I think of as my adaptive gym toolkit, not a set of rules, but a collection of things that make the gym work better for me.

So here are some of the small changes that have made a surprisingly big difference.

1. Following a Plan That’s Already Designed for Me

One of the biggest things that helps me feel confident in the gym is not having to figure everything out on the spot.

I don’t usually plan my workouts from scratch because Claudia, my personal trainer, has designed them for me. Having a structured programme tailored to my body, my wheelchair, and my goals takes away so much of the uncertainty that can come with gym spaces.

She sets my sessions up through her app, so I can clearly see what I’m doing that day, how many sets and reps to aim for, and I can also record my progress as I go. It means I’m not guessing as I’m following a plan that’s been built specifically for me.

And honestly, being able to look back and see what I’ve achieved over time is incredibly motivating and it’s proof that the small efforts really do add up.

That structure has been a huge part of what’s made the gym feel less overwhelming and more achievable.

2. Timing Matters More Than People Realise

Gyms feel completely different depending on the time of day.

Quieter hours make accessibility easier:

• more space between people

• less waiting for equipment

• fewer obstacles on the floor

• less sensory overload

If you’re a wheelchair user, the environment can be just as important as the workout itself. Choosing the right time can turn a stressful session into a calm one.

3. Using My Chair as Part of the Setup

One mindset shift that changed everything was realising:

My wheelchair isn’t separate from my workout, it’s part of it.

My powered wheelchair gives me:

• stability

• positioning

• support

• adjustability

Using tilt, posture, armrests has helped me feel safer and stronger during exercises. Instead of trying to work around my chair, I’ve learned to work with it.

4. Bringing Small Equipment That Creates Big Options

I don’t bring much, but a few simple items can make exercises easier and more accessible:

• Lifting straps

• Gloves for comfort and grip

These things aren’t essential for everyone, but for wheelchair users they can provide extra control, reduce strain, and open up more exercise possibilities.

5. Advocating for Space Without Apologising

This has been a big learning curve. At first, I felt awkward asking someone to move a bench or shift a weight.

Now I remind myself: Space isn’t a luxury, it’s access.

A simple “Sorry, could I just get through there?” or “Would you mind moving that slightly?” makes a huge difference. Access should never feel like an inconvenience

6. Adapting On the Spot

Some days, the machine I want is taken. Some days, the layout is chaotic. Some days, my body feels different.

Learning to adapt without feeling like I’ve “failed” has been key.

If the cable station is busy, I use dumbbells.

If I’m low energy, I focus on lighter control work.

If something doesn’t feel right, I change it.

Flexibility is part of sustainable fitness.

7. Training With Support Makes Everything Easier

I’m incredibly grateful for the people who support my journey.

Claudia, my personal trainer, has helped me build workouts that actually work for my body and my chair and she’s been a huge part of my growing confidence.

Fitness doesn’t have to be a solo mission and support makes it stronger.

8. Celebrating the Small Wins

One of the biggest lessons of this whole series is that progress is often quiet.

Sometimes a win looks like:

• showing up when you didn’t feel like it

• finding a new adaptation

• feeling less anxious in the space

• doing one more rep

• leaving the gym proud rather than drained

Those wins matter. They stack and they build momentum.

What This Journey Has Taught Me

Adaptive fitness isn’t about doing things the “normal” way It’s about doing things your way.

It’s about creativity, persistence, support, and learning what works for your body.

It’s about belonging, not once you’re confident enough, but now.

Next Up: Post 10 (The Final Post in This Series)

In Post 10, I’ll be wrapping up this first chapter of my gym journey.

I’ll be reflecting on:

• what I’ve learned in these first months

• how my mindset has changed

• what strength means to me now

• and why this is only the beginning going into 2026

  
  

A final post to close this series but not the journey. Stay tuned 💙🦽