#036- Tommy Trout on Transforming the Inclusive Fitness Landscape in Australia

In this episode, Tommy Trout, an award-winning leader in the inclusive fitness space, discusses his motivations for creating inclusive fitness programs and the benefits of inclusive gym environments for trainers, adaptive athletes, and nondisabled individuals alike. Throughout the episode, Tommy emphasizes the need for gyms to adapt and tailor their services to meet the needs of people with disabilities while making an active effort to serve all populations of individuals seeking fitness opportunities. Tommy and Brendan also discuss the role of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia and explore the challenges of attracting talent to nonprofits and the strange set of rules that the nonprofit industry functions under. They also delve into the topics of gatekeeping, critiques, and incentives for change while highlighting the need for fitness facilities and professionals to break out of echo chambers and communicate directly with individuals with disabilities. 

Connect with Tommy on LinkedIn.

Episode 36 Takeaways:

• Inclusive fitness programs can provide a sense of community and social benefits for people with disabilities.
• Gyms have an incentive to become more inclusive and accessible as it can attract a larger consumer base.
• The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia provides funding for people with disabilities to choose their own supports and services.
• Balancing multiple projects and goals requires letting go and allowing the brand to thrive independently. Nonprofits face challenges in attracting talent due to the allure of higher-paying jobs in other sectors and are often limited by the niche guidelines for nonprofit functioning.
• Gatekeeping and an echo chamber mentality can hinder progress in inclusion and accessibility.
• Critiques and shaming are not effective in driving change; open and respectful conversations are more productive.
• Direct communication with individuals with disabilities is crucial for understanding their needs and perspectives in any given setting or environment.

Episode 36 Chapters:

00:00- Introduction to Inclusive Fitness

01:01- Motivations for Inclusive Fitness

03:06- Creating Inclusive Gym Environments

04:43- The Benefits of Inclusive Fitness

06:10- Should Programs for People with Disabilities be Free?

08:00- Incentives for Gyms to be Inclusive

09:28- Accessibility and Inclusion in Gyms

10:46- Understanding Support Needs

13:24- The Importance of Soft Skills in Inclusive Fitness

17:27- Defining Inclusion

23:51- The Role of NDIS in Australia

28:24- Transitioning from WeFlex to Inclusive AF

31:04- Balancing Multiple Projects and Goals

35:16- Letting Go and Allowing the Brand to Thrive

39:02- Branding and Consulting with Inclusive AF

40:05- Doing Good for a Business vs Making Money

41:37- Attracting Talent to Nonprofits

42:02- Weird Rules in the Nonprofit Industry

42:48- Gatekeeping and Inclusion

43:49- Critiques and Incentives for Change

44:33- Having Conversations and Providing Advice

45:04- The Importance of Meaning Behind Words

46:14- Different Perspectives on Language

47:18- Echo Chambers and Direct Communication

48:17- Being a Platform for Others

49:54- Making Fitness More Accessible

51:02- Learning and Growing in the Field

52:00- Including the Voice of Customers

52:38- Where to Find Tommy Trout