Inclusivity is a concept many strive to achieve, but not everyone knows where to start. That’s why the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State created the seven principles of universal design to guide the development of any product, service, or environment. With a commitment to benefit communities of diverse interests, experience levels, and abilities, Greenfields Outdoor Fitness implemented these rules in the following ways:
1. Equitable Use:
“The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities”
Signature Accessible: These machines offer 12 different exercises to target muscle groups commonly used by those in wheelchairs while allowing them to work out alongside their able-bodied friends and families without transferring from their chair.
Legacy Series: In addition to providing low-impact options, specific units of the Legacy Series encourage socialization by facing users towards one another, promoting inclusivity and fun.
Professional Series: Both able-bodied individuals and those that can transfer out of their wheelchairs can benefit from the adjustable resistance units that allow users to select their intensity level based on their abilities.
2. Flexibility In Use:
“The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities”
The various product lines Greenfields offers cater to many different individuals. To create a more inclusive environment, project planners can choose to include units from different Greenfields lines in one area. In addition to the ones listed above, Greenfields also offers:
Functional Fitness rigs and the Ninja Training Ground that allow users to choose exercises that further their personal goals and give a comprehensive workout.
Curved Treadmills that help users improve cardiovascular endurance while working on their running form.
Boxing Zones that provide opportunities for a high-intensity workout.
Ninja Courses and Obstacle Courses that make fitness more exciting for teens and young adults. Though there are elements of the courses that most can accomplish, other elements provide more of a challenge, pushing visitors to their limits. Greenfields’ Obstacle Course 2 has even been approved to serve youth aged 5-12.
3. Simple and Intuitive:
“Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.”
Though many Greenfields units are easy to figure out even without instructions, all units come with written and visual instructions, and video tutorials can be found through the Greenfields app.
4. Perceptible Information:
“The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.”
With the Greenfields app, users can search for gyms near them, customize their routine, quickly find videos for specific units, and more.
5. Tolerance for Error:
“The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.”
Greenfields has implemented Safe-Stop technology to limit internal range and bi-directional pistons to minimize recoil, making equipment safer for both newer users and any children that may try out the equipment. All Greenfields products also adhere to ASTM standards to ensure quality and safety.
6. Low Physical Effort:
“The design can be used efficiently and comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue.”
Equipment with varying resistance accommodates users of every fitness level, meaning that should users wish for a lighter workout, they have that option. The design of each unit is intentional to make exercises comfortable and help users get the most out of their workout. Resistance-free options are designed to help older adults recover some of their lost agility and improve their range of motion.
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use:
“The design provides appropriate size and space for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility.”
Greenfields abides by ADA guidelines to ensure ease of use for those with mobility impairments by incorporating clearance zones into every layout.
