Epic Fitness Description

Epic Fitness is a gym located in Salem, OR. The facility includes a variety of different types fitness equipment, including free weights, cardio machines, and nautilus equipment. There are also many amenities available to members, including locker rooms, a library, a training center, and child care facilities.

The parking lot of this facility includes many easily visible and accessible parking spaces for individuals using wheelchairs within close proximity of the entrance. The sidewalk between the parking lot and main entrance includes a large area that is flush with the parking lot making it easily accessible to people using wheelchairs. Inside the main doors, which lacks automatic controls, there is a wide aisle that runs almost the entire length of the gym before dead ending into a set of stairs leading up to a cardio loft. Both areas on either side of the aisle are designated for free weights and nautilus equipment.

The section that includes free weights is quite spacious and accessible, while the area containing nautilus equipment is extremely crowded making it difficult for individuals in wheelchairs to maneuver.

There is no elevator leading up to the cardio loft rendering it inaccessible to individuals using wheelchairs. Both locker rooms are located along the back wall of the gym. They each include wide entrances that lead into large open areas with lockers. Some of the lockers are lower to the ground while others are up much higher off the ground, allowing for easy access. The bathroom areas of the locker rooms are somewhat crowded, but each include a single wheelchair accessible stall equipped with bars to make transfers from wheelchairs easier. There is also one shower adapted to meet the needs of people in wheelchairs included in each bathroom. These showers are very spacious and are flush with the floor allowing them to easily be entered

and exited. Each shower is equipped with a bench, a portable shower head, and safety bars. The sinks, paper towel dispensers, and soap dispensers are fairly high off the ground making access difficult, but not impossible. There are a number of trash cans located throughout the locker rooms that are accessible to all.
In regards to the the ADA requirements for making reasonable accommodations, Epic Fitness does a nice job of making sure its signage can be clearly seen, its parking spaces are adequate, and its locker rooms and bathrooms have been sufficiently modifications to meet the needs of people who use wheelchairs, but does not meet the ADA standards when it comes to other areas. For one, while Epic does offer many fitness classes, they do not offer adapted group exercise classes. Secondly, Epic does not have any exercise equipment specifically modified for people using wheelchairs. Bars or other devices used for safe transfer are not provided in the main fitness areas. There is insufficient space between fitness equipment.
The staff and member of Epic Fitness are very cordial and accepting. Members are supportive of one another and frequently offer suggestions to each other on ways to improve one's performance. They work extremely hard to keep the gym maintained and safe. That being said, I would not recommend this facility to people who use a wheelchair. The main areas of the gym containing the bulk of the fitness equipment are inaccessible due to crowdedness. The area with the free weights is more roomy, but individuals in wheelchairs would have difficulty accessing them. There is a lack of staff members that can help individuals perform exercises and obtain equipment. Also, the lack of an elevator leading up to the cardio loft further decreases the amount of accessible equipment. Individuals can pay for the services of a personal trainer, but they are not specifically trained in adapted physical activity. Other gyms with a greater quantity of adapted equipment and specially trained personnel would be a better option.