Wheelchair-accessible gym equipment
Training for wheelchair users: Inclusive clubs and sessions
Training for a marathon as a wheelchair user can be more challenging than training as a runner, especially if you live in a rural location or have limited access to paved paths and parks.
The good news is training doesn’t just have to be pushing around a park multiple times a week for long stretches at a time, especially if you’re a full-time wheelchair user who pushes their wheelchair every day.
Here’s Claudia Burrough’s top advice for getting the most out of your Training Plan.
1. Make sure you have enough variety
For your training pushes, try and find a few different routes or local parks so you don’t get bored of the same 1K loop. Ideally, you want somewhere that is mostly paved.
If you don’t have a local park, pavements are a good alternative. However, they are likely to be cambered and uneven in places, especially if there are lots of driveways, so try and find some routes that are flatter and smoother, especially for your longer training pushes.
2. Take up a team sport with Disability Sports Clubs
Training doesn’t have to be all pushing around the park. Any activity where you are pushing a wheelchair will support your training.
If you're one for team sports, try out Disability Sports Clubs. You can sign up for wheelchair basketball, rugby, or tennis.
And if there isn’t one close by, they have online sessions too!
3. Head to parkrun
parkrun is a series of free 5K events that take place every Saturday morning. With about 800 locations across the UK, you’ll definitely find one local to you.
parkrun welcomes wheelchair users to take part regardless of their speed. Some courses are more accessible than others, so it’s important to check before attending. If you’re unsure, contact the event team who will be happy to provide further information.
4. Find a running club
Just because you’re a wheelchair user doesn’t mean you can’t be part of a running club, and most clubs would welcome you joining. It's important to have a conversation about adjustments and how they can best support you.
Running clubs have great local knowledge of different routes as well as events you may be able to take part in. Another benefit of being involved in a club is you may meet other runners who have done the TCS London Marathon or are taking part in the same edition as you!
5. Take advantage of closed roads
Search for upcoming events in your area on Let's Do This. Incorporating events within your training will provide you with a safe, closed-road environment and gives you a chance to get used to what events are like.
If you’re unsure about the course, email the organisers who can provide more information.
6. The free weights area at the gym is your new best friend
You can increase your arm and shoulder strength at the gym.
It’s worth checking whether your local gym offers a reduced rate for people with disabilities or if someone can support you during your session. There might also be adjustable equipment for wheelchair users, such as the seat lifting on weight equipment, so you position your wheelchair there instead.
If you haven’t used a gym before, or are a bit nervous about going, ask the staff if they offer a free one-to-one induction, as this will give you time with a personal trainer to show you some exercises and increase your confidence.
